Golds and 24Hr Gym have been negotiating to and thro for over 6 months originally Gold’s were set to take over on May 1st 2006.

Senior vice president of Gold’s From U.S.A Keith Albright visited the
location along with accountant Mr Andrew Carney with hopes to develop its UK Headquarters in Swindon. New junior bodybuilding sensation Tim Blakeley plans to manage the proposed Swindon HQ of Gold’s.

Despite letters and posters being displayed announcing the take over it appeared premature as planning conditions placed by the local council have prevented Gold’s from closing the deal. The council have to lift the conditional use, this conditional use means planning has to be reapplied for in 3 and a half years although it has been renewed recently it still has to meet the planners every 5 years.

The town’s planners at the local council want to “control” what consents are granted and in effect can stop planning renewal every 5 years, a condition Gold’s want lifted in order to invest in its UK expansion.

24Hr Gym is one of if not the largest free weight areas in UK with over 10,000sq ft and easily fits in as one of the best gyms in Europe. Vernon Montgomery the current owner. Said,

“People are blown away soon as they walk in, here in UK members are used to cramped ill equipped often dirty gyms or where the staff only care about sales. Were definitely run things different from other gyms.”

Gold’s acknowledged that 24Hr Gym operates its set up on a similar scale and fashion to their more successful clubs. Gold’s and 24Hr Gym are still negotiating around planning issues and restructuring. No future dates have been set but full update of this proposition will be coming soon. Tim Blakely said,

“Gold’s would only be improving on what already is a fantastic gym.”

Members have given mixed opinions to the take over, from those who don’t want it to loose its friendly family appeal to a corporate giant (Gold’s are the largest Gym chain in the world), to those who are optimistic about new equipment and refit modernization. All that can be said is Jury’s out right now.

GOLD’S GYM STORY UPDATE 1
UK’S NATIONAL MAGAZINE RELEASES GOLD’S BUY OUT OF 24HR GYM

Vern was talking to news reporter for a totally unrelated issue, to do with doing a 400 word document on nutrition and counting calories successfully but in conversation the information about Gold’s was discussed in matter of fact terms and then released as a main feature in Workout Magazine.

GOLD’S GYM STORY UPDATE 2
GOLD’S “TURNS TO LEAD”

Gold’s franchisee Scott Rendell and his gang, failed to get their idea off the ground in Swindon. Despite being given all the necessary information and many new deadlines, they could not find the money to proceed. 24Hr Gym continue to build on its popular system.

And the moral of this story? Be careful if your ego is bigger than your cheque book!

Vernon Montgomery