TAIPEI (TVBS News) — World Gym Taiwan (世界健身台灣) announced on Monday (Oct. 28) that it has completed the acquisition of World Gym International (WGI) for approximately NT$288 million. This strategic move grants the Taiwanese fitness chain the global operating rights of the World Gym brand and access to franchise royalties from 271 international locations.
World Gym Taiwan's acquisition allows it to benefit from WGI's existing partnerships in countries like Australia, the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Brazil. The company is also negotiating new franchise agreements in other markets.
John Caraccio, chairman and general manager of World Gym Taiwan, emphasized the brand's strong marketing and sales strategies, professional trainers, and advanced IT systems. He underscored the company's full capability of combining its financial strength and operational expertise with WGI's intellectual property and franchise management systems to accelerate global growth.
The brand aims to add 30-50 new locations annually over the next two years, with plans to increase the expansion rate to 100 locations per year through an expanded franchise network.
While World Gym International will retain its professional U.S. team to manage franchise services and development across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Taiwan will oversee administration, marketing, IT development, retail supply, accounting, and growth in the Asia-Pacific region.
