California Fitness closes all branches in Singapore

SINGAPORE — California Fitness has ceased all its gym operations in Singapore, it was revealed just after midnight on Wednesday (July 20). In a media announcement, Tim Reid and Theresa Ng of Ferrier Hodgson said they have been appointed as Provisional Liquidators of JV Fitness Pte Ltd, by the order of the High Court on Tuesday.

JV Fitness is the owner of California Fitness branches located at Bugis, Raffles Place and Novena. 

"JV Fitness does not have adequate liquid resources to continue its operations and therefore all outlets in Singapore will be closed from today until further notice," the media release read.

"The Provisional Liquidators will quickly explore options that may be available to enable the business to operate but for time being, it is necessary to cease the operations of the fitness centres with immediate effect."

Last week, JV Fitness, which owns the gym franchise in Hong Kong, China and Singapore, closed all its 12 branches in Hong Kong, with the outlets in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou following suit.

According to the South China Morning Post, the firm - Hong Kong’s second-largest gym operator - owes an estimated HK$130 million (S$22.6 million) in rent and other operating costs. Its sole director Wong Lun, who is not in Hong Kong, is wanted by the Customs and Excise Department following the arrest of two senior executives on Monday.

Then last Saturday morning, California Fitness Singapore closed its Raffles Club at Republic Plaza at Raffles Place, sparking fears among its members that the gym operator’s troubles in Hong Kong and China are now spreading to Singapore.

California Fitness Singapore's spokesman could not be reached for comment.