Studio chain Kieser Training wants to expand
The Swiss fitness studio chain Kieser Training wants to grow - internationally, but also in the domestic market there is still potential, writes the "Handelszeitung".
Kieser CEO and co-owner Michael Antonopoulos plans to expand the number of studios, now totaling 155, "to 200 in the next three to five years," reported the Handelszeitung. In Germany, there is potential for 40 to 50 new studios, and the home market is also expandable, says Antonopoulos: "In Switzerland, ten new locations are possible; there are white spots in French-speaking Switzerland and Ticino."
Contrary to plans, the company will not be entering the Chinese market this year - this should take place in one or two years, according to the CEO. The new focus is on Southeast Asia. According to Antonopoulos, the studio chain specializing in strength training has found a master franchisee for Malaysia and Singapore, and a first studio is to open in Kuala Lumpur in two years at the latest.
Kieser Training was founded in 1967 by Werner Kieser. In January 2017, he and his wife Gabriela handed over the company to long-time managing director Antonopoulos and board member Nils Planzer. In June of this year, the company acquired Exersuisse AG, increasing the number of training studios in Switzerland from seven to 24. There are currently studios in Australia, Germany, Luxembourg, Austria and Switzerland.
