Sports Direct owner snaps up WIT Fitness
WIT Fitness is a specialist gym and fitness retailer with its headquarters in London.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has bought sports performance brand WIT Fitness as it continues its investment spree.
Frasers Group, which owns Sports Direct and House of Fraser, said it had bought the assets and intellectual property of WIT Fitness, which is a specialist gym and fitness wear group.
WIT Fitness, which provides CrossFit training, has its headquarters in London and currently employs around 15 staff members.
CrossFit, founded in 2000, is a high-intensity fitness programme that has affiliations with 12,000 gyms worldwide, including WIT Fitness.
We look forward to investing in the future success of this globally recognised brand
James France, the group head of acquisitions at Frasers Group, said: “We are pleased to have acquired the assets and IP of WIT Fitness, a globally recognised CrossFit and fitness performance brand.
“This acquisition supports our ambition to be a world-leading sports retailer, by bringing another elevated sports brand into Frasers Group’s diverse ecosystem.
“We look forward to investing in the future success of this globally recognised brand.”
Frasers, which is majority-owned by retail tycoon Mr Ashley, has been snapping up a raft of retailers and stakes in the sector in recent years.
It has been upping its stake in online fashion firms Boohoo and Asos, while the firm also acquired luxury clothing retailer Matches Fashion in a deal worth around £52 million in December 2023.
Frasers has likewise bought brands such as Savile Row tailors Gieves & Hawkes, and increased investment in brands such as Hugo Boss.
It said last month it would continue to push forward with its “elevation strategy” under chief executive Michael Murray, who is also the son-in-law of Mr Ashley.