Competition Law in the Digital Age - Newsletter March 2026
5 March 2026
On 19 March 2026, the German Federal Cartel Office cleared the acquisition by LifeFit Group of 21 gyms in Germany operating under the “Just Fit” brand. LifeFit Group, a portfolio company of private equity firm Waterland, operates more than 200 gyms across Germany under the “FitnessFirst Black” and “FitnessFirst Red” brands.
Following a comprehensive review and investigation, the Federal Cartel Office cleared the transaction within the initial one-month review period (so-called “Phase 1 proceedings”). In its press release, the Federal Cartel Office noted that its assessment focused not only on questions concerning the product and geographic scope of the relevant market for gym services, but also on other competitive factors – most notably competitive constraints arising from potential openings of additional gyms in Cologne. The transaction has since been completed following clearance by the Federal Cartel Office.
Hengeler Mueller’s Brussels office advised Waterland and LifeFit Group on all merger control aspects of the transaction, including the representation before the Federal Cartel Office – as it had previously done for Waterland in connection with the acquisitions of the LifeFit and FIT/One gym chains.
Hengeler Mueller team for Waterland/LifeFit Group
Antitrust/Competition Law: Christoph Wilken (partner, lead), Christoph Sielmann (senior associate, both Brussels).
