Virgin Active to spend £25m refitting former Esporta clubs

Image: Virgin Active acquired Esporta in 2011

Health club operator Virgin Active is to invest £25m in improving and refitting the 53 former Esporta venues it acquired in July 2011.

Matthew Bucknall, CEO of Virgin Active, said: "In the coming year, we will be completing the integration of the Esporta sites, and making significant capital investment in the acquired clubs to improve all areas of the member experience.

"Overall, we see exciting opportunities to continue to grow the business internationally in both existing and new territories, underpinned by a great product, a powerful brand, a strong balance sheet and two supportive shareholders."

The news came as the company reported its results for the 12 months to 31 December 2011, in which revenue was up 20 per cent and EBITDA increased 11 per cent - the twelfth successive year of double digit earnings growth.

The growth was largely due to the acquisition of 57 clubs during 2011, which has resulted in the company having 259 clubs across Europe, South Africa and Australia. It also sold two venues and opened a further 10 last year.