Selling an Orangetheory Fitness Franchise

Boutique Fitness Franchise Resale & M&A Advisory for Orangetheory Owners

By Mercedes Shaffer, Managing Director | Highwater Partners

Selling an Orangetheory Fitness franchise is a sophisticated transaction that requires boutique fitness expertise, disciplined valuation, and national buyer exposure. Orangetheory operates within the premium, coach-led fitness segment, where membership density, studio performance, and brand execution are closely evaluated by buyers, lenders, landlords, and the franchisor. Experienced M&A representation is essential to protect value and execute a successful transaction.

At Highwater Partners, we specialize in franchise resale and M&A advisory across fitness, wellness, health, and lifestyle sectors, representing Orangetheory Fitness franchise owners nationwide. We advise owners on single-studio sales, multi-unit portfolio exits, and strategic divestitures, delivering a professional, highly structured process designed to maximize value and reduce execution risk.

True to our name, Highwater Partners serves clients at the highest level, combining disciplined execution with senior-level advisory and deep respect for the responsibility of representing an owner’s business.

Why Selling an Orangetheory Fitness Franchise Requires Specialized M&A Expertise

Orangetheory franchise resales involve category-specific and operational considerations, including:

• Franchisor approval and formal transfer requirements

• Buyer net worth, liquidity, and boutique fitness or multi-unit operating experience

• Coach recruitment, certification, and retention

• Membership revenue stability, retention, and churn analysis

• Class utilization, waitlists, and schedule optimization

• Technology systems, heart-rate monitoring, and performance tracking

• Lease assignment, landlord consent, and boutique fitness real estate economics

These factors directly affect valuation credibility, buyer qualification, financing, and transaction timelines. A general business broker may understand gyms—but a boutique fitness franchise M&A advisor understands Orangetheory Fitness.

How Orangetheory Fitness Franchises Are Valued

Orangetheory franchise valuations are driven by recurring membership revenue, class utilization efficiency, and studio-level consistency, not gross revenue alone.

Key valuation considerations include:

• Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE) or EBITDA

• Active membership base and long-term retention trends

• Average class attendance and coach compensation

• Peak-time utilization and waitlist demand

• Retail and add-on revenue performance

• Lease terms, rent ratios, and remaining option periods

• Owner involvement versus manager-led studio operations

• Brand compliance and anticipated reinvestment

At Highwater Partners, we apply M&A-grade financial normalization and valuation methodologies, ensuring the studio is positioned credibly for qualified buyers and lenders.

Who Is Buying Orangetheory Fitness Franchises Today

Active buyers for Orangetheory Fitness franchises include:

• Existing Orangetheory franchisees expanding territory

• Multi-unit boutique fitness operators

• Private equity–backed fitness and wellness platforms

• Strategic buyers building diversified health, wellness, and lifestyle portfolios

Importantly, Highwater Partners represents buyers across multiple franchise sectors, including restaurants, fitness, yoga, health and wellness, beauty, massage, and pet services. This cross-sector reach allows us to identify well-capitalized operators diversifying into performance-based fitness concepts.

National Exposure, Executed at the Highest Level

Highwater Partners is a national business brokerage and M&A advisory firm representing franchise owners across restaurants, wellness, fitness, beauty, and pet services. Led by a team of elite business brokers and franchise M&A professionals, the firm provides maximum listing exposure, disciplined valuation, and transaction management at the highest level.

Highwater Partners delivers broad, national exposure through:

• A proprietary database of 100,000+ qualified franchisees, fitness operators, and private equity investors

• A nationwide network of 110+ professional business brokers across the United States

• Cross-industry buyer outreach spanning restaurant, fitness, wellness, beauty, massage, and pet service sectors

• Professionally prepared marketing materials built for serious acquirers

Our approach delivers maximum listing exposure while maintaining discretion and professionalism appropriate for performance-based fitness transactions.

Why Orangetheory Fitness Franchise Owners Choose Highwater Partners

Franchise owners choose Highwater Partners because we provide:

• Top-tier professionals with deep boutique fitness and franchise M&A experience

• Brand-specific Orangetheory Fitness resale expertise

• Institutional-quality valuation and transaction preparation

• Access to buyers across multiple franchise industries

• A service standard rooted in operating at the highest level

• Professional, discreet representation from start to close

We are trusted advisors to Orangetheory Fitness franchise owners who value execution, integrity, and results.

Our Orangetheory Fitness Franchise Resale Process

1. Confidential valuation and exit strategy planning

2. Professional CIM and studio-focused deal preparation

3. National and cross-sector buyer exposure

4. Buyer qualification and franchisor coordination

5. Offer negotiation and transaction structuring

6. Transaction management through closing

Each step is designed to protect value, reduce execution risk, and respect the responsibility of representing your business.

When Is the Right Time to Sell an Orangetheory Fitness Franchise?

The strongest outcomes typically occur when:

• Membership revenue is stable or growing

• Coach staffing is consistent

• Class utilization supports profitability

• Financials are clean and defensible

• Lease terms support buyer financing

• Buyer demand in boutique fitness remains active

Preparation and representation often matter as much as timing.

Speak with a Boutique Fitness Franchise M&A Advisor

If you are considering selling your Orangetheory Fitness franchise—now or in the future—begin with a confidential consultation.

Mercedes Shaffer

Managing Director | Highwater Partners

Call or text: 714.330.9999