Georg Dornauer's SIGNA Sports United acquires René Benko's stake in Fitness First

The deal makes SIGNA the sole owner of Fitness First, one of the largest fitness chains in Europe.

SIGNA Sports United, a subsidiary of Austrian real estate group SIGNA Holding, has acquired the remaining stake in Fitness First from René Benko's property group, René Benko Real Estate Group (RBRE). The deal makes SIGNA the sole owner of Fitness First.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval and union negotiation. Fitness First operates more than 1,000 fitness clubs in 19 countries with over 1.4 million members. SIGNA Sports United is a leading European sports retailer with a portfolio of brands including Intersport, Sport 2000, and Golfino.

The acquisition of Fitness First is part of SIGNA's strategy to expand its presence in the health and fitness sector. The company already owns a number of fitness brands, including McFit and High5.

The acquisition of Fitness First is a major coup for SIGNA Sports United.

It will give the company a significant presence in the fitness market and will help it to compete with other major players in the industry, such as Anytime Fitness and Planet Fitness.

The acquisition is also a sign of the growing convergence between the sports and fitness industries. As more and more people adopt healthy lifestyles, the demand for fitness services is increasing. This is creating new opportunities for companies that can provide these services.

SIGNA Sports United is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. The company has a strong track record in the sports industry and has a deep understanding of the needs of fitness consumers. With the acquisition of Fitness First, SIGNA will become one of the leading players in the European fitness market.