Fitness franchise operation énergie Group has been given the green light to acquire the Ireland-based chain, Jackie Skelly Fitness, which went into examinership in February.

The deal, which was confirmed on 24 May following Irish High Court approval, includes the restructuring of Jackie Skelly Fitness' business sheet and will see énergie acquire nine of the chain's 10 clubs. Existing memberships and more than 200 jobs have been safeguarded, while énergie plans to invest €1.8m (£1.5m) in new equipment and the refurbishment of the nine sites, which are to be rebranded.

The group is now in negotiations with the landlord of the 10th Jackie Skelly Fitness suite in Greystones, County Wicklow, to assess the possibility of keeping the club open. Jan Spaticchia, chief executive officer of the énergie Group, said: "We look forward to the opportunities this acquisition presents as we work to secure a long term relationship with Jackie Skelly staff and members under the énergie brand.

"Our existing and prospective members can look forward to a new look and feel as we rebrand these clubs over the coming months and introduce them to our unique émpower programme." énergie currently operates seven fitness clubs across the Republic of Ireland and Northern ireland, including sites in Belfast, Galway and Wexford, as well as two facilities in Waterford.

The acquisition of Jackie Skelly Fitness will see the group expand its Irish portfolio to 18 clubs - one of the largest fitness groups operating in Ireland.