Fitness First ceases operations and begins liquidation process

Gym chain Fitness First has ceased all operations starting Wednesday (Mar 16) and begun a liquidation process. 

An international brand based in the United Kingdom, Fitness First operates in Hong Kong under a franchise. The local operations boasted at least 100 workers, including about 60 coaches and over 10,000 members. 

Bruno Arboit and Li Kin Long, Kenny of D&P China (HK) Ltd were appointed the liquidators of Evolution Wellness (HK) Ltd, which operated the eight branches of Fitness First throughout Hong Kong. 

“The liquidators are now responsible for overseeing the affairs of Evolution Wellness pending the convening of a meeting of creditors scheduled for March 28,” according to an official statement. 

The gym chain cited the mandatory closure of gyms in Hong Kong as the main cause of its closure: “The prolonged challenges in not being able to operate our fitness centers have led us down this path.”

It added the management team, parent company and shareholders have explored and exhausted all avenues in the pursuit of maintaining business operations. 

“Regrettably, we have not been successful,” it continued. 

Fitness First said it is proud to be a trusted brand in Hong Kong for over 20 years and thanked the support of staff and the public. They apologized to stakeholders that may be affected by the news as well. 

“If you are a Fitness First Cardholder with a current subscription to a valid service plan as at March 16, please check your email for further details about your service plan,” it told its members.