Belgravia Group acquires GymbaROO, furthering commitment to physical activity for one million children
The Belgravia Group, a leading Australian family business dedicated to helping one million children become physically active each year across Australia and New Zealand, is thrilled to announce the acquisition of GymbaROO-KindyROO from Thursday, 16th November 2023.
Led by Geoff Lord, Belgravia Group Chair and CEO and his leadership team, the Belgravia Group’s values and mission align seamlessly with GymbaROO-KindyROO. With a commitment to increasing children’s participation in movement activities, Belgravia Group looks forward to fostering the brand, its staff, franchisees, members and operations for many decades to come.
Geoff Lord expressed his excitement about the acquisition, stating, “It’s incredibly exciting to chaperone GymbaROO on its next chapter. It’s with great respect and genuine gratitude that we acknowledge the work that GymbaROO founder Margaret Sasse put in all those years ago, and we’re proud to play a role in seeing GymbaROO being handed over from one great Australian family to another.”
With over 12,000 children attending GymbaROO each term across 60+ venues in Australia and delivered in seven overseas countries, the program has been a cornerstone of children’s development. Both companies are true believers that kids moving in their daily lives is key to their development, both physically and mentally.
Dr Jane Williams, Director of Research & Education said, “While it is with a degree of sadness that the ownership of the GymbaROO-KindyROO program moves on after 40 years of development and growth by the Sasse Family, we are looking forward to working with another Australian family, the Belgravia Group, and feel very positive about the future of the program in their hands.
“Founder of GymbaROO-KindyROO, Margaret Sasse’s greatest wish was for the program to be available to as many Australian children as possible, and it is our belief that the Belgravia Group will bring new enthusiasm to the growth and development of the Gymbaroo-Kindyroo programs both in Australia and around the world. Several Sasse Family members will work closely with team members from Belgravia Group to ensure a smooth transition and ongoing connectivity and communication between attending families, staff, and franchisees.”
The Belgravia Group, known for its diverse portfolio of active brands, including Genesis Health and Fitness, Ninja Parc, Jump Swim Schools, BK’s Gymnastics, Recreational Gymnastics Australia, Belgravia Outdoor Education and Belgravia Leisure, is excited to welcome GymbaROO-KindyROO to the family.
The group has extensive ownership in other ancillary brands which support access to fitness equipment, apparel and facilities which house businesses delivering programs for children and their parents across Australia and New Zealand.
In addition to its commercial ventures, Belgravia Group is committed to social responsibility and has established the Belgravia Foundation to ensure that everyone, regardless of physical, financial, or cognitive disadvantages, has access to sports, leisure, aquatics and recreation. This commitment further aligns with the principles of GymbaROO.
As GymbaROO-KindyROO enters this new chapter under Belgravia Group’s ownership, the future promises growth, opportunities and resources. The Belgravia Group looks forward to a successful and collaborative future with GymbaROO-KindyROO, building on the rich legacy established by founder Margaret Sasse.
- Learn more about GymbaROO-KindyROO on the website.