Bally moves into Mexico

The first Bally Total Fitness franchise in Mexico has been announced.

Bally is partnering with Consorcio Spectrum, a company formed by a group of Mexican investors to develop and operate health and fitness facilities in Latin America.

Following the opening of the first Bally site, in the Monterrey area, other clubs will be launched in Mexico City and other major cities.

Consorcio is looking to invest more than $15m in a portfolio of clubs.

Paul Toback, president and CEO of Bally Total Fitness, said: 'Mexico is a natural fit for Bally with its proximity to the US and large cities which offer significant opportunities for our well-known brand.'

Bally Total Fitness operates 420 facilities in the US, Canada, Asia and the Caribbean. Its brands include Bally Total Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Gorilla Fitness, Pinnacle Fitness, Bally Sports Clubs and Sports Clubs of Canada with around four million members.