Club Pilates Signs Master Franchise Agreement in the United Kingdom

The first Club Pilates studio in the UK is expected to open in 2023.

Behind the Master Franchise Agreement in the United Kingdom is Richard Uku, founder of Deblankson Fitness Group and a Multi-Unit Franchisee of Club Pilates and sister brand, AKT, in the United States. He currently has six studios in New Jersey and New York. Brought up and spending his formative years in the United Kingdom, Uku attended college and started his professional career working in Corporate Finance in the City of London.

He moved to the U.S. 20 years ago when Wall Street came calling.

Since he became involved with Club Pilates in 2016, he has always had a desire to take the brand back to the UK.

“Richard Uku is a seasoned Club Pilates owner and we look forward to teaming up with him to debut Club Pilates in the United Kingdom,” said John Kersh, Chief International Development Officer of Xponential Fitness. “We know that Richard will hone the skills he’s developed as an owner in the U.S. to bring the life-changing benefits of Pilates to millions of Britons.”

“In the UK today, Pilates using the Reformer and other equipment is still a niche offering within this market and there are no brands with a national presence,” said Uku. “The Deblankson Fitness Group team is very excited to have the responsibility of bringing the Club Pilates brand to the UK.”