LAFAYETTE, CA, January 14, 2013 – LA Boxing, the world’s largest boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts fitness franchise with nearly 81 locations open nationwide and another 50 in various stages of development, has been acquired by UFC GYM, the ultimate fitness destination and first major brand extension of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. FocalPoint Securities, LLC (“FocalPoint”) served as exclusive financial advisor to LA Boxing.
Founded in partnership with New Evolution Ventures, LLC™, UFC GYM currently has five full-service facilities which average 35,000 square feet in California and Hawaii. It has also started selling membership for locations in New York Metro and Sydney, Australia which will open by April 2013. UFC GYM will begin to transform the boutique LA Boxing facilities, which average 5,000 square feet, to the UFC GYM format. In completing this acquisition, UFC GYM will look to bring its ‘Train Different’ philosophy, which combines the best of traditional fitness with the innovation of mixed martial arts, to LA Boxing’s already established elite facilities.
“The UFC GYM experience is second-to-none. Our gyms have incredible energy and through innovative programs members see amazing results,” says UFC President Dana White, “With this acquisition, we continue to grow our footprint as leaders in the global fitness industry.”
“The goal of UFC GYM when we launched it three years ago was to create a unique MMA-styled fitness experience for men, women and children that went far beyond the traditional workout,” says,Mark Mastrov, Chairman of New Evolution Ventures. “We were drawn to LA Boxing based upon the similarities in our brand DNA. We are thrilled to partner with the existing LA Boxing team and their franchisees in expanding our shared vision worldwide.”
“Our new partnership will build upon LA Boxing’s growth over the past 10 years in boxing, kickboxing and MMA. We will grow the franchise in the US and internationally benefiting current LA Boxing franchises, their staff, trainers, and members,” said Anthony Geisler, former President of LA Boxing and now President of UFC Gym Franchise. “The partnership will enable UFC GYM to continue to provide a superior workout experience at a great value and will add even more benefits for current members and franchisees.”
“This was an exciting transaction for FocalPoint in the health, wellness and active lifestyles industry sector,” noted Duane Stullich, Managing Director at FocalPoint Securities, LLC. “We look forward to UFC GYM’s aggressive expansion plan, bringing a new brand of fitness to the world and leveraging the tremendous success of the UFC.”
About UFC GYM
UFC GYM is the first major brand extension of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the world leader in the sport of mixed martial arts. In alliance with New Evolution Ventures (NeV), developers of many of the world’s most successful fitness brands, the UFC Gym brand gives UFC enthusiasts and fitness seekers of all ages the opportunity to practice the training techniques of famed UFC athletes. Offering a full-range of group fitness classes, private MMA training, personal and group dynamic training, plus MMA style youth programming, UFC GYM creates something for all ages and fitness levels. For more information, please visit www.ufcgym.com.
About LA Boxing
LA Boxing is the world’s largest boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts fitness franchise with nearly 81 locations open nationwide and another 50 in various stages of development. The LA Boxing Workout-aimed at suburban men, women, and children-which burns 800-1,000 calories per hour, is taught by professionally-trained boxers, kickboxers and mixed martial arts fighters. For more information about LA Boxing, visit www.laboxing.com.
About New Evolution Ventures
Based in Northern California, New Evolution Ventures (NeV) has a two-decade plus record of success in delivering superior returns on investment, specializing in the acquisition, development and operations management of both domestic and international fitness endeavors. Founded in 2008 by Mark Mastrov, Jim Rowley and Mike Feeney and following a strategic partnership with Vision Capital in 2011, the current team of NeV professionals is setting industry-wide standards one brand at a time. Operations have spanned over 20 countries worldwide and included hundreds of facilities. For more information, visit www.nev.com.
About the Ultimate Fighting Championship
Universally recognized for its action-packed, can’t-miss events that have sold out some of the biggest arenas and stadiums across the globe, the UFC is the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization. Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, headquartered in Las Vegas and with offices in London, Toronto and Beijing, UFC produces more than 30 live events annually and is the largest pay-per-view event provider in the world.
About FocalPoint Securities, LLC
Founded in 2002 and with offices in Los Angeles and Chicago, FocalPoint is an independent investment bank that specializes in mergers and acquisitions, private placements (both debt and equity), and financial restructurings/work-outs. The firm’s primary focus is on middle-market companies. For more information, visit www.focalpointllc.com.
For more information please contact Duane Stullich at 310-405-7070 with any questions about this transaction.