15/12/2017
Bevan Brittan has advised leisure operator, Places for People Leisure, on its acquisition of three Simply Gyms in Chesterfield, Hinckley and Telford. The gyms will operate under the Places Gym brand.
Places for People Leisure is a social enterprise that is passionate about improving opportunities for communities to be physically active. It is one of the largest leisure operators in the UK managing a portfolio of over 100 leisure facilities for local authorities across the country.
The company entered the low-cost gym sector in May 2015, launching its community gym brand ‘Places Gym’ to expand its reach and further its social purpose of creating ‘active places and healthy people’. The acquisition doubles the number of Places Gyms, with the other Places Gyms located in Preston, Sheffield and Corby.
Richard Hiscoke, social economy lawyer at Bevan Brittan, said: "Places for People Leisure is a great example of a successful social enterprise. It has a real passion for its social mission - helping local communities stay physically active and emotionally engaged in fitness, sport and well-being. It is a pleasure to have worked with the PfPL team on this strategic acquisition.”
Damian Watts, Business Development Manager at Places for People Leisure, said: “Bevan Brittan has been excellent in supporting us throughout this acquisition process; an exciting ‘first’ for our company. Having such an experienced law firm to rely on in a new market has been very reassuring. We would like to thank Richard Hiscoke, Alison Buckingham and Natalie Day for the professional and committed manner in which they have worked alongside us throughout this process.”
Sandra Dodd, Chief Executive of Places for People Leisure said, “Our Places Gyms are designed to offer a more convenient and inviting place for people of all abilities to come and enjoy a more active lifestyle. Significant investments are planned within the three clubs for next year which we hope will ensure that we create vibrant, attractive and imaginative places that can’t help but encourage people to be more active.”
