NRG Gyms: Steering Fitness Growth with Puma Capital's Backing
Deal News | Mar 26, 2025 | Puma Capital Group

Puma Capital Group, through its VCT funds, has invested 4 million into NRG Gyms, a high-value, low-cost fitness chain in the UK, to support its growth trajectory. NRG Gyms, founded by Shafiq Ahmed in 2013, has established itself with a significant member base by democratising fitness access with affordable pricing paired with quality service and equipment. The investment will bolster the chain's expansion, aiming to open ten new gyms in the next three years, exploring acquisition opportunities, and building out its senior management team. With strategic guidance from industry veterans, including a recent board appointment of ex-JD Sports CFO Neil Greenhalgh, NRG Gyms is poised to meet the evolving needs of its member base and the broader fitness market.
Sectors
- Fitness and Wellness
- Private Equity and Venture Capital
Geography
- United Kingdom – The article is centered around the UK market, where NRG Gyms operates and plans to expand with new locations.
Industry
- Fitness and Wellness – The article focuses on NRG Gyms, a fitness company offering health and wellness services aimed at wide accessibility.
- Private Equity and Venture Capital – Puma Capital's investment in NRG Gyms is a significant feature of the article, highlighting funding and expansion strategies.
Financials
- 4 million – Investment amount provided by Puma VCT 13 and Puma Alpha VCT to support NRG Gyms' expansion.
Participants
Name | Role | Type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
NRG Gyms | Target Company | Company | A UK fitness chain founded by Shafiq Ahmed, focused on affordable gym services. |
Puma Capital Group | Private Equity Investor | Company | Provider of VCT funds that invested in NRG Gyms to support its growth. |
Shafiq Ahmed | CEO & Founder of NRG Gyms | Person | Founder and driving force behind NRG Gyms' mission and expansion. |
Neil Greenhalgh | Non-Executive Director, NRG Gyms | Person | Former CFO of JD Sports, recently joined NRG Gyms' board. |
Rupert West | Managing Director, Puma | Person | Part of the Puma team providing expertise for NRG Gyms' expansion. |
Kelvin Reader | Investment Director, Puma | Person | Involved in providing investment insight and support for NRG Gyms. |