World Gym Signs Franchise Deal in Mexico, Expands in Australia

World Gym, founded as a bodybuilding staple on the West Coast, is advancing its global ambitions with a franchise deal in Mexico and five new gyms in Australia.

The Taiwan-based franchise, which acquired World Gym International (WGI) last year in a reported $9 million deal and now controls the global rights to the brand, said the Mexico agreement will bring at least 30 new clubs to the North American country. The deal, signed with International Fitness Group, builds on the group’s 11 existing gyms in northern Mexico, with the first new World Gym locations expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Latin america growth

The announcement follows a 50-unit master franchise agreement for Brazil signed in June, reinforcing Latin America as a priority growth region for the brand.

In Australia, World Gym has added five new franchise gyms in Australind, Bentleigh East, Marrickville, Tuggerah and Waverley Gardens, expanding its footprint in the country to 60 locations.

Asia pacific expansion

Meanwhile, in Taiwan, World Gym continues to grow its corporate-owned portfolio with five new clubs in Chiayi Xingye, Zhubei Huaxing, Hsinchu Xiangshan, Miaoli City and Neihu Xingyun, bringing its corporate-owned locations to 141. The company said revenue hit a record NT$940 million (US$31 million) in August, up 13.62% year-over-year.

“As we enter the fourth quarter, I am thrilled to share that we have been experiencing breakneck growth in both our franchised as well as corporate-owned businesses,” World Gym president John Caraccio said. “Our MFA with Mexico establishes a secure footing in Latin America, while we have solid momentum in Australia and continued growth in Taiwan.”

Following its acquisition of WGI last fall, World Gym noted that it expects to add 30–50 new locations annually over the next two years, with plans to accelerate to 100 openings per year.