The Hindu Business Line : Fitness fad adds muscle to Gympac plans

GYMPAC, the sole distributor of US fitness equipment major Precor's products in India, is likely to register a 130 per cent increase in revenues to Rs 14 crore this year, thanks to a growing fitness consciousness. The Chennai-based company, which predicts that the industry will clock compounded annual growth rates of 15-20 per cent in the coming years, is also expected to benefit from Precor's recent acquisitions in the US.

Precor, known for its premium range of cardiovascular conditioning equipment like treadmills, stationary bikes and climbers, recently bought two companies, one of which is expected to add to the company's capability across another vital segment — `strength products.' As a result of these developments, Gympac will be able to provide "complete fitness solutions," said its Director (Sales & Marketing), Mr Yashwant Saran.

The Seattle-headquartered company bought Fitness Products International for $11.8 million early this month, thereby bringing a range of `strength products' — predominantly marketed under the Icarian brand name — under Precor's fold.

Precor is also understood to have acquired Cardio Theater, which specialises in fitness entertainment technology. The principal's second acquisition, Mr Saran said, will help Gympac provide its clients personalised services and "enhance their fitness experience."

Gympac, which has been Precor's distributor since 1998, earned revenues of Rs 6 crore last year. In addition to hotels, fitness clubs and high-net worth individuals, Gympac is targeting companies, an increasing number of which are setting up in-house fitness centres.

Its corporate clients include Microsoft, Hyderabad, Oracle, TCS, Chennai, and Apollo Hospitals. Dealing in premium fitness equipment, Gympac has consciously avoided taking the retail route, said Mr Saran, adding that it "firmly believes in direct marketing." The company has sales and after-sales teams in all major cities, he said.

More Stories on : Outlook | Medical & Surgical Equipments

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
ESPN to beam Euro 2004 football matches

IOC to offer more than jus' fuel

Tanishq bid to push diamond jewellery

Pepsi-Bryan Adams

A theme store called Impero

LifeStyle opens third store in Mumbai

Qwiky's to have more outlets; plans second store in Lanka

Fitness fad adds muscle to Gympac plans

Airtel offers Rs 50 pre-paids recharge

Bio-ceramic launches Mega Bio products

Smirnoff Vodka in new package