Self Esteem Brands (SEB) is taking its Anytime Fitness brand to France, following the signing of a master franchisee deal.

Anytime France SARL, a company set up for the venture, will oversee the brand's growth in the country, with initial openings secured in six locations – Paris, the wider Ile-de-France region, Auvergne, Rhone-Alpes, Provence-Alpes and the Cote d’Azur.

More specific locations, the exact number of clubs and opening dates will be announced in the near future.

With the addition of France, Self Esteem Brands will now have Anytime Fitness clubs operating in 41 countries and territories around the globe.

Sander van den Born, executive vice president of international, Self Esteem Brands, said: "With the general recovery of the fitness market in France, the moment is right; we are well placed to bring the Anytime Fitness brand here as we accelerate our growth across the European landscape.

“Working with two exceptional, experienced Anytime Fitness club owners, we're proud to know the brand will play an active role in helping the people of France on their personal health and well-being journey.”

Anytime France is owned by Benoit Hanssen and Matt Burgess, who currently operate Anytime Fitness clubs across Italy.

Burgess said: “Coupled with our learnings from neighbouring market Italy and the addition of the local French flavour to the US model, we are confident in our plans for growth, enabling people to meet their fitness and wellbeing goals.”

Anytime Fitness is one of the world's largest fitness franchises, with nearly five million members at more than 5,100 clubs in more than 41 countries and territories.

Headquartered in Woodbury, Minnesota, USA, parent company Self Esteem Brands owns and operates the Anytime Fitness, Basecamp Fitness (called SUMHIIT outside the US), The Bar Method and Waxing the City fitness and wellness brands.