Uncovering the Truth: Who Really Owns Life Time Fitness?

AvatarByGenny Wilkinson Priest

Fitness has become a multi-billion dollar industry, with individuals constantly seeking ways to improve their health and well-being. One of the largest and most popular fitness companies that has been making waves in recent years is Life Time Fitness. From its luxurious amenities to its extensive range of fitness programs, it’s no wonder that many are curious about the company behind it all. Who exactly owns Life Time Fitness? In this article, we will delve into the ownership behind this fitness giant and uncover the story behind its success. So grab your workout gear and get ready to find out who is at the helm of Life Time Fitness.

The History of Life Time Fitness

Life Time Fitness is a luxury health and wellness company that offers fitness centers, cafes, spas, childcare services, and more. The company was founded in 1992 by Bahram Akradi and has since become one of the largest and most successful fitness companies in the United States. Akradi’s vision was to create a one-stop-shop for all things health and wellness, providing a comprehensive experience for its members.

The first Life Time Fitness center opened in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, with a focus on providing upscale amenities and personalized services. The company quickly expanded to other locations throughout the Midwest, with each new center incorporating state-of-the-art equipment and luxurious amenities. By the early 2000s, Life Time Fitness had over 20 locations across multiple states.

In 2004, Life Time Fitness became a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. This allowed for even more growth and expansion opportunities throughout the country. By 2019, the company had over 140 locations in 39 states and Canada.

Who Owns Life Time Fitness?

As of June 2021, Life Time Fitness is owned by Leonard Green & Partners (LGP), a private equity firm based in Los Angeles. LGP acquired Life Time Fitness in 2015 for $4 billion in cash. Prior to that, Akradi owned approximately 12% of the company’s common stock.

Leonard Green & Partners is known for its investments in consumer-focused companies such as J.Crew Group Inc., The Container Store Group Inc., and Petco Animal Supplies Inc. The firm has over $30 billion in equity capital under management and has been investing since it was founded in 1989.

Why Did Leonard Green & Partners Acquire Life Time Fitness?

LGP’s acquisition of Life Time Fitness was a strategic move to capitalize on the growing health and wellness industry. With more people prioritizing their health and seeking out fitness options, LGP saw an opportunity to invest in a company that was well-positioned for growth.

At the time of the acquisition, Life Time Fitness had a loyal membership base, with over 1.7 million members and steady revenue growth. The company’s focus on personalized services and upscale amenities also aligned with LGP’s investment philosophy of acquiring high-quality assets with growth potential.

The Impact of the Acquisition on Life Time Fitness

The acquisition by LGP has allowed Life Time Fitness to continue its rapid expansion and enhance its offerings for members. Under their ownership, the company has opened several new locations, including its first location in New York City in 2017.

LGP has also invested in upgrading existing facilities and incorporating new digital offerings for members. This includes the development of Life Time Digital, a platform that offers virtual classes, personalized training programs, nutrition coaching, and more. This addition has been timely given the increased demand for at-home fitness solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overall, LGP’s ownership has enabled Life Time Fitness to maintain its position as a leader in the luxury health and wellness market while also adapting to changing consumer needs.

What Is the Future of Life Time Fitness?

As consumer trends continue to shift towards prioritizing health and wellness, it is expected that demand for companies like Life Time Fitness will only increase. LGP has committed to investing in the growth of the company further, with plans to open 50-60 new locations over the next five years.

Additionally, Life Time Fitness has expanded its offerings beyond traditional gym memberships to provide an all-encompassing approach to health and wellness. This includes launching partnerships with healthcare providers as well as focusing on holistic services such as nutrition coaching and mental health support.

With a strong financial backing and a commitment to innovation, Life Time Fitness is well-positioned to continue its growth and success in the health and wellness industry. Under LGP’s ownership, the company will likely continue to expand its reach and offerings, cementing itself as a top player in the market.

The History of Life Time Fitness Ownership

Life Time Fitness was founded in 1992 by Bahram Akradi. The first club was located in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota and focused on providing a comprehensive health and fitness experience for its members. As the company expanded, so did its ownership structure.

In 2004, Life Time Fitness went public, trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LTM. This move allowed for more investors to become owners of the company. However, in 2015, Akradi and a group of private equity firms took Life Time Fitness private again in a deal valued at $4 billion.

Fast forward to 2018, when two private-equity firms acquired Life Time Fitness from Akradi and his co-investors for $4.4 billion. Today, Life Time Fitness is owned by Leonard Green & Partners and TPG Capital.

Meet the Major Owners of Life Time Fitness

At present, there are two major owners of Life Time Fitness: Leonard Green & Partners and TPG Capital. Both firms are well-known private equity companies with extensive investment portfolios.

Leonard Green & Partners was founded in 1989 and has since invested over $35 billion in partnerships with companies such as Whole Foods Market, J.Crew Group Inc., and Petco Animal Supplies Inc. The firm typically invests in industries such as consumer services, retail, distribution, and healthcare.

TPG Capital is a global investment firm founded in 1993 with over $108 billion of assets under its management. The firm has invested in a variety of industries including healthcare, consumer services, media and telecommunications, technology, industrial services, energy infrastructure, real estate finance and transportation.

Bahram Akradi: The Original Owner

As mentioned earlier, Bahram Akradi is the original owner and founder of Life Time Fitness. With over 25 years of experience in the health and wellness industry, Akradi has built Life Time Fitness into a leading health and fitness company with over 149 locations in North America.

Born and raised in Tehran, Iran, Akradi moved to the United States in the late 1970s to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. However, he soon discovered his passion for the health and fitness industry and decided to leave his engineering career behind.

Akradi is highly praised for his leadership skills and vision for Life Time Fitness. He strongly believes in providing a holistic approach to health and fitness, focusing not just on physical exercise but also on nutrition, mental well-being, and community support. This approach has helped Life Time Fitness become a household name for individuals looking to improve their overall well-being.

Life Time Fitness: More than Just Physical Fitness

Under the ownership of Leonard Green & Partners and TPG Capital, Life Time Fitness continues to thrive as one of the leading health and wellness companies in North America. The company offers a variety of services including group fitness classes, personal training, spa services, kids’ activities, sports leagues, and nutritional counseling.

In addition to these physical offerings, Life Time Fitness also prioritizes community involvement through its various charity events and partnerships with local organizations. This commitment to giving back has made Life Time Fitness not just a gym but a lifestyle brand that people are proud to be a part of.

In conclusion, while Bahram Akradi may have been the original owner of Life Time Fitness, the company has since gone through various ownership changes. Today, it is owned by private equity firms Leonard Green & Partners and TPG Capital. With their expertise and resources, these owners have helped Life Time Fitness grow into a comprehensive health and wellness company that strives to improve the lives of its members both physically and mentally. As Life Time Fitness continues to expand and evolve, it remains a leader in the fitness industry, with a strong commitment to providing an exceptional experience for its members.

Q: Who owns Life Time Fitness?

A: Life Time Fitness is owned by Leonard Green & Partners and TPG Capital, with executive chairman Bahram Akradi holding a minority share.

Q: When was Life Time Fitness founded?

A: Life Time Fitness was founded in 1992 by Bahram Akradi.

Q: What type of company is Life Time Fitness?

A: Life Time Fitness is a privately held, high-end health and wellness company.

Q: How many locations does Life Time Fitness have?

A: As of 2021, Life Time has over 150 locations across the United States and Canada.

Q: Is Life Time Fitness publicly traded?

A: No, Life Time Fitness is not publicly traded. It was taken private by Leonard Green & Partners and TPG Capital in 2015.

In conclusion, Life Time Fitness is a major player in the fitness industry, offering a wide range of services and amenities to its members. However, when it comes to ownership, there is no single entity that can be identified as the sole owner of Life Time Fitness. The company operates as a publicly traded corporation, with various shareholders holding ownership stakes.

It is clear that the success and growth of Life Time Fitness would not have been possible without the vision and leadership of its co-founders and current CEO, Bahram Akradi. Akradi’s dedication to providing exceptional fitness experiences and his commitment to continuous innovation have propelled Life Time Fitness to become one of the top players in the industry.

Furthermore, while Life Time Fitness may not have a single owner, it has numerous investors, both institutional and individual, who believe in the company’s long-term growth potential. This diverse ownership structure brings stability and supports continual investments in new technologies and expansion initiatives.

Another important aspect to note is the impact of community ownership on Life Time Fitness. With a focus on creating a sense of belonging for its members, community ownership is ingrained in the company’s culture. This promotes member retention and brand loyalty, further fueling its growth.

In today’s competitive fitness market, owning one’s health has

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Genny Wilkinson Priest
Genny Wilkinson Priest began her journey into Ashtanga yoga in 2000 while working as a journalist in her native New York City. Initially drawn to the practice for its physical benefits, Genny soon discovered the profound mental advantages, especially during the challenging period following the 9/11 terror attacks.

Which she covered as a journalist for Reuters. Her professional career took her to Singapore, where she wrote for Time Magazine, and then to Paris, before she finally settled in London.

As her family expanded to include four boys, Genny decided to leave full-time journalism to immerse herself in yoga studies. She achieved certification as a Shri K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute Authorised Level 1 teacher, a British Wheel of Yoga teacher, and a Yoga Alliance-certified teacher.Genny’s passion for yoga philosophy led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation at SOAS in London.

From 2024, Genny Wilkinson Priest has started writing an informative blog on the “Niche Name” niche. She writes informative posts and answers queries on topics that people seek in the niche. This transition marks a significant shift from her previous focus on journalism and traditional media to a more interactive and digital form of communication.

Genny’s blog aims to provide valuable information and foster a community of yoga enthusiasts who can learn and grow together. Her extensive background in both journalism and yoga practice ensures that her content is both authoritative and engaging.