Skip Header
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

The Gym Group says openings on track as first-half sales rise

(Sharecast News) - Low-cost gym chain The Gym Group was able to grow revenues by 8% in the first half, helped by increased member numbers and new openings. The company, which opened three new gyms over the six months to 30 June, is currently on site at a further four sites, and said it remains on track to open 14 to 16 this year. With one site closing, the chain had a network of 247 gyms at the half-year stage.

Meanwhile, average member numbers rose 4% over last year to 953,000, with average revenue per member per month also up 4% at £21.16.

As a result, revenues totalled £121m for the period, up from £112.1m in the first half of last year, with like-for-like revenues rising by 3%.

Net debt fell to £51.2m by the end of the half, from £61.3m at the year end, though is expected to rise back to previous levels due to gym opening and refurbishments planned.

"We have delivered continuing momentum in the first half of the year, with further good growth in membership and yield. We are seeing excellent performance in our new sites, supported by a more tailored marketing approach and the evolution of our site proposition," said chief executive Will Orr.

"We remain confident in the full year outlook and look forward to updating the market more fully in September."

Shares were up 1.5% at 160.44p by 0922 BST.

Share this article

Related Sharecast Articles

GSK gets preliminary nod for two respiratory drugs in Europe
(Sharecast News) - GSK said on Friday afternoon that two of its respiratory medicines had received positive opinions from the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, bringing the company closer to potential approvals across severe asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Shore Capital hails improved US biotech funding environment for hVIVO
(Sharecast News) - Shares in AIM-listed hVIVO were continuing their recent surge on the back of encouraging signs from the US biotech market, which broker Shore Capital said has created a "much more favourable environment" for the company.
Weir to buy remaining 50% stake in Chile JV ESEL for £56m
(Sharecast News) - Weir said on Friday that it has agreed to buy the remaining 50% share of its Chile-based joint venture ESEL for a sterling equivalent purchase price of £56m.
Jefferies downgrades Whitbread, upgrades IHG
(Sharecast News) - Jefferies downgraded Whitbread to 'hold' from 'buy' on Friday as it applied the reverse upgrade to InterContinental Hotels.

Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Award-winning online share dealing

Search, compare and select from thousands of shares.

Expert insights into investing your money

Our team of experts explore the world of share dealing.