Topnotch snaps up Espree

Topnotch health clubs has acquired the Espree chain from Esporta.

Fitness Exchange had been rumoured to be a frontrunner, but the chain that 'dares to be different' has bought the two Espree sites for £2.2m

Esporta has sold the Blackfriars and Royal Mint Court clubs in London to focus on its portfolio of large clubs with swimming pools.

Topnotch chief executive, Matthew Harris, says the clubs will boost the group's strong presence in the capital: With the Espree acquisition we have been able to add a further two high quality clubs to our central London portfolio.

Harris, however, is also keen to strengthen the brand in the home counties and has announced its next new build club at Sutton in Surrey: Sutton will continue Topnotch's expansion in the London suburbs, which is a key part of our growth strategy.

The Espree clubs will get the Topnotch facelift and be rebranded and refurbished to include themed zone concepts, including the Ironworks free weights area, the Planet Spin ultra-violet spinning studio and the nightclub style PowerZone gym.

The clubs boost Topnotch's portfolio to 19 with plans for 22 by the end of the financial year.