Johannesburg - South Africa's Brait SE has offered $1 billion for a controlling stake in fitness chain Virgin Active, it said on Tuesday, seeking to tap the growing health-conscious middle class market in Africa and Asia.
Virgin Active, jointly owned by Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group and buyout firm CVC Capital Partners, operates 267 gyms across nine countries including South Africa, Thailand and the United Kingdom.
Under the deal, Brait would take an 80-percent stake in the company for 682 million pounds ($1 billion) and Virgin Group would retain 20 percent holding.
Brait, which is also listed in Luxembourg, said it would fund the deal with cash on hand.
Reuters