The gym chain Nordic Wellness is acquiring regional competitor Step In, according to reports from local Swedish media. The acquisition includes all eleven Step In facilities across northern Sweden, with locations in Luleå, Boden, Piteå, Skellefteå, and Lycksele.
Step In CEO Niklas Mannberg announced the acquisition in an email to customers, stating that joining Nordic Wellness would strengthen the company's ability to develop facilities and create better training conditions. "When we now move forward together with Nordic Wellness, we strengthen our opportunities to develop the facilities and create even better conditions for your training," Mannberg wrote.
When we now move forward together with Nordic Wellness, we strengthen our opportunities to develop the facilities and create even better conditions for your training
The takeover is scheduled for April 1, according to Piteå-Tidningen. Operations will continue without interruption, and all staff will transfer to the new organization. Current members are reportedly not immediately affected by the ownership change.
Jan Fransson, co-owner of Step In, described the acquisition as a natural progression in a press release. "Becoming part of Nordic Wellness gives us the opportunity to continue developing, investing, and offering even better training experiences for our members," Fransson said.
Becoming part of Nordic Wellness gives us the opportunity to continue developing, investing, and offering even better training experiences for our members
The acquisition represents Nordic Wellness's expansion into northern Sweden's fitness market, consolidating its position as one of Sweden's major gym operators.