Snap Fitness Buys Iowa-Based Fitness Chain

Chanhassen-based Snap Fitness said that it recently acquired Kosama Complete Body Transformation, which franchises clubs that offer instructor-led fitness classes that do not use cardio or weight machines.

Chanhassen-based fitness club franchisor Snap Fitness announced Wednesday that it recently acquired Des Moines, Iowa-based Kosama Complete Body Transformation.

Terms of the acquisition, which was completed January 4, were not disclosed.

Kosama franchises clubs that do not have any cardio or weight machines. The clubs are designed specifically for instructor-led fitness classes, including kickboxing and yoga. Founded in 2010, Kosama has 19 locations in five states and plans for a total of 75 to 100 by the end of 2012, Snap Fitness said.

“The fitness horizon is always introducing new crazes and there is no doubt that 2012 will be even more embracing of group fitness sessions,” Snap Fitness Founder and CEO Peter Taunton said in statement. “We have quickly recognized the many advantages of such a workout and look forward to strengthening Kosama's presence among the industry leaders.”

While Kosama's four-employee corporate office has been integrated into Snap Fitness' own, Snap Fitness said that the two chains will continue to operate under their own respective names and that neither will change its offerings.

Founded in 2003, Snap Fitness now has more than 1,200 clubs worldwide. Its clubs allow members to work out around the clock and are designed to provide a smaller, more convenient alternative to larger health clubs.

Snap Fitness' announcement comes at a time when its competitor, Hastings-based Anytime Fitness, is expanding rapidly. Anytime-which has approximately 1,800 clubs worldwide-announced earlier this month that it has expanded to the Middle East and opened nearly 300 clubs within the past year. Like Snap Fitness, Anytime franchises smaller clubs that are open 24-7.

Snap Fitness and Anytime Fitness were among Twin Cities Business' “Small Business Success Stories” in 2007 and 2009, respectively.