Fitness Leader to Launch New Franchising Program at
International Franchise Expo; Plans for Two New U.S. Franchises
Already Underway
CHICAGO, June 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Bally Total Fitness (NYSE: BFT -
News), the nation's leader in health and fitness, has renewed
its focus on franchising and will launch a new franchising
program at the International Franchise Expo June 2-4, 2006 in
Washington D.C. In addition to its presence at the expo, Bally
is also advertising in key franchise trade publications to
announce the program and attract franchisees. Meanwhile, plans
for two new U.S. franchises are already underway.
According to Paul Toback, chairman and CEO of Bally Total
Fitness, "Franchising is a key part of our strategic growth
plan. We are excited to renew our focus on franchising here in
the States as well as abroad and intend to build our business
through franchising to enhance revenues."
The plans for franchise expansion were set in motion last fall,
when Robert Moschorak joined the company as managing director of
franchise operations. Moschorak, who will lead the initiative,
has more than 20 years of experience in domestic and
international franchising and has already laid the groundwork
for success in this area. The new structure will include
individual franchise agreements, area development agreements and
master franchise agreements to be used strategically going
forward. According to Moschorak, "We have developed a
comprehensive strategy for franchise expansion and have a solid
program in place. We seek to become the strongest and most
recognizable franchise brand in the fitness industry."
The fitness leader currently has 32 franchises, most of which
are overseas. However, the company is eager to increase its
domestic franchise locations and is excited to welcome two new
franchisees in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Jacksonville, Florida.
The Baton Rouge franchise, which is slated to open later this
year, will be the first Bally Total Fitness in the area and has
already been well received by residents, who have been visiting
a temporary location to get in on pre-opening membership offers
and workout on a sample of the equipment the club will offer.
The temporary location, located at 10101 Park Rowe Avenue, Suite
110, in Baton Rouge, offers personal training and fully equipped
locker rooms for guests.
The full facility is expected to open its doors this December
and will feature top of the line cardiovascular and resistance
training equipment, a full range of group exercise classes such
as Kwando and Reaction Cycling, and a full personal training
staff to assist members. The club will be located in the new
Perkins Rowe development, which is slated to house numerous
retailers, office space and a medical center.
Plans for the Jacksonville location have not yet been finalized.
About Bally Total Fitness
Bally Total Fitness is the largest and only nationwide
commercial operator of fitness centers, with nearly 390
facilities located in 29 states, Mexico, Canada, Korea, China
and the Caribbean under the Bally Total Fitness®, Bally Sports
Clubs® and Sports Clubs of Canada® brands. Bally offers a unique
platform for distribution of a wide range of products and
services targeted to active, fitness-conscious adult consumers.
Source: Bally Total Fitness
