Portugese health club operator Vivafit is expanding its reach with the signing of the first franchised club in Taiwan, belonging to an American/Taiwanese couple. The 170sq m (1,830sq ft) Taipei club is expected to be the first of a chain of some150 Vivafit clubs in Taiwan.

The first Vivafit also opened in Dubai in June, at the city’s largest office building. The franchisee is a local businessman, but all of the staff will be recruited from Portugal.

Meanwhile, there are plans to open 20 clubs in India within five years, with the second set to open in December.

Vivafit now has clubs in Portugal, Spain, India, Singapore, Indonesia, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Uruguay and Dubai. Talks are ongoing in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, with signings expected later this year.