Eversheds has acted for Nuffield Health, one of the UK’s largest not-for-profit healthcare organisations, on the acquisition of 35 Virgin Active gym sites. The transaction is expected to complete in the third quarter of 2016.

With this transaction, Nuffield Health boosts the number of health and wellbeing gym sites to 112, making it a leading provider in the consumer health and wellbeing market. This acquisition is part of Nuffield Health’s strategy to provide a seamless, connected health and wellbeing service across the UK, linking up fitness and wellbeing gyms with clinical services and hospitals.

The Eversheds team was led by Rachel Broquard, corporate partner. The Eversheds team also included Elizabeth Graves (Employment), Richard Lewis, Alex Pritchard, Alice Heatley, Ivan Moriarty, Adam Collinson, Claire Morgan and Michael Loffler. Burges Salmon advised Virgin Active.

Rachel Broquard, commented:

“This deal elevates Nuffield Health to a peak position within the increasingly dynamic health market. We worked alongside them to achieve a strategic aim and look forward to working towards more strategic goals with them in future.”

Steve Gray, Chief Executive Officer for Nuffield Health said:

“This acquisition is a great move forward and allows us to increase the pace of delivery of our strategy and our charitable purpose.”