US-based Xponential Fitness, Inc., a global franchisor of boutique fitness brands, announced the signing of a master franchise agreement for Pure Barre and YogaSix in Japan with Sunpark Co. Ltd. Sunpark has committed to open at least 50 franchise studios for Pure Barre and Yoga Six in the country. The agreement brings the number of Xponential brands in Japan to seven, the largest number of brands outside of North America.
The master franchise agreement with Sunpark follows the recent launch of StretchLab, whose first Tokyo location – also led by Sunpark Co. Ltd – will open in July 2023. Sunpark is a multi-brand operator and global franchisor of more than 100 restaurants, entertainment concepts and fitness centers in Japan, Singapore, Thailand and the US. The company has extensive experience in real estate and development, which should greatly benefit the growth of the Xponential Fitness brands.
Sunpark is led by founder and CEO Ken Takagi, a respected entrepreneur who has now turned his focus to the wellness sector. “The fitness and wellness sector is still in its infancy in Japan,“ he commented. “We believe the timing is right to build on the successful launch of StretchLab by bringing Pure Barre and YogaSix to market and further capitalize on the strong consumer demand for health, wellness and fitness.”
The agreement marks Pure Barre’s first expansion into Asia and the continued expansion of Xponential Fitness brands globally. The company now has eight of its branded studios operating or under construction in 23 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Australia. Specifically for YogaSix, Xponential signed its first international agreement for Germany earlier this year with the existing master franchisee of Club Pilates in Germany. The brand has opened almost 200 studios worldwide, and Pure Barre has opened over 640 studios worldwide.
