Clark Hatch, founder and chairman emeritus of fitness club chain Clark Hatch International, has announced that the company plans to seek investors or a public offering in order to fund further expansion.

In an interview with Health Club Management magazine, Hatch, who started the company 40 years ago in Japan, said: “Over the next year we want to grow our business more rapidly throughout Asia, especially in China where we have already made a good start and have strong recognition.

“We’ll need more capital to do this, so we’re currently looking at public offerings or investors.

“In the longer term, we want Clark Hatch to be noted for its longevity. There certainly aren’t many other fitness chains that can boast of more than 40 years of continuous operation.”

He also says he believes there is still plenty of room for growth in the fitness industry.

“We’re beginning to be recognised and appreciated more by medical and insurance industries for helping to improve the health and quality of life for people who exercise,” he said.

In 2000 Clark Hatch launched the LifeSpa Bali-Asian spa brand, then earlier this year launched the Clark Hatch Fitness Centers and LifeSpa concept to offer members a luxury spa and fitness facilities together. For the full interview, see HCM October 2005, page 54. Visit www.leisuresubs.com or call +44 (0)1462 471913 to subscribe.