F45 is expanding its UK footprint with the launch of two new studios in Manchester.

The Australia-based franchised operator already has a presence in a number of big UK cities and towns – including London, Brighton, Birmingham and Reading – and is now spreading its reach in the north-west of the country.

Scheduled to open in February, the two sites – F45 Manchester Northern Quarter and F45 Salford Central – will follow the same high intensity, group training format that the brand has become synonymous for.

Both studios will be operated on a franchise deal.

“The brand has grown at an enormous rate throughout the UK and all over the world and it is a real testament to its innovative concept that delivers amazing results," said Max Lilley, owner of F45 Salford Central.

Michael Dean, UK sales director for F45, added: "Our goal is for there to be an F45 studio on almost every corner of the world – and with the accelerated growth we have seen since the UK launch in 2017, we are confident that we can make this happen."

The chain is planning further UK and Ireland openings for 2020 – including locations in Southampton, Dublin and Cheltenham.

The latest openings come as US-based financial news service Bloomberg reported that F45 could be planning to list on the stock market in the US.

In a news report, Bloomberg claimed that the company had "filed confidentially for a U.S. initial public offering, according to people with knowledge of the matter".

HCM has contacted F45 for a comment on the potential listing.