Virgin Active
Virgin Active is an international health-club brand whose first club opened in Preston, UK, in 1999. It operates across Southern Africa, the UK, Italy and Asia-Pacific. Major shareholder Brait reported a 61.3% stake following a 2026 capital restructuring.
Contents5 sections
Key facts
1999First club in Preston
The first club opened in Preston in 1999, extending Virgin into fitness and wellness. Services combine individual training, group classes and facilities that vary by club.[1]
International business: Regional club networks
Brait’s financial reporting identifies Southern Africa, Italy, the UK and Asia-Pacific as operating regions. Club networks, membership products and business conditions differ across markets.[2]
2026Financing and Brait’s stake
On June 18, 2026, Brait reported that a £175 million capital raise and preferred-share conversion reduced its stake from 67.7% to 61.3%. The ownership structure illustrates the distinction between Virgin branding and equity control.[2]
Related Organizations, Websites, and Public Accounts
Virgin Active: Official link: https://www.virginactive.co.uk/ (opens in a new window).[1]
Richard BransonRichard BransonRichard Branson is a British entrepreneur and founder of Virgin Group. Beginning with a youth magazine and mail-order records, he expanded into aviation, leisure, telecommunications, finance and commercial spaceflight. He also founded Virgin Unite and is known for ballooning expeditions and his 2021 suborbital flight.Open the full entry: Official link: https://www.virgin.com/branson-family/richard-branson (opens in a new window).[1][3]
Virgin GroupVirgin GroupVirgin Group is an investment and brand group originating in the record business established by Richard Branson and Nik Powell in 1970. Its network spans aviation, travel, hospitality, health, telecommunications, finance and spaceflight. Virgin-branded businesses have distinct ownership and operating arrangements.Open the full entry: Official link: https://www.virgin.com/ (opens in a new window).[1][4]