August 24, 2020 11.25 am This story is over 43 months old

DW Lincoln gym to stay open with new owners and name

Sports Direct group will take it over

By Local Democracy Reporter

The DW Sport Fitness gym and spa in Lincoln will remain open as Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has acquired the chain from administration in a deal worth up to £44 million.

Frasers Group, which also owns Sports Direct, intends to run the business using its Everlast brand, the American boxing kit manufacturer made famous by Muhammad Ali.

DW was founded by former Wigan Athletic owner Dave Whelan. The chain of 73 gyms and 75 shops fell into administration last month, putting 1,700 jobs at risk.

All the shops were closed immediately, while the gym part of the business continued operating until a new buyer was found.

A related but separate entity, 43 DW Fitness First clubs, were unaffected by the administration.

The Lincoln DW facility will now remain open and members’ fees will be collected as usual towards the end of the month.

New information regarding any upcoming changes is expected in September.