The Spanish budget fitness club market has seen its largest deal in recent years: VivaGym has announced a merger with Synergym. The combined company now controls over 450 clubs across Spain and Portugal, including 290 VivaGym gyms and more than 160 Synergym facilities. The deal is expected to be finalized following regulatory approval.
Both companies were founded in Malaga three years apart: VivaGym launched in 2010 and Synergym in 2013. Despite their shared regional origins, their development strategies differed: Synergym grew exclusively by opening new gyms, while VivaGym actively acquired other players, including Smartfit, Macrofit, Altafit, Fitness Hut, Duet Fit, and Happy Gym.
The largest network on the peninsula
The merger of the two networks creates the largest sports and wellness platform on the Iberian Peninsula. According to VivaGym representatives, the integration will enable investment in new technologies, improve customer service, and accelerate further expansion. The company’s management emphasizes that the network will now be able to offer a wider range of services and enhance the quality of service for thousands of clients in Spain and Portugal.
VivaGym CEO Cristina Burzaco notes that the deal opens a new chapter in the company’s history and provides an opportunity to fulfill ambitious expansion plans. According to her, the merger with Synergym will significantly increase reach and strengthen market positions.
Investment and support
The deal was financed by the Providence fund, which has supported VivaGym’s aggressive growth strategy for several years. Providence managing director Robert Sudo believes that the merged company will be able to take advantage of growing demand for affordable and modern fitness services, while continuing to expand both organically and through new acquisitions.
Synergym CEO Jordi Bella called the merger a logical conclusion to a successful stage of company development. He emphasized that the combined network will continue to invest in modern technology, professional staff, and specialized workout areas.
Consultants and partners
Boston Consulting Group, Deloitte, Uria Menendez, and A&O; Shearman advised VivaGym on the deal. Synergym has been supported by Growth Partner since 2019, Oxy Capital since 2021, and All Seas Capital since 2024. Legal support was provided by Houlihan Lokey and Garrigues.
The VivaGym and Synergym deal has become one of the most notable in Spain’s sports services market in recent years. By comparison, there have also been significant developments in other sports sectors: for example, a match between Sinner and Moller recently took place in Madrid, which attracted great interest from fans, as noted in the coverage of Sinner’s debut against Moller.
