The firm’s "expertise and practical advice were invaluable," the client said
One of the largest and fastest-growing fitness-centre franchises in the US is expanding to Australia with the help of a commercial law firm.
Macpherson Kelley advised Planet Fitness in its expansion, working on IP, corporate structuring, and Australian tax law matters. The firm helped established a joint venture (JV) with Dallas Rosekelly’s Galactic Fitness, a leading Australian fitness operator. Planet Fitness has committed to open at least 35 locations in Australia over the next several years.
Special counsel Mark Metzeling headed the Macpherson Kelley deal team, which included principal lawyer Mark Dillman, special counsel Danh Nguyen, and lawyer Mitchell Willocks.
“Macpherson Kelley’s expertise and practical advice were invaluable to the company coming to Australia,” said Jason Bauman, Planet Fitness corporate counsel.
Hall & Wilcox has also confirmed to Australasian Lawyer that it advised Bravo Fit, which formed the JV with Galactic Fitness alongside fellow US Planet Fitness franchisee PF Growth Partners.
The firm's team was led by partner Matthew Smith. It included comprised partner Deborah Chew, special counsel Kristopher Kunasingam, senior associates James Bull and Clare Kerley, lawyer Michael Tran and national intellectual property manager Raelene Brown.
Ray Miolla, Planet Fitness chief development officer, said Australia presents a unique opportunity to grow. The market combines a favourable operational environment, consumer affinity for US brands, and a desirable competitive landscape. The expansion to Australia is an opportunity to develop a large fleet of clubs, Miolla said.
The first Planet Fitness locations are at Tuggerah and Gosford in New South Wales. The locations add to the group’s presence in all 50 US states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Panama, and Mexico. Planet Fitness has more than 14.1 million members.
