Scope of International Operations Walmart
Scope of International Operations
International operations for Bally's Total Fitness and Wal-Mart are responsible for a significant amount of growth as well as profitability. Bally's is the largest, and only nationwide, commercial operator of fitness centers, with approximately four million members and nearly 430 facilities located in 29 states, Canada, Asia, Europe and the Caribbean. As of June 30, 2005, Bally's opened fitness centers in over 45 major metropolitan areas representing 63 percent of the United States population and over 16 percent of the Canadian population. The Company introduced its first international Bally's facility in Nassau, Bahamas through a franchise agreement with Doctor's Hospital, the leading for-profit medical institution in the Caribbean region. Bally's also has a joint venture agreement with China Sports Industry Co. (CSI), the largest publicly traded company related to sports and fitness in China. The joint venture includes opening Bally's in major cities such as: Beijing, Shanghai, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. This joint venture with CSI took place in June 2002 estimating 50 to100 Bally's to be opened in Asia over the next five years. Along with CSI, Bally's has a joint venture with Holmes Place, the leading operator of premium health and fitness clubs in Europe. This will help to expand the Bally Total Fitness name brand in Western Europe and bring the Holmes Place brand name to the United States. Korea is one of Bally's strong franchising successes. "Growing the brand through international franchising efforts is a strategy that ensures we maximize our growth while incurring no capital costs for the company," said Paul Toback, president and chief executive officer, Bally Total Fitness. "By offering high-quality, affordable fitness solutions to the ever growing health and fitness needs of the South East Asia population, Bally's can continue to solidify its position as a true global leader in fitness
International operations for Bally's Total Fitness and Wal-Mart are responsible for a significant amount of growth as well as profitability. Bally's is the largest, and only nationwide, commercial operator of fitness centers, with approximately four million members and nearly 430 facilities located in 29 states, Canada, Asia, Europe and the Caribbean. As of June 30, 2005, Bally's opened fitness centers in over 45 major metropolitan areas representing 63 percent of the United States population and over 16 percent of the Canadian population. The Company introduced its first international Bally's facility in Nassau, Bahamas through a franchise agreement with Doctor's Hospital, the leading for-profit medical institution in the Caribbean region. Bally's also has a joint venture agreement with China Sports Industry Co. (CSI), the largest publicly traded company related to sports and fitness in China. The joint venture includes opening Bally's in major cities such as: Beijing, Shanghai, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. This joint venture with CSI took place in June 2002 estimating 50 to100 Bally's to be opened in Asia over the next five years. Along with CSI, Bally's has a joint venture with Holmes Place, the leading operator of premium health and fitness clubs in Europe. This will help to expand the Bally Total Fitness name brand in Western Europe and bring the Holmes Place brand name to the United States. Korea is one of Bally's strong franchising successes. "Growing the brand through international franchising efforts is a strategy that ensures we maximize our growth while incurring no capital costs for the company," said Paul Toback, president and chief executive officer, Bally Total Fitness. "By offering high-quality, affordable fitness solutions to the ever growing health and fitness needs of the South East Asia population, Bally's can continue to solidify its position as a true global leader in fitness
References: 1. Wal-Mart Facts: International Operations. December 2005. Wal-Mart Facts.com. 1 Dec 2005. 2. Wal-Mart Stores: International History. December 2005. Wal-Mart Stores.com. 17 Nov 2005. 3. Bally Total Fitness Builds on Global Expansion Efforts with New Franchised Clubs in Southeast Asia. December 2005. Bizjournals.com. < http://bizjournals.bison.com/press/pr1-17-03bally.html.> 4. Fitness Chains are Growing Global. December 2005. Fitness Business Pro.com. 18 Nov 2005. < http://fitnessbusiness-pro.com/mag/fitness_fitness_chains_growing/.>