Gold's Gym Signs Master Franchise Agreement For Central America

VENICE, CALIFORNIA (Wednesday, December 05, 2001) - Gold's Gym International announced that they have signed a master franchising agreement with Ian A. Rondon, a businessman and entrepreneur from the Dominican Republic to develop gyms throughout Central America and Puerto Rico. Mr. Rondon owns several successful businesses in the Dominican Republic, all related to health, beauty and fitness. He has been in the fitness industry for over three years and is president of the Gold's Gym clubs in Santo Domingo and Santiago. These clubs include over 7,000 members.
Rondon's work in the fitness industry has been recognized by Gold's Franchising, Inc., winning the award for "Exceptional International Gym" in 1999 and "Humanitarian of the Year" award in 2000. He was also nominated for "Outstanding Advertising" from 1999-2001, "Best Use of Web Page" 2001, "Best International Gym" 2001, and "Humanitarian of the Year" 2001.

He put together a partnership with long-time friends Martin Gabirondo and Joseph Dunand to create a company called Fitness Franchising. The Dominican Republic facility will be the flagship and corporate headquarters, making it the "Mecca" for Gold's Gym in Central America and the Caribbean. "This is a dream come true, to be a member of the Gold's Gym family. It doesn't get better than this," said Rondon. "Our development will be strongly supported by the principles that brought us success in our own Gold's Gym franchise."

"Mr. Rondon's successful experience in the fitness industry and the strong operational team he has assembled will be instrumental in his ability to roll out a successful franchise program in the region.," said Ben Amante, Senior Vice President of Franchising at Gold's Gym International." "This is a key alliance not only because of Rondon's experience and enthusiasm in the fitness industry but because his company brings a keen understanding of these individual markets and cultures."

Part of the Gold's Gym International global strategy is to form alliances with individuals or companies that have the experience of the particular regions that are targeted for development.

Gold's Gym is recognized in the Millennium Edition of "Guinness World Records 2000" as the largest gym chain in the world. Gold's Gym opened its first location in Venice, California in 1965 and with the notoriety of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno and the movie, Pumping Iron, Gold's Gym quickly became known as "The Mecca of Bodybuilding." Today, Gold's Gym International has an extensive worldwide presence, an experienced corporate staff and 36 years of experience in the fitness industry.

Gold's Gym includes more than 600 gyms in 46 states and 34 countries with more than two million members. In 1999, an independent brand awareness study by The Onyx Consulting Partnership ascertained that Gold's Gym is the most recognized health club in the industry. Gold's Gym International is the gym of preference for amateur and pro athletes, the entertainment industry and people in the mainstream who are dedicated to leading fit and healthy lives.

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