In 2005, the founder of Health City decided to give its growth strategy with a capital injection of Waterland an extra boost . By opening new clubs and acquisitions in the Netherlands , Belgium and Germany , Health City grew in less than three years from eleven to more than 100 facilities . The proportion of Waterland interest had grown in the meantime to 50 %. In 2009 and 2010, not just the discount providers Basic Fit was acquired , but also the FitnessFirst clubs in France, Italy , Spain and the Benelux countries. The group currently has approximately 700,000 members in about 280 clubs in seven countries, and is now second place after McFit being the largest fitness chain in Europe with respect to memberships.

The concept of Basic Fit offers discount services for only 15,95 Euro per month in more than 150 clubs in the Netherlands and Belgium. Health City is the premium brand of the Group, with locations incities as Amsterdam, Madrid, Milan and Paris. Within this format, many offerings are included like saunas, tennis - and squash courts or swimming pools. The Health City / Basic -Fit Group aims to further expand its market position. By October, five new facilities are opened in the Netherlands and Belgium, followed by six more in December and January , a total of 15 new clubs should be realized per year .

Rene Moss, CEO and founder of Health City said, "It is a new milestone in the thirty year history of our company. We are very pleased that we hold as at the beginning again 100 % in our company and are very grateful to Waterland for their important contribution to the growth of our company over the past eight years"

Rob Thielen , chairman and founder of Waterland Private Equity Investments commented , "We are very proud of the leadership that have reached Health City and Basic Fit in the European fitness industry . Between 2005 and 2013, during the time in Waterland was involved, 25 acquisitions were made ​​and more than 50 clubs were opened. This was done with great efforts for Waterland and was until now the largest buy-and- build process in our investment portfolio. The Health City / Basic -Fit group is well prepared for the next phase of growth in the dynamic European fitness industry and we wish the management team, Rene Moss, Eric Wilborts , Dennis Aarts and Hans van der Aar, a huge success in their efforts . "

Source: Waterland Private Equity
Pictures: Health City