STC and Sportsgym signed a merger agreement in March 2019. This means that STC is taking a big step towards the vision of becoming a nationwide wellness chain, and Sportsgym, with its new brand, will have an opportunity to further strengthen its position in existing and new locations.

“We see great similarities between STC and Sportsgym in terms of quality and culture. We are now broadening our geographical presence and welcoming many fantastic employees into the STC family. We plan to further expand in central and northern Sweden and will continue to actively improve the fitness experience for our members,” says Katarina Andersson, CEO of STC.

Novax stepped in as a part-owner and partner of STC in September 2018 to assist with the continued expansion. The next major initiative occurred in March 2019. The wellness company Sportsgym – with facilities in Östersund, Sundsvall, Åre, Härnösand, Krokom and Höör – merged with STC.

“As daily life becomes increasingly sedentary, regular exercise and movement become crucial in improving public health,” says Josef Bexell, Investment Manager for principal owner Novax. “STC wants to take the lead in inspiring more people to become more active. Sportsgym is an established chain with a strong business concept. Together we can learn from each other and continue our positive development. STC will be our common brand, and the merger means that our members will soon have the opportunity to work out from Ystad in southern Sweden to Åre in the north.”

STC has a long-term goal to become established throughout Sweden. Through ongoing start-ups and the merger with Sportsgym, it currently has about 80 facilities. Growth takes place through both start-ups and acquisitions, and the goal of always being the ‘best in town’ guides development.

“We aim to continue the expansion northwards, so the network of contacts established by Sportsgym will be particularly valuable,” Katarina Andersson notes. “An existing service organisation also makes it easier to establish more clubs.

In the first stage, the merger means that signage for Sportsgym will be changed to STC.”

Sportsgym’s Peder Lind says, “This was the right step in our development as fitness entrepreneurs. Together with STC, we have unique opportunities to broaden the range of what we can offer, increase our appeal and strengthen our position in the market. It’s really stimulating to be able keep developing existing clubs and to expand with new ones, where joy, passion and community are important ingredients.”

For additional information, contact:
Katarina Andersson, CEO, katarina.andersson@stc.se
Peder Lind, Sportsgym, peder@sportsgym.nu
Josef Bexell, Novax Investment Manager, josef.bexell@novax.se

Facts about STC
STC, one of Sweden’s leading wellness companies, has 80 fitness facilities after the merger with Sportsgym. We offer fitness options for all people of all ages through our complete fitness facilities for the whole family as well as smaller base clubs emphasising strength and conditioning. The watchwords that characterise our clubs are joy, passion, personality, professionalism and community. The company, founded in 1997, employs about 900 people and has its headquarters in Kungälv. See www.stc.se for more information.

Facts about Sportsgym
Sportsgym is a well-established wellness chain founded in Östersund in 1996. The business has grown over the years to include 20 facilities in Östersund, Sundsvall, Åre, Härnösand, Krokom and Höör.