Australian Franchises

Why Fernwood is a great franchise opportunity

Become a Fernwood franchisee and make an investment on two levels. Your new life will be rewarding financially and personally as you help members achieve their fitness and wellness goals.

Fernwood Women's Health Clubs is a member of the Franchise Council of Australia and also the dominant player in women's-only fitness in Australia. It owes its success to the quality of its franchisees who work hard in partnership with Fernwood to make a difference in the lives of women.

Becoming a Fernwood franchisee is an investment on two levels: financial and personal. At the heart of our success is our commitment to our members and to helping them achieve their fitness and wellness goals. Our approach to that is holistic. We provide comprehensive workout areas, personal training, group fitness classes, a weight-management program, free breakfasts and free toiletries. The personal investment brings a healthy financial yield.

There are two ways into the Fernwood franchise network and the investment level will be determined by the route you choose. You can open a new club in one of our pre-determined Primary Marketing Areas (PMAs), or by buying an existing club that may be listed for sale.

New Health & Fitness Club Investment

The costs involved in establishing a new fitness club include:

• A franchise fee of $55,000 plus GST to join the Fernwood network;
• Club design, the local council approval process, and building fit-out;
• Furniture and fittings;
• Marketing campaign for the club launch;
• Lease deposits and bank guarantee;
• Administration and legal fees;
• Working capital

The fitness equipment, which is replaced every five years, will be financed through a fully maintained operating lease.

Investment costs may vary between new clubs due to the nature of our lease negotiations and will also depend on whether the landlord is willing to make contributions such as lessor works, cash contributions towards the fit out or a rent-free period. During the franchise selection process, you will complete your own set-up budget based on the further information we provide as the process evolves.

Existing Health & Fitness Club Investment

On occasion, a number of Fernwood clubs become available for sale. Generally speaking, our Fernwood businesses have sold for the written down value of assets and liabilities as is, in addition to a goodwill consideration of between two and three times multiple of maintainable earnings. The major banks provide special lending deals to Fernwood franchise partners for the purchase of existing clubs. For more information about existing club opportunities, please click on the link to our 'Current Franchise Clubs for Sale' page.

The Franchise Process

• The journey to becoming a Fernwood franchisee can take as long as you need. This period allows for you and Fernwood to fully assess the compatibility of the business to your skills and needs. The process involves the following:
• Complete the online enquiry form on this website. A franchise development representative will then be in contact to provide you with a link to our secure online application form.
• If your application meets our initial selection criteria, we will then invite you to meet with a Fernwood representative in your home capital city.
• If both parties decide to continue on this journey, you will be invited to visit our National Support Office in Melbourne where you will meet our Director, the Franchise Development Manager and other support office personnel. This meeting will provide yet another opportunity to establish your suitability to become a Fernwood franchisee. You will also be given formal documentation to take to your advisors.
• You will then be expected to complete due diligence – gather legal and financial advice, organise your finances, avail of the opportunity to meet with our current franchise partners at their clubs and decide if this is the business for you. At this point, you will also be expected to complete a business plan.
• Fernwood will advise you of the success – or not – of your application in due course. If you are successful, you will be expected to sign the franchise documentation and pay the franchise fee.

To find out more, please view our frequently asked questions.