In an industry first, fitness innovator Leon McNiece has joined forces with World Gym
Australia partners Jon Davie and Mike Nysten in a move that will see the brand expand
across Australia and New Zealand.
Over the last two decades, Leon has shaped the fitness landscape in Australia, bringing new
business models and innovative approaches to the industry. He is the founder of Goodlife
Health Clubs Australia, Snap Fitness Australia/NZ, and is the current owner of Total Fusion
Health and Wellness clubs. This latest project, the purchase of an equal shareholding of World
Gym Australia master franchise, will position WGA as the largest big box chain in Australia.
WGA Director Jon Davie states “Leon has been someone I have admired in the fitness
industry for 25 years, his ability and vision to identify the evolving landscape and thrive by
consistently delivering in the fitness industry in Australia, is inspiring.”
This new partnership sees WGA CEO Roger Westerman once again teaming up with Leon,
after their successful business partnership in establishing and growing Goodlife Health Clubs
into one of Australia’s most prominent fitness brands in the 2000s.
“I am delighted to be working again with Leon. His vision, experience, and integrity will be a
very welcome addition in this next exciting phase of growth”. Roger Westerman
Over the last 12 months, Roger has established a WGA corporate office, setting up the team,
structure, and processes to support the growth and profitability of the brand.
McNiece’s interest in pursuing the WGA opportunity was further strengthened by “World
Gym’s proven business model, well defined brand strategy and pipeline of future growth
opportunities combined with the leadership team of Jon, Mike and Roger which gave me
additional confidence and interest in investing in WGA further”.
While continuing the extremely successful franchising model, the group will also be introducing
a World Gym Platinum club model and fast-tracking corporate clubs across Australia. WGA
currently has over 140,000 members across 40 clubs in Australia with 10 clubs in the process
of opening in the next 12 months, across QLD, NSW, WA and NT.
The partnership will see the rapid expansion of large box facilities across Victoria, South
Australia, WA, and ACT. With an influx of interest in the brand, World Gym Australia is looking
for multi-unit holders inside the current franchising group as well as new Franchisee wanting
to establish their first club. A syndication model is also in the pipeline allowing investors to
enter in a more affordable scenario given the ever-increasing costs of opening clubs in
Australia.
In addition, McNiece confirmed that “WGA is a strong, established brand with a great
reputation which truly resonates with their members. A lot of brands try to be everything to
everyone, which is impossible to achieve, but WGA has a great understanding about their
members and target demographic and has created a passionate following from members and
staff due to this.”
In the next 5 years, McNiece is excited to, “see strong growth in the number of successful
corporate clubs Australia wide, as well as the continued expansion of the franchisee network.”
“I am excited to join the WGA team and work together with other leading industry experts Jon
and Mike for the first time, together with Roger once again, whilst entering a different segment
of the fitness industry compared to my previous and current clubs. I am looking forward to
sharing my experience and providing value, where I can help maximise the future opportunities
with the growing, dynamic WGA team.”
Mike Nysten, Director of World Gym Australia, shared his enthusiasm about the partnership
expressing that “With a gross sales turnover exceeding 100M last financial year and growth
projected to be 25% increase annually, this partnership will open up our ability to evolve, grow
and continue to provide fantastic workout spaces and experiences for our members”.
