---
title: "Flynn Group Adds Planet Fitness to Franchise Mega Portfolio"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/82822e3b-e88e-4d4f-85df-e9eb321ba4c3
source: "Athletech News"
original_url: https://athletechnews.com/flynn-restaurant-group-planet-fitness/
author: "Courtney Rehfeldt"
category: "Gym & HVLP"
industry: "Fitness"
segment: "Gym & HVLP"
published: 2023-11-02T22:09:39.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T17:56:10.623Z
image: https://athletechnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-11-02-4.06.52-PM.webp
---

# Flynn Group Adds Planet Fitness to Franchise Mega Portfolio

**TL;DR:** Flynn Group acquires 37 Planet Fitness locations in Georgia and Massachusetts

*By Courtney Rehfeldt, originally published in Athletech News on 2023-11-02. [Read the original](https://athletechnews.com/flynn-restaurant-group-planet-fitness/).*

## Key facts

- Flynn Group acquired 37 Planet Fitness locations
- Flynn Group to open 3 new Planet Fitness clubs in 4 months
- Alder Partners' management team to run Planet Fitness business under Flynn Group

## Story

Flynn Restaurant Group, the largest franchise operator in the world, has gained a significant stake in the fitness franchise world through the acquisition of Alder Partners, LLC, which operates 37 Planet Fitness locations in Georgia and Massachusetts.

The franchise operator also rebranded to Flynn Group, dropping “Restaurant” from its name.

“For a company that knows big deals, this is a BIG DEAL,” posted Jacqueline Lee, VP of general counsel at Flynn, on LinkedIn.

## Flynn Group Expansion

It’s a major move for Flynn, which has traditionally maintained a presence in the restaurant sector since 1999, with a portfolio that includes Applebee’s, Taco Bell, Panera Bread, Arby’s, Pizza Hut and Wendy’s.

“We’re incredibly excited to enter a new sector and, with it, our third chapter of growth at Flynn,” Greg Flynn, founder, chairman and CEO of Flynn Group, said in a statement. He describes the push into the fitness industry as Flynn’s third chapter.

“Chapter three will layer on two new growth channels – international restaurants and adjacent, consumer-facing franchised businesses – such as fitness – to our core domestic restaurant business,” Flynn said. “We are eager to accelerate growth across all channels and to bring our full capabilities to bear to drive even more value for our franchise systems and customers alike.”

## Fitness Industry Focus

The Titan franchise operator picked the consumer fitness industry as its major focus when looking to grow its portfolio, impressed by Alder Partners’ success in the Atlanta and Boston markets.

The deal will see Flynn Group continue to grow with new club development and “follow-on acquisitions,” the franchise group said, and Alder’s management team will run the business under Flynn Group.

“You’d be hard pressed to find a more respected and dedicated franchisee in the Planet Fitness system than Alder,” Flynn said. “Under Stan DeMartinis’ leadership, Alder grew its Planet Fitness portfolio to 37 clubs, and did so without wavering from its core values, which are lock step with our own. We are excited to have found such a great partner to enter the Planet Fitness brand and we are looking forward to an outstanding partnership.”

## Planet Fitness Growth Plans

Flynn Group is expected to open three additional Planet Fitness clubs in the next four months.

While Flynn is encouraged by the growing consumer fitness sector and the strength of Planet Fitness, the franchisee brand itself is still letting the dust settle from its unexpected ousting of CEO Chris Rondeau. The shocking move by the low-cost, high-value fitness franchise blindsided not only Rondeau but Planet Fitness employees and investors, causing shares of PLNT to drop nearly 20%.

## Entities

- Athletech News (publication)
- Courtney Rehfeldt (person)

---
Originally reported by Courtney Rehfeldt, Athletech News (https://athletechnews.com/flynn-restaurant-group-planet-fitness/). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/82822e3b-e88e-4d4f-85df-e9eb321ba4c3).