Hertfordshire-based independent operator Fitness Connection has acquired Parkwood Leisure's club in Hitchin for an undisclosed sum.

As a result of the sale the two businesses will be amalgamated and Fitness Connection members will transfer to the Parkwood site. The business will operate under a new name - Xchange Fitness.

According to Fitness Connection director Mike Kershaw contracts have been exchanged and the deal is set to be completed on the 24 December. The new business will start with nearly 2000 members.

Kershaw said: "Both of the old clubs have struggled to move forward in recent years and we wanted to take an ambitious step to offer members of both sites a new deal.

"On offer will be a new fitness centre offering a fun, motivating and an exciting place to be, focussing on members' fitness".

Parkwood Leisure CEO Andrew Holt added: "We have benefited from a local opportunity to dispose of our Hitchin club, but remain committed to our strategy of selectively growing our membership base in the private health and fitness market.

"We would like to thank all our staff and customers at Hitchin and wish them well under the new owner”.