Private investment firm Franchise Equity Partners (FEP) has acquired Bravo Fit, the Australian Planet Fitness franchisee, from its existing shareholders. The deal sees Planet Fitness exit its minority ownership position in the business.
Bravo Fit’s management team will continue to lead the business and oversee growth in the region. It operates 32 Planet Fitness clubs and holds exclusive area development rights for up to 100 clubs across Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, and the ACT.
David O’Donnell, managing director, head of investments at FEP, said “Bravo Fit is exactly the kind of partner FEP is built to support: a proven operator with a clear runway in a high-quality, globally recognised franchise system.”
The acquisition is FEP’s first investment in an Australian-headquartered business and follows the firm’s January 2026 acquisition of IMO Car Wash, a UK-based business with operations in Australia.
FEP partners with leading franchisees and franchisors across multi-unit consumer-related sectors, providing flexible capital to support growth, ownership simplification, succession, and estate planning.
Flexible capital and franchise scaling experience
“We have established experience with Planet Fitness as a minority partner in a US-based franchise group and we are excited by the opportunity to become a full-scale franchise owner in one of the world’s most attractive fitness markets,” O’Donnell said.
“Our flexible capital and experience scaling franchise businesses are designed to help the management team accelerate that buildout while preserving the operating discipline and member focus that have made Bravo Fit successful.”
Colleen Keating, Planet Fitness CEO, said the sale validates the brand’s approach to growth.
“The success we’ve seen to date demonstrates one of the ways we can successfully deploy capital in a disciplined and focused manner to drive Planet Fitness’ expansion in international markets,” Keating said.
“We are confident that FEP and Bravo Fit will continue to further scale Planet Fitness’ presence and growth in Australia.”
Danielle Monroy, CEO of Bravo Fit, said the partnership is an important milestone that will lead to faster expansion and further team investment.
Former CEO and chair of Craveable Brands, Rob Coombe, will serve as the chair of Bravo Fit.
