Fitness Professionals Ltd (FitPro) and Les Mills International (LMI) have announced that LMI will become the exclusive distributor of Les Mills group fitness programmes in the United Kingdom in 2012.

The move comes after agreement was reached for LMI to purchase the FitPro division which operated the Les Mills distribution. Commenting on the changes, Brent Hallo, FitPro's founder and CEO, said: "This new arrangement enables us to focus on growing our global business and to re-focus on our services including conventions, training and exercise products.

"We will also be expanding our offering for personal trainers in 2012, with new products, education and a new global PT certification." Les Mills International CEO Phillip Mills said: "With this move, LMI will be able to offer an excellent package directly to its UK club partners, including access to the latest marketing material and resources to maximise class attendance in clubs."

A number of innovations will be introduced in the UK in the coming months, including the continued rollout of CXWORX™ (functional strength training) and the launch of SH'BAM™ (dance). FitPro and LMI are working together to ensure a smooth and seamless transition of operations, with FitPro executives working alongside Les Mills UK staff until handover is complete.

The new Les Mills UK office will be based in FitPro's current offices until May, and will then move to new premises in East London. All FitPro staff previously dedicated to the Les Mills products have been retained by Les Mills UK. Jill Tattersall, former CEO of LMI, has been appointed as CEO of Les Mills UK to manage the transition.