Fitness Ventures became the largest franchisee in the Crunch Fitness franchise brand system in June 2026 after acquiring 22 gyms in Texas and Southern California from Harman Fitness. The deal brought Fitness Ventures’ total portfolio to 115 locations across 30 states and marked the operator’s entry into two of the largest fitness markets in the country: Houston and the Los Angeles metro area. The company now targets 130 locations by the end of 2026.
Founded in 2016, Fitness Ventures built its early footprint by targeting mid-sized and tertiary markets, including college campuses, where Crunch’s low-priced membership franchise model attracted student customers. The acquisition of Harman Fitness’s 22 locations shifts the company’s profile significantly, adding two major metropolitan markets where competition among budget and mid-range fitness brands is intense. Private equity firm Meaningful Partners acquired Fitness Ventures in August 2024 and has supported the company’s accelerated growth since then.
A 22-Gym Deal That Reshapes the Crunch System
The transaction, which closed in May 2026, transferred 22 Crunch Fitness locations from Harman Fitness to Fitness Ventures. The acquired gyms are spread across the Houston, Texas, and Southern California markets. With this addition, Fitness Ventures surpassed all other operators in the Crunch franchise network by unit count, reaching 115 locations in 30 states. The company plans to renovate or relocate several of the newly acquired sites. Crunch’s current flagship format, known as the 3.0 model, targets approximately 40,000 square feet and includes amenities such as yoga and cycling studios, expanded strength equipment, and enhanced locker room facilities.
A $50 Million Renovation Plan for the Acquired Gyms
Fitness Ventures has indicated plans to invest approximately $50 million renovating roughly half of the 22 acquired locations to the Crunch 3.0 standard. Sites that do not meet the size requirements for a full 3.0 build will either be relocated or upgraded under a scaled format. The company is also in discussions with Crunch Fitness corporate about potentially adding Pilates programming to select locations, following the growing industry demand for that format. Fitness Ventures has been adding an average of approximately 20 locations per year and expects to reach 130 total units by the end of 2026.
Fitness Franchise Consolidation Continues Across the US
The Fitness Ventures transaction reflects a broader trend of consolidation in the franchised fitness sector. According to MOK Advisors, a fitness industry sell-side advisory firm, the firm completed 12 fitness transactions in a 10-month period as institutional buyers paid premiums to grow within established brands like Crunch. Leonard Green and Partners acquired Crunch Fitness in a transaction that closed in 2024, and the new ownership has supported aggressive franchisee expansion since then. Fitness Ventures has more than doubled its unit count in roughly 14 months, according to reporting by Franchise Times.
From College Towns to Major Metro Markets
Fitness Ventures’ strategic shift into Houston and Southern California represents a departure from its original niche. CEO Brian Hibbard noted that the company’s expansion criteria remain selective: a location must fit size requirements, show strong performance potential, or offer a remodel opportunity that aligns with the 3.0 format. The company intends to continue adding roughly 10 units per year in each of the two new markets, alongside ongoing development in smaller markets. “It’s a good time to be in the fitness industry,” Hibbard noted. “The fitness industry is on fire.” The company’s relationship with Crunch corporate has been a factor in enabling this pace, as the franchisor has not imposed restrictions on Fitness Ventures’ growth trajectory.
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