Merrithew Acquired Gyrotonic to Scale Fitness Reach
The fitness equipment firm is integrating the specialist movement brand into its global distribution and education network.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Business Strategy
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Merrithew, the owner of Stott Pilates, has acquired the Gyrotonic organization to expand its presence in the growing movement discipline market. This deal marks the latest step in a consolidation strategy backed by private equity firm ONCAP.
Why it matters
By adding Gyrotonic’s specialized pulley-based apparatus to its portfolio, Merrithew aims to capture accelerating global demand for reformer and movement training. The acquisition leverages Merrithew’s existing infrastructure to scale niche brands across its 135-country footprint.
Merrithew, which currently serves over 100,000 students and partners in 135 countries, has acquired the Gyrotonic organization. This brings the Gyrotonic base of approximately 16,000 trainers and 5,000 studios into a broader platform alongside Stott Pilates and the recently acquired Align-Pilates.
The players
Merrithew
A Canadian fitness equipment and education firm that operates in 135 countries.
ONCAP
A private equity firm that acquired a majority stake in Merrithew in 2022.
Gyrotonic
A movement method using specialized equipment with pulley and rotating components.
Align-Pilates
A UK-based Pilates equipment provider acquired by Merrithew in 2024.
Life Fitness
A global fitness equipment manufacturer that holds an exclusive US distribution agreement with Merrithew.
The details
Merrithew is applying its established commercial, equipment manufacturing, and education infrastructure to scale the Gyrotonic brand. The deal follows Merrithew’s 2024 acquisition of Align-Pilates and its recent focus on international distribution partnerships in the Caribbean, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. ONCAP, which took a majority stake in Merrithew in 2022, continues to drive an aggressive acquisition growth strategy in the fitness sector.
Timeline
2020: Gyrotonic methods reached 16,000 trainers.
February 2022: ONCAP acquired a majority stake in Merrithew.
November 2024: Merrithew acquired Align-Pilates.
2026: Merrithew expanded its international distribution network.
September 24, 2026: The acquisition of the Gyrotonic organization was announced.
Market Landscape
This deal follows the trend of private equity-led consolidation within the specialized fitness and wellness sector. By grouping brands like Stott Pilates and Gyrotonic, Merrithew is positioning itself as a comprehensive platform for the growing international movement discipline market.
Operators in the movement and Pilates space should monitor how Merrithew’s expanded distribution footprint impacts pricing and equipment access in their specific regions. Given the company's aggressive growth trajectory, businesses should prepare for further consolidation that may alter existing supply chain and equipment vendor relationships.
The takeaway
Merrithew's acquisition signals a push to monopolize the equipment and education infrastructure for specialized movement disciplines. Owners should evaluate whether their current equipment suppliers maintain their independence or are likely to be integrated into larger, consolidated platforms.
Further reading
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