Eagle Merchant Partners Makes First Investment from Fund II in Leading Club Pilates Franchisee, Aligned Fitness
Whats Happening:
Eagle Merchant Partners has made its first investment from its recently closed $415 million Fund II, backing Aligned Fitness, a leading Southeast-based franchisee of Club Pilates. The fund is partnering with Aligned's leadership to accelerate growth through new studio development and strategic acquisitions across the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States.
Key Moves:
Eagle Merchant Partners invests in Aligned Fitness, a Club Pilates franchisee
Eagle completes two add-on acquisitions: Crescent Concepts and Next Twenty
The combined Aligned platform will operate 34 studios across three states
By The Numbers:
Eagle closed Fund II with $415 million in capital commitments
The boutique fitness industry is estimated at $24 billion
The industry is growing at more than 12 percent annually
Key Quotes:
"The Club Pilates system represents a highly attractive opportunity given its market leading brand within the pilates sector, passionate and inclusive member base and strong unit economics," said Jake Rubenstein of Eagle Merchant Partners.
"We were drawn to Eagle's track record in wellness and franchising," said Jon Smith, CEO of Aligned Fitness. "They understand the dynamics of growing a multi-unit consumer business and bring the right mix of operational and strategic support as we expand."
Bottom Line:
Eagle Merchant Partners' investment in Aligned Fitness marks a strategic move into the growing boutique fitness industry, leveraging its experience in multi-unit and franchise businesses. This first investment from Fund II signals Eagle's continued focus on owner-operated companies in the Southeast, with potential for significant growth and value creation in the post-COVID fitness market.
Comments