2011 Top Track 250

Rank: 25   Virgin Active

Shareholders: CVC Capital Partners, Virgin Group, management

Part of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, Virgin Active operates health clubs in Britain, Italy, Portugal, Spain and South Africa. In April, it almost doubled its UK presence when it acquired rival Esporta's 55 gym and racquet clubs in a £77.5m deal. Esporta had suffered in the downturn, falling into administration in 2007 and being taken over by its lender Société Générale in 2009. Led by chief executive Matthew Bucknall, Virgin Active's sales reached £445.2m in 2010. In August CVC Capital Partners acquired a controlling stake in the health club operator; valuing the company at £900m.

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Company facts

Virgin Active
Health club operator
Company website

2010 Sales£445.2m
2010 Profit£64.7m
Financial year endDec 10
2010 staff8,971
Founded1999
Location of HQMilton Keynes
If applicable:
* = annualised figures
‡ = draft accounts