Bundeskartellamt Clears LifeFit Group Acquisition of Just Fit Clubs

Bundeskartellamt Press Releases

Filed March 19th, 2026

Detected March 19th, 2026

Summary

The German Bundeskartellamt has cleared the acquisition of 21 'Just Fit' branded fitness clubs by LifeFit Group, a portfolio company of Waterland. The review focused on the Cologne metropolitan area, where competition is dynamic and expected to remain so despite significant market share increments.

View original document View source feed page

What changed

The Bundeskartellamt has approved the acquisition of 21 fitness clubs operated under the 'Just Fit' brand by LifeFit Group. The review concentrated on the Cologne metropolitan area, where both entities have a substantial presence, particularly in the city center. Despite significant market share increases, the merger was cleared due to dynamic competition, recent and announced openings of new fitness clubs, and the potential for further market entry.

This decision means the transaction can proceed without further in-depth examination. Regulated entities in the fitness sector, particularly those involved in mergers or acquisitions, should note the Bundeskartellamt's focus on local market dynamics and the potential for new entrants to influence competitive assessments. No specific compliance actions are required for other entities based on this clearance.

Source document (simplified)

Current contents of the Federal Cartel Office

LifeFit Group can take over Just Fit clubs

19.03.2026

published on: 19.03.2026

The Bundeskartellamt has cleared the LifeFit Group’s acquisition of 21 fitness clubs in the Rhineland region operated under the “Just Fit” brand. The LifeFit Group is a portfolio company of the private equity investor Waterland. It operates 203 fitness centres throughout Germany under the “FitnessFirst”, “Barry’s”, “Yoga Six” and “Elixia” brands.

Andreas Mundt, President of the Bundeskartellamt: “The fitness club chains concerned generate such substantial turnover that their merger was subject to review by the Bundeskartellamt. Our examination focused on the Cologne metropolitan area, where both LifeFit and Just Fit have a significant number of clubs. In Cologne’s city centre, in particular, these clubs are in close competition. The merger was nevertheless cleared because competition among fitness clubs in Cologne’s city centre is dynamic and expected to remain so.”

The Bundeskartellamt’s investigation focused on various possible geographic and product markets for the provision of fitness club services in the Cologne metropolitan area. LifeFit currently operates six clubs there under the “Fitness First” brand, while Just Fit operates ten clubs. The majority of the clubs belong to the mid-price, so-called mid-market, segment. Depending on the precise definition of the market, both companies together accounted for significant market shares, with the main market share increment occurring in the city centre.

Nevertheless, it was not necessary to carry out an in-depth examination of the merger, even with regard to the effects on competition in Cologne’s city centre. These effects had to be assessed based on the individual local circumstances, which can vary significantly from place to place. First, in Cologne’s city centre in particular, various fitness clubs have recently opened or publicly announced their upcoming opening. In January, for example, competitor XtraFit opened a large new club in a former retail space on Cologne’s central shopping street, Schildergasse. Second, given the general rise in demand for fitness club services, further club openings are possible and can be expected. In this respect it is essential to note that, due to the conversion of retail and office space which is no longer needed for its original use, suitable premises for the opening of new clubs are likely to remain available in Cologne’s city centre in the future.