Decoding the Mystery: Who Truly Owns Life Fitness?

AvatarByJeff Duncan Fitness

Are you a fitness fanatic looking for the top-of-the-line equipment to fulfill your workout needs? Then, you have probably come across the name “Life Fitness.” This renowned brand is known for its high-quality fitness equipment and has become a household name in the industry. But have you ever wondered, who owns Life Fitness? In this article, we will delve into the ownership of this popular fitness brand and uncover the key players behind its success. Whether you’re a loyal fan or simply curious, join us as we uncover the answer to the question – who owns Life Fitness?

Life Fitness is a well-known brand in the fitness industry that has been providing high-quality workout equipment for over 40 years. With its innovative designs and cutting-edge technology, Life Fitness has become a go-to brand for fitness enthusiasts and gym owners alike. However, when it comes to ownership of this popular brand, many people wonder, “Who owns Life Fitness?” In this article, we will delve into the details of Life Fitness ownership and give you all the information you need to know.

The History of Life Fitness

For a better understanding of who owns Life Fitness today, it is essential to take a trip back in time and explore the history of the brand. The company was founded in 1977 by Augie Nieto and his then-partner Ray Wilson. They started with a small manufacturing facility in Illinois and began producing innovative exercise equipment with a focus on ergonomics and biomechanics.

In the early years, Life Fitness faced some challenges like any other new business. However, they continued to push forward with their quest for developing cutting-edge fitness equipment. Their dedication paid off as they became one of the leading brands in the fitness industry, known for their quality products and exceptional customer service.

In 1997, Brunswick Corporation acquired Life Fitness as part of their strategy to diversify into different industries. This acquisition played a significant role in expanding Life Fitness’s reach across the world. And Brunswick Corporation remained the parent company until 2019 when they sold Life Fitness to KPS Capital Partners.

Who Is KPS Capital Partners?

KPS Capital Partners is an American private equity firm that specializes in acquiring under-performing companies and turning them around for success. They have over $12 billion assets under management and own multiple businesses across various industries.

In August 2019, KPS Capital Partners announced that they had acquired Life Fitness from Brunswick Corporation for $490 million. The acquisition was finalized in September 2019, and Life Fitness became a portfolio company of KPS Capital Partners.

Life Fitness Today

Under the ownership of KPS Capital Partners, Life Fitness continues to thrive and expand its market share in the fitness industry. The company’s headquarters is still located in Illinois, where it all started over 40 years ago. Life Fitness now operates in over 120 countries worldwide and has manufacturing facilities in the USA, Germany, and China.

One of the first changes after the acquisition was the appointment of Chris Clawson as the new CEO of Life Fitness. Clawson had previously worked within KPS portfolio companies and brought a wealth of experience to Life Fitness.

KPS Capital Partners have also invested heavily in developing new products and technologies for Life Fitness. In October 2020, they announced the launch of Halo, a digital platform that offers personalized workout recommendations and tracking for Life Fitness equipment users.

What Does This Mean for Customers?

For customers who have been loyal to the Life Fitness brand, this change in ownership may bring some concerns and questions. However, rest assured that KPS Capital Partners is committed to maintaining the same quality products and customer service that Life Fitness is known for.

They have also announced plans for global expansion to make Life Fitness products more accessible to customers worldwide. This means more people will have access to top-of-the-line fitness equipment from this reputable brand.

In conclusion, while there have been changes in ownership throughout its history, one thing has remained constant – Life Fitness’s commitment to providing high-quality fitness equipment. Under KPS Capital Partners ownership, we can expect even more exciting developments from this already successful brand.

We hope this article has answered your question on who owns Life Fitness today. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global leader in fitness equipment, this brand has come a long way. With KPS Capital Partners’ backing, we can look forward to seeing more innovative products and expansion opportunities for Life Fitness in the future. If you are a fitness enthusiast or gym owner looking for top-notch workout equipment, we highly recommend Life Fitness for its quality, durability, and cutting-edge technology.

The History of Life Fitness

Life Fitness was founded in 1977 by Keene P. Dimick, an American mechanical engineer who specialized in designing exercise equipment. The company’s initial focus was on creating innovative and durable equipment for health clubs, but it quickly became apparent that there was a growing demand for premium fitness equipment for the home market as well.

In 1984, the company introduced its first piece of electronic exercise equipment, the LifeCycle bike. This revolutionary piece of equipment featured computerized resistance levels and heart rate monitors, setting the standard for future cardiovascular machines.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Life Fitness continued to expand its product line and distribution channels. By the early 2000s, it had become a global leader in commercial fitness equipment, serving customers in over 120 countries.

The Evolution of Ownership

In 1997, Keene Dimick retired and sold Life Fitness to Brunswick Corporation. Under Brunswick’s ownership, Life Fitness saw steady growth and introduced several new product lines including treadmills, ellipticals, and strength training equipment.

In 2019, KPS Capital Partners acquired Life Fitness from Brunswick Corporation. This private equity firm specializes in acquiring businesses with strong brands and helping them improve their operations and profitability. With this change in ownership came renewed focus on innovation and customer experience.

Who Owns Life Fitness Today?

At present, KPS Capital Partners is the majority owner of Life Fitness. However, the same core management team that has been leading the company since its acquisition by Brunswick remains in place. This team is passionate about providing best-in-class fitness solutions for both commercial facilities and home users.

Today, Life Fitness products can be found in health clubs all over the world as well as in homes across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East.

Innovations and Patents

One of the key driving forces behind Life Fitness’ success has been its commitment to innovation. The company holds over 420 patents for its various equipment and technology. These patents cover everything from advanced biomechanical designs to integrated touchscreen consoles.

Some notable innovations by Life Fitness include:

– The Hammer Strength line, which revolutionized strength training with its plate-loaded equipment
– The FlexDeck shock absorption system used in their treadmills and ellipticals, providing a superior workout experience
– The SYNRGY360 functional training system, combining multiple pieces of equipment into one versatile solution

Industry Recognition and Awards

Life Fitness is widely recognized as an industry leader, known for producing high-quality and innovative commercial and home fitness solutions. It has received numerous awards throughout its history, including being named the “Best Cardio Equipment Brand” at the Global Fitness Industry Awards in 2019.

The company is also the official fitness equipment supplier for many prestigious events, such as the Olympic Games and the NFL Scouting Combine. This further solidifies their reputation as a top brand in the fitness industry.

Company Culture and Values

Life Fitness prides itself on creating a positive work environment where employees are encouraged to take ownership of their roles and innovate within their teams. The company values collaboration, trust, integrity, customer focus, continuous improvement, and results-driven performance.

As a global company with a diverse customer base, Life Fitness strives to create an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity and fosters creativity. Employees are offered opportunities for career development and personal growth through various training programs and resources.

In conclusion, Life Fitness has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1977. It has evolved from a small start-up focusing on commercial fitness equipment to an established global brand providing premium fitness solutions to both professional facilities and home users.

Under new ownership and with a strong management team in place, Life Fitness continues to innovate and produce cutting-edge fitness equipment that helps people around the world achieve their fitness goals. With a commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, it is no surprise that Life Fitness remains a top player in the industry.

1. Who is the owner of Life Fitness?
The parent company of Life Fitness is Brunswick Corporation, which has owned the brand since 1997.

2. Is Life Fitness publicly traded?
No, Brunswick Corporation is a privately held company and Life Fitness is a subsidiary of the corporation.

3. Are there any other companies that own Life Fitness?
No, Brunswick Corporation is currently the sole owner of Life Fitness.

4. Who founded Life Fitness?
Life Fitness was founded in 1977 by two fitness experts, Augie Nieto and Gary Stevenson.

5. Does anyone else own the rights to the technology used in Life Fitness products?
No, as a subsidiary of Brunswick Corporation, all technology used in Life Fitness products is owned by the corporation.

6. Is there a difference between owning and licensing Life Fitness equipment?
Yes, owning a piece of Life Fitness equipment means you have full ownership and can use it as desired. Licensing refers to individuals or facilities paying a fee in order to use the equipment for a certain period of time.

In conclusion, Life Fitness is owned by Brunswick Corporation, a leading global manufacturer and distributor of fitness equipment. The company’s history dates back to 1952 when it was founded by Ray Wilson, but it wasn’t until 1997 that Brunswick acquired Life Fitness and incorporated it into their portfolio. Despite changes in ownership, Life Fitness has remained a reputable brand known for producing high-quality fitness equipment and is widely recognized as a pioneer in the industry.

Throughout this discussion, we have gained insight into the history of Life Fitness and its journey as a company. We have also explored the different factors that have contributed to its success, including innovative technology, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Additionally, we have seen how Brunswick’s acquisition has allowed Life Fitness to expand its market reach and continue to grow in the competitive fitness industry.

One key takeaway from this exploration is the importance of continuous innovation and adaptation in staying relevant in an ever-evolving market. From its early days of creating weightlifting machines to now offering a range of digital fitness solutions, Life Fitness has demonstrated the significance of embracing change and staying ahead of trends.

Furthermore, the ownership of Life Fitness by Brunswick Corporation highlights the significance of corporate responsibility and ethics in business. As a subsidiary company, Life Fitness operates under the

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Jeff Duncan
Jeff Duncan, the owner and Head Coach of CrossFit Pearl District, is dedicated to fostering a supportive and effective training environment.

With a strong belief in the principles of movement mechanics, consistency, and intensity, Jeff has cultivated a community that thrives on continuous improvement and mutual support.

From 2024, Jeff Duncan has expanded his passion for CrossFit beyond coaching by writing an informative blog dedicated to the CrossFit niche. His blog features a variety of content aimed at providing valuable information and insights to the CrossFit community.

Jeff’s posts cover a wide range of topics including training techniques, nutrition advice, workout routines, and answers to common queries within the niche. This transition to blogging allows Jeff to reach a broader audience, sharing his expertise and helping individuals at all levels of their fitness journey.