In a major strategic move, EōS Fitness has acquired 23 Gold’s Gym locations across Southern California from franchise operator Gold’s Gym SoCal — owned and operated by brothers Angel and Will Banos — marking a significant expansion for the company in one of the nation’s most competitive fitness markets.
EōS, which first entered Southern California in 2015 with five gyms, now operates 46 clubs in the region — its largest U.S. market to date — and expects to reach 50 locations by the end of 2025.
EōS CEO Rich Drengberg emphasized that the Banos brothers’ long-standing commitment to quality aligns with the brand’s mission of delivering high-value, experience-driven fitness.
“While this acquisition accelerates our expansion in a highly competitive real estate market, we are especially grateful to Angel and Willy Banos, the founders of this Southern California franchise, for their vision and diligence in building these gyms and maintaining such high standards of operation over the last three decades,” said Drengberg in a LinkedIn statement. “This foundation allows us to extend the premium fitness experience EōS Fitness is known for to a broader audience while enhancing access for existing members.”
The deal expands EōS’s presence into several new markets, including Beverly Center, Hollywood, Long Beach and Santa Barbara. The company also plans to retain all gym-level employees from the acquired clubs, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity for members.
In conjunction with the sale, Gold’s Gym announced it will reopen the Southern California franchise market — for the first time in 36 years — to a new generation of franchise partners.
“Gold’s Gym has always been a leader in health and fitness, and this decision marks a huge step forward for the brand, our franchisees, and our members,” said Danny Waggoner, the Co-CEO of Gold’s Gym. “By building on our foundation of strength and performance through elevated experiences, new innovations and a deep commitment to our community, we’re propelling the brand into a new era while remaining true to our heritage.”
Gold’s Gym expressed gratitude to the Banos family for their decades of partnership and the strong foundation they established. Co-CEOs Waggoner and Brad Reynolds said the company plans to build on that legacy by welcoming new franchisees aligned with Gold’s Gym’s revitalized direction.
As part of this new chapter, Gold’s Gym will retain ownership of its world-famous Venice location — known globally as “The Mecca of Bodybuilding” — and embark on an ambitious plan to open next-generation fitness centers built from the ground up with a renewed focus on strength, performance and community.
In May, TSG Consumer Partners, a leading private equity firm specializing in the consumer sector, acquired EōS Fitness, further fueling the brand’s rapid growth and expansion strategy.
