The Russian Fitness Group, which was established earlier this year to unite the premium World Class and mass market FizKult chains, has now also merged with the MaxiSport company, bringing its total estate to 40 clubs across Russia.

Olga Sloutsker, chair and CEO of The Russian Fitness Group and founder and president of World Class and FizKult, says: “The merger is an unprecedented deal, not only for the Russian fitness industry but also for central and eastern Europe.

It is a great achievement for both the Russian Fitness Group and myself.

“The choice of MaxiSport was strategic, as out of all the national fitness chains we believe only MaxiSport best meets Russian Fitness Group’s requirements.

We looked at the scale of the business, staff professionalism and corporate reputation,” she adds.

MaxiSport was founded under the Reebok chain of sports clubs six years ago in 2001 and now comprises eight sites. The founder and general director is Maxim Ignatev, who will become partner and member of the Russian Fitness Group Board.