Oh Canada! Here Comes A Gold's Rush

Gold's Gym looks north for new opportunities and franchises

VENICE, Calif.-In a recent move intended to develop new expansion opportunities in eastern Canada as well as better serve existing franchises in western Canada, Gold's Gym has entered into a Master Franchise agreement with Northland Fitness Inc. The partnership gives Northland Fitness exclusive rights to identify markets and potential gym owners within the country for franchise development. Currently, there are 15 Gold's Gyms in Canada, with 11 located in the province of British Columbia.
"While the Canadian market is just next door, it has its own unique challenges that require the full-time attention of a franchiser," said Ben Amante, senior vice president of Franchising for Gold's Gym. "The team put together by Northland Fitness to lead the expansion into eastern Canada, as well as strengthen operations in the west, will result in an overall win for our brand."

In addition to providing support to franchisees already existing in western Canada, Northland Fitness will be responsible for developing new Gold's Gym franchises in eastern Canada. Leading the new Canadian Master Franchise team is Ziad Jaber, CEO of Northland Fitness. Jaber brings over 20 years of real estate development experience, as well as his own experience as a franchisee. Between Jaber and Luis Campalans, Gold's Gym vice president of International Franchising, Northland Fitness has set a course that will organize and increase the franchise efforts throughout Canada.

"The chance to be involved in the expansion of Gold's Gym, as well as enhancing the lives of those trying to achieve their physical potential, were both opportunities we had to take advantage of," said Jaber. "Gold's Gym is a place for people serious about fitness, and that message will resonate well with Canadians."

Franchise growth into Canada coincides with Gold's Gym's growing international expansion into other markets, including Ecuador. In late January, Gold's Gym became the first Western gym in Ecuador, opening a location in the southwestern city of Guayaquil. The new facility is the largest of its kind in the entire country. Its opening was attended by several local dignitaries and celebrities, exemplifying Gold's theory that fitness has no boundaries.

The next international expansion will take place later this year in Guatemala City, Guatemala. During the past year Gold's also has expanded into Asia, Mexico, Egypt, and Russia, confirming the company goal to develop 1,000 gyms worldwide by the year 2005.

About Gold's Gym

The original Gold's Gym started in Venice, Calif., in 1965. It was the place for serious fitness. No frills, just the best atmosphere with the best equipment to build your body. Gold's Gym quickly became known as "The Mecca of Bodybuilding." The Gold Rush began as fitness enthusiasts from around the world flocked to Venice. In 1977, Gold's Gym received international attention when it was featured in the movie Pumping Iron that starred Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno.

From that first gym in Venice, Gold's has become the largest gym chain in the world with over 650 facilities in 45 states and 32 countries. People still flock to Venice and to the hundreds of Gold's Gyms around the globe. Gold's is the preferred gym to the entertainment industry, amateur and pro athletes, and anyone else who is serious about fitness. Gold's Gym has been the authority on fitness since 1965. With nearly 3 million members worldwide, Gold's Gym continues to change lives by helping people achieve their individual potential.