Friday, April 30, 2004

Fitness companies announce merger By JOHN THOMPSON jthompson@TheCitizenNews.com It’s a new day in the fitness world in Fayette County. Officials at World Gym and Gold’s Gym announced this week the five gyms would now be under one ownership. World Gym owner Dar Thompson and general manager Kim Hershey will now head up and manage the fitness facilities. This marks the second time in less than a year that Gold’s Gyms has changed ownership. J.D. and Varner Holmes sold the facilities to James Viar and Louis Governo, who have now entered into a consolidation agreement with the World Gym owners. Members will be able to use any of the facilities in the county. The Gold’s Gym next to Big Lots in Fayetteville is moving into the much-large World Gym across Ga. Highway 85, next to Hobby Lobby. The move is expected to be completed by Monday. Fitness fans will also notice new treadmills and ellipticals at the World Gym location in Peachtree City next week. Officials also announced a new fitness facility will be built on Ga. Highway 74 between Southern Community Bank and the Hampton Inn. The construction should begin within six weeks on the 29,000 sq.ft. facility. In addition to building a new facility, the owners also plan to enlarge the Gold’s Gym on Ga. Highway 54 in Peachtree City. Members at the clubs will pay the same membership rate, but the new owners did say a price increase for new memberships would probably occur in the next few months. There is no word yet on the official name of the new gyms.

Back to News Home Page