Gold's Gym International (GGI) has awarded a master franchise for franchise development in Eastern Canada to Northland Fitness, giving them the exclusive right to identify markets and potential gym owners in the region.

The move is intended to develop new expansion opportunities in eastern Canada as well as to better serve existing franchises in western Canada.

Ben Amante, senior vice president of franchising for Gold's Gym, said: 'While the Canadian market is just next door, it has its own unique challenges that require the full-time attention of a franchiser. The team put together by Northland Fitness to lead the expansion into eastern Canada, as well as strengthen operations in the west, will result in an overall win for our brand.'

Franchise growth into Canada coincides with Gold's Gym's growing international expansion into other markets. In late January, Gold's Gym became the first Western gym in Ecuador, opening a location in the south-western city of Guayaquil.

During the past year, Gold's has also expanded into Asia, Mexico, Egypt and Russia, working towards the company goal to develop 1,000 gyms worldwide by the year 2005.

The company now has 650 facilities in 32 countries with nearly three million members worldwide. Details: www.goldsgym.com