FEP Bravo Fit acquisition adds Australian Planet Fitness franchisee

The FEP Bravo Fit acquisition gives Franchise Equity Partners control of an Australian Planet Fitness franchisee that operates 32 clubs, according to PE Hub. Financial terms were not disclosed, leaving the valuation and financing structure outside the public record.

The transaction is a cross-border consumer deal tied to the franchised fitness market. Bravo Fit’s existing management team will continue to run the business and supervise its expansion in the region, PE Hub reported.

Planet Fitness was among the selling shareholders and has exited its minority ownership position in Bravo Fit as a result of the deal, according to PE Hub. Planet Fitness, founded in 1992 in Dover, New Hampshire, is a fitness center chain.

What does FEP’s Bravo Fit acquisition include?

The deal covers Bravo Fit, an Australia-based operator of Planet Fitness clubs. A franchisee owns and runs locations under a brand’s system, usually using the franchisor’s name, operating model and standards while managing local execution.

Bravo Fit currently operates 32 Planet Fitness clubs in Australia, according to PE Hub. The report did not disclose whether the transaction includes all of Bravo Fit’s existing sites, development rights, real estate interests or any associated debt.

The acquisition is FEP’s first investment in a business headquartered in Australia, PE Hub reported. It follows FEP’s January 2026 acquisition of IMO Car Wash, a UK-headquartered business with operations in Australia.

David O’Donnell, managing director and head of investments at FEP, said the firm viewed Bravo Fit as an experienced operator with room to expand within the Planet Fitness system. He also said FEP had prior experience with Planet Fitness through a minority position in a US-based franchise group and saw Australia as an attractive fitness market, according to PE Hub.

Who will lead Bravo Fit after the deal?

Bravo Fit’s management team will remain in charge of day-to-day leadership and regional growth plans, PE Hub reported. In connection with the transaction, Rob Coombe will serve as chairman of Bravo Fit.

The continued role for management suggests FEP is backing the existing operating team rather than replacing the company’s leadership at completion. The report did not provide additional details on governance rights, board composition or any post-closing operating targets.

Advisers on the buyer side were Mallesons, PwC and Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, according to PE Hub. Bravo Fit shareholders were advised by Hall & Wilcox and Intrepid Investment Bankers.

The transaction adds to private equity activity in franchise-backed consumer services, where investors often assess unit economics, brand strength and the ability to open additional locations. PE Hub did not report a timetable for future club openings or any changes to Bravo Fit’s relationship with Planet Fitness following the sale.

This story draws on original reporting from PE Hub.