Golds Gym Signs The Biggest Master Franchise Agreement With AAHG

Al Ahli Holding Group (UAE) and Gold’s Gym International Sign Landmark International Development Deal
April 16, 2010


UAE national company signs master franchise agreement to open 26 gyms in major Arabian Peninsula markets; further expansion includes potential for additional 62 gyms.

Al Ahli Holding Group (AAHG), the holding arm of the leading multi-disciplined organization based in the United Arab Emirates with principal offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah (UAE), and Gold’s Gym International, the world’s leading authority on health and fitness, announced today the signing of an aggressive master franchise agreement. And the largest of its kind ever inked by the fitness giant. A landmark moment for both companies, the development deal is potentially worth hundreds of millions of dollars, making the largest franchise agreement Gold’s Gym has signed in its storied 45 year history.

“We are importing world-class fitness into the Pan-Arabian region, the likes of which have yet to be experienced by this part of the world with experiences and amenities that have never been seen before in the art of fitness” said Mohamed Khammas, CEO of Al Ahli Holding Group. “AAHG shares the same commitment Gold’s Gym International has in helping individuals reach their potential by leading healthier, fitter lifestyles under the specialized leadership and camaraderie of the Gold’s experience. There is no other fitness brand we would rather partner with to expand the fitness options available in our part of the world than with the undisputed global leader in fitness, Gold’s Gym.”

Calling for an initial 26 gyms to be built in the UAE, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain, the agreement provides AAHG with the opportunity to expand the Gold’s Gym footprint with an additional 62 gyms in key areas spanning from South Africa to Morocco and from Cyprus to Jordan and beyond bringing their total to over 88 facilities. These key markets include 13 countries in all, making AAHG the largest potential Gold’s Gym master franchisee in the world.

The initial schedule is to develop within the UAE, with a heavy emphasis on the capital, Abu Dhabi, then to proceed onto other Emirates.

AAHG is planning enhanced facilities that range from condensed corporate clubs to full wet-clubs with swimming pools, hydro-therapy, sauna, steam and more that reflect the continuing commitment of Gold’s to expand its global presence in every region of the globe.

AAHG is one of sixteen multi-territorial Master Licensee’s and the largest in the Gold’s global family. AAHG has struck direct deals with the top equipment suppliers that will showcase never before seen fitness equipment that will transform the art of fitness into the future.

“Gold’s Gym seeks out proven operators and AAHG is an extraordinary organization in this regard. AAHG did a remarkable job with their due diligence, looking into all aspects of the business and its viability on the Arabian Peninsula. We are proud to be working with them to grow the Gold’s Gym brand,” said Joel Tallman, Senior Vice President of Franchising & Global Operations for Gold’s Gym International. “This is another indication of the trust that investors and our members have in Gold’s Gym to deliver the best fitness experience in the world.”

The agreement with AHHG marks a momentous occasion in the growth of Gold’s Gym from a single fitness facility in Venice Beach, California more than 45 years ago to an international brand with more than 700 locations across the globe. AAHG is introducing the famed brand’s tradition of commitment, passion and dedication for health, fitness and rehabilitation to a new audience in this important and growing region of the world.

Reinforcing Gold’s Gym’s position as the preferred investment for gym owners and operators around the world, the deal struck with AAHG is the third major Gold’s Gym master franchise agreement signed overseas in the past 12 months. In 2009, Gold’s Gym signed a 20-year contract extension with the master franchisee covering the India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives markets, and signed a separate agreement to open 26 new gyms in the Republic of the Philippines. Additionally, Gold’s Gym has taken several steps to begin growing its brand in China, where the company sees significant opportunity for extensive expansion in the years ahead. With hundreds of gyms currently outside the United States, Gold’s Gym projects its international gym count to equal or surpass the brand’s US presence within the next two years.