Aligned Fitness Holdings acquires 6 N.J. Club Pilates studios

One of the largest operators of Club Pilates studios has increased its stake in the fitness brand.

Aligned Fitness Holdings has acquired six Club Pilates studio locations in central New Jersey. A portfolio company of the Atlanta, Georgia-based private equity firm Eagle Merchant Partners, Aligned Fitness Holdings now operates more than 61 Club Pilates locations across multiple states.

The acquisitions include two studios from entrepreneur Gary Laden and four studios from fitness operators Karen and Todd Spidare. Financial terms of the transactions were not disclosed. The move marks Aligned Fitness Holdings’ entry into New Jersey.

“Gary, Todd, and Karen built outstanding businesses with strong teams, loyal members, and excellent reputations in their communities,” said Jon Smith, co-founder of Aligned Fitness. “We’re excited to welcome them into the Aligned family and continue building upon the foundation they created.”

Aligned Fitness was founded in Raleigh, North Carolina in 2016 and said its growth has been supported through its financial partnership with Eagle Merchant Partners. Last December, Eagle Merchant Partners announced that Aligned Fitness had acquired 13 locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

“These acquisitions reflect the continued strength of the boutique fitness category and the significant opportunity we see within the Club Pilates ecosystem,” said Jake Rubenstein of Eagle Merchant Partners. “Aligned has established itself as a highly respected operator with a disciplined growth strategy, and we believe there remains substantial runway for expansion through partnerships with best-in-class franchisees.”

According to Smith, Aligned will continue its consolidation moves with more acquisitions expected.

“We believe there is significant opportunity ahead,” Smith said. “The Club Pilates brand continues to resonate with consumers, and we are actively looking for the right franchise partners who want to continue growing alongside us.”

Club Pilates is the largest Pilates brand in the world with more than 1,300 locations. This includes more than 1,170 locations in 48 U.S. states.

In April, Club Pilates signed a master franchise agreement with DM Active Fitness in the Phillippines for the development of 30 studio locations over the next 10 years.