Up to 2,000 women-only fitness and weight-loss centres are expected to open in Japan over the next five years.
The news comes as Curves International signs a deal with Venture Link for Venture Link to become the exclusive licensee of Curves Fitness Centers in Japan.
The rollout will begin this year with the first centre expected to open in the suburbs of Tokyo in July 2005.
Under the terms of the agreement, Venture Link will have exclusive rights to sell Curves International franchises throughout Japan and will be responsible for the day to day management of the franchise operations.
Curves International, meanwhile, will provide Venture Link with the equipment and systems to sell and oversee operations for franchises, including ongoing training and support for staff.
A public traded company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Venture Link manages approximately 2,500 stores under a variety of retail brands.
Venture Link’s president Nobuhiko Matsumoto said: “We became aware of its fast growth about two years ago.
“After thoroughly researching the fitness industry in Japan, as well as Japanese women’s interest in a programme like Curves, we are confident the Curves business model will become a great success in Japan.”
Gary Heavin, chief executive of Curves, said: “Japan is a key market for Curves and we are delighted to be working with Venture Link, which has proven to have unsurpassed expertise in building and managing large franchise systems.”
