The fitness chain CleverFit is facing significant challenges as several of its branches in Niedersachsen have entered insolvency proceedings. This development comes amid broader economic issues affecting various sectors in Germany, including the restaurant industry. Founded in Munich in 2004, CleverFit has grown into an international brand, boasting over 500 studios across nine countries. However, the recent financial turmoil has led to the closure of two of its locations.
According to the district court of Braunschweig, insolvency proceedings have been initiated for six companies under the CF Holding BS GmbH umbrella. The affected studios are located in Braunschweig, Helmstedt, Lehrte, and Wolfsburg. The court's decision to open the proceedings on April 1, 2025, follows insolvency applications filed between December and January due to economic difficulties and the unexpected death of the managing partner.
Insolvency applications were filed for the following GmbHs: CF BS-Mitte GmbH, CF BS-Nord GmbH, CF Helmstedt GmbH, CF Wolfsburg GmbH, and CF Lehrte GmbH. Notably, the studios in Braunschweig-Mitte and Helmstedt were closed prior to the insolvency applications and are expected to remain closed.
Despite these setbacks, the insolvency administrator, Dr. Immo Hamer, expressed optimism about the future of the CleverFit studios. He stated, "I am confident that suitable continuation solutions are possible for the CleverFit studios." His team has developed a restructuring concept aimed at making the CleverFit Group future-proof through new carrier models.
The goal of the restructuring process is to maintain as many jobs as possible within the affected studios. Hamer noted that a solid foundation for further restructuring was established during the preliminary proceedings. "In the preliminary proceedings, we created a good starting point for the further restructuring process. The discussions with interested parties are constructive and positive," he added.
In the coming weeks, various investor offers will be examined and negotiated, with the main objective being to preserve employment opportunities. The CleverFit chain has been significantly impacted by the ongoing insolvency wave that has swept through various industries in Germany, including restaurants and retail.
As the fitness industry grapples with these economic challenges, other fitness chains have also been forced to file for insolvency, highlighting the broader struggles within the sector. The CleverFit Group's commitment to exploring new business models and seeking potential investors reflects a proactive approach to navigating these turbulent times.
Founded as a franchise concept, CleverFit has established itself as a prominent player in the fitness market. Its expansion across multiple countries showcases its adaptability and resilience. However, the recent insolvency proceedings serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the business landscape, especially in light of external pressures such as economic downturns and unexpected leadership changes.
In summary, while the CleverFit brand faces immediate challenges, the efforts of its management and insolvency team to restructure and innovate may pave the way for a more sustainable future. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the fate of the affected studios and the overall viability of the CleverFit franchise.
