The bodybuilding empire that Arnold Schwarzenegger helped make famous has been sold in Southern California — at least the franchise portion of it.
EōS Fitness announced on October 29 it has acquired all 23 Gold’s Gym locations operated by Southern California franchisees Angel and Willy Banos, including three gyms in the Santa Barbara area: 21 West Carrillo Street, 3908 State Street, and a Goleta location at 6144 Calle Real. The purchase expands EōS’s footprint by nearly 20 percent overnight and makes Southern California its largest U.S. market with 46 locations.
“While this acquisition accelerates our expansion in a highly competitive real estate market, we are especially grateful to Angel and Willy Banos, the founders of this Southern California franchise, for their vision and diligence in building these gyms and maintaining such high standards of operation over the last three decades,” said EōS Fitness CEO Rich Drengberg in a press release. “It’s this foundation that is one of the ways we can extend the premium fitness experience EōS Fitness is known for to a broader audience while enhancing access for existing members.”…