Latest news with #Stelios
Hindustan Times
06-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
easyGym Enters Indian Fitness Market with ₹250 Cr Investment Plan to Launch 100 Gyms in 5 Years
Global fitness brand easyGym, part of the easy® family of brands founded by Sir Stelios (which includes easyJet, easyHotel, and more), has begun operations in the Indian market with the opening of its first outlet at Tagore Park, Model Town Phase 1, Delhi. Supported by a ₹250 crore investment, the company intends to establish 100 gyms across India over the next five years. In collaboration with FranGlobal, the international arm of Franchise India, easyGym aims to make fitness more accessible, inclusive, and affordable across the country. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Nicolas Gérard, President of easyGym, shared perspectives on the brand's entry into India, its offerings, and future plans. Q: Why India, and how does it fit into easyGym's global growth strategy?India presents a dynamic and evolving fitness market. With a young population, increasing health awareness, and rising disposable incomes, there is a growing demand for fitness services. Our decision to enter India is about business expansion and contributing to a movement towards healthier lifestyles by providing accessible and affordable fitness solutions tailored to the diverse needs of Indian consumers. Q: What is the franchise fee structure, and how will easyGym achieve its ₹250 crore, 100-gym expansion plan in India? The franchise fee structure for easyGym is designed to be accessible, with fees varying based on location and market potential. Franchisees make an initial investment that includes the franchise fee and receive support across training, branding, technology, and operations. This forms part of a business model that aims for a strong ROI, supported by easyGym's affordable pricing and scalable model. A key aspect in India is the Franchise Owned, Franchise Operated (FOFO) approach, which enables local entrepreneurs to run their own gyms while utilising easyGym's global experience and support. As part of its ₹250 crore investment plan, easyGym—through its collaboration with FranGlobal—plans to roll out 100 gyms across India over the next five years. Its membership plans, including pay-as-you-go options, and programmes like PACK45 (a 45-minute group training session), are designed to suit the evolving needs of Indian fitness consumers. Q: How important is the FranGlobal partnership for your India expansion and catering to Indian preferences? The partnership with FranGlobal is important for our India expansion. Their understanding of the Indian market—along with their experience in scaling international brands—helps us cater to the preferences of Indian consumers. FranGlobal provides local insights into consumer behaviour, cultural nuances, and market dynamics, which are valuable as we adapt our offerings. With their support, we aim to adjust our services to ensure a relevant fitness experience for Indian members. This collaboration is a key part of our strategy, enabling easyGym to expand and build a community-focused brand that meets the needs of Indian fitness enthusiasts. Q: Will the global leadership team be actively involved in the Indian operations post-launch? Yes. India is a significant area for easyGym, and our involvement will continue beyond the launch phase. I, along with members of our global leadership team, will remain engaged in supporting the Indian operations. Our goal is to build a sustainable presence in the country through ongoing collaboration with local partners. A key aspect of easyGym's approach is its focus on affordability, innovation, and inclusivity. Our 'Smart Rate' pricing model offers membership plans that align with various lifestyles and budgets. The no-contract approach aims to provide members with the flexibility to manage their fitness journey. At easyGym, we are focused on delivering value for money. This involves offering services, equipment, and personal training at a competitive price point. Our value proposition is about providing quality at a good price. Q: What's your message to Indian entrepreneurs eyeing the easyGym franchise? This is an opportunity to be part of India's growing fitness industry. With easyGym, entrepreneurs can align with a globally recognised group of brands. EasyGym is part of the easy® family, founded by Sir Stelios, known for brands like easyJet and easyHotel. This affiliation offers franchisees a business model, support, and a mission-driven approach. If you're interested in fitness and entrepreneurship, we encourage you to join us in contributing to the health and well-being of communities across India. Note to the Reader: This article is part of Hindustan Times' paid consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. Hindustan Times assumes no editorial responsibility for the content, including its accuracy, completeness, or any errors or omissions. Readers are advised to verify all information independently.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Stelios': Greek Box Office Hit Lands North American Theatrical Release Via Firestorm Entertainment
EXCLUSIVE: After posting record box office figures in Greece, Stelios, a biopic of the revered Greek musician Stelios Kazantzidis, is heading stateside for a theatrical release via Firestorm Entertainment. Firestorm will release the flick in theaters across the U.S. and Canada from May 9th. More from Deadline Sally El Hosaini & James Krishna Floyd's TIFF & LFF Feature 'Unicorns' Gets North American Deal 'Kiss Of The Spider Woman' Dancing To North American Deal With Roadside Attractions, Lionsgate & LD Entertainment Former Studiocanal Exec Lucy Savage Among Trio Behind New Distribution Outfit Two Fresh, Company Set For EFM With Debut Title 'Stelios' Directed by Yorgos Tsemberopoulos and produced by Tanweer Productions, Stelios stars Christos Mastoras, lead singer of the band Melisses, as Kazantzidis. Since its release in Greece in December, Stelios has passed 920,000 admissions, quickly climbing the local charts to become the fourth highest-grossing Greek film of all time. The film explores Kazantzakis's unique life story, from his childhood as a Pontus refugee to his start in the music business and how he became one of Greece's most beloved artists. Best known for his tunes which mixed Greek rebetiko and laïko traditions, Kazantzakis was regarded as the voice of the people. His songs often explored themes of love, migration, and resilience. Such was his quiet yet global popularity, Frank Sinatra is often quoted to have said of Kazantzidis: 'If Stelios Kazantzidis had been in the United States, he would have had a bigger career than me.' Stelios is co-produced by Aegean Oil, Finos Film, Cosmote TV, Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center- Creative Greece, Stardust Effects, and Black Orange, with sponsorship from Custom Productions, DEI, the Greek National Tourism Organization, and the Hellenic Healthcare Group. In addition to opening in the US and Canada, Stelios is set for theatrical release in the United Kingdom (Two Fresh), Germany, Switzerland and Austria (Kinostar), the Netherlands (Kinepolis), Turkey (The Moments Entertainment), Australia (Palace Cinamas), Israel (Tulip Entertainment), with deals being set for South Africa and Central and Eastern Europe. 'Stelios Kazantzidis is not just a musician – he is a voice of resilience, hope, and passion that has defined Greek culture for generations,' Tsemberopoulos said in a statement. 'This film is a tribute to his legacy, and we are thrilled to share it with audiences around the world.' Firestorm Entertainment is the theatrical distribution label founded and run by industry veterans Amorette Jones, Evan Saxon, and Joe Garel — the distribution and marketing team behind the hit Filipino drama Hello, Love, Again. Producer Dionyssis Samiotis added: 'The overwhelming response in Greece proves the lasting impact of Stelios Kazantzidis' music. His voice spoke to the soul of the nation, and this film captures his incredible journey.' Best of Deadline 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery How To Watch 'Wicked: Part One': Is The Film Streaming Yet? All The Songs In 'Severance' Season 2: From The Who To Ella Fitzgerald
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sally El Hosaini & James Krishna Floyd's TIFF & LFF Feature ‘Unicorns' Gets North American Deal
EXCLUSIVE: Cohen Media Group has acquired all North American distribution rights to Unicorns, the cross-cultural romance that debuted at Toronto 2023 and went on to play at London, Palm Springs, Sydney and other festivals. The film stars Ben Hardy as Luke, a single father from Essex, England, who works as an auto mechanic and is forced to rethink his sexual identity when he unexpectedly falls in love with Aysha, a British Indian drag queen living a double life, played by Jason Patel. More from Deadline 'Kiss Of The Spider Woman' Dancing To North American Deal With Roadside Attractions, Lionsgate & LD Entertainment 'Stelios': Greek Box Office Hit Lands North American Theatrical Release Via Firestorm Entertainment HanWay Acquires More Than 100 Films From The Cohen Film Collection Including Buster Keaton & Merchant Ivory Pics The film is co-directed by BAFTA-nominated El Hosaini — who made waves at Toronto with Netflix pic The Swimmers — and BIFA-winning filmmaker-actor Krishna Floyd from the latter's script. Pic was produced by Trudie Styler and Celine Rattray of Maven Screen Media, Bill Pohlad, Kim Roth and Christa Workman of River Road Entertainment, and Phil Herd of Chromatic Aberration. Cohen Media Group's Robert Aaronson, Executive Vice President of Cohen Media Group, negotiated the deal with CAA, River Road Entertainment and Maven Screen Media. CMG will release the film theatrically later this year. Styler and Rattray said: 'We look forward to North American audiences discovering this sparkling, distinctive love story. Unicorns has found the perfect partner in the Cohen Media Group.' El Hosaini and Krishna Floyd added: 'We are thrilled to have the brilliant Cohen Media Group bring our unique film to the big screens of North America. Unicorns is a cinematic ride that we can't wait to take US and Canadian audiences on.' Robert Aaronson stated: 'Unicorns is a unique and remarkable film that beautifully blends cross-cultural themes and celebrates diversity. We are excited to share this story with North American audiences and are proud to partner with Sally and James in bringing their vision to the big screen.' Late last year Charles Cohen's media group hit choppy waters when the company was forced to sell multiple assets including British arthouse exhibitor and distributor Curzon to Fortress Investment Group. The company was acquired in a foreclosure auction involving multiple Cohen assets, including the Landmark cinema chain. CMG continues to acquire films for the U.S. and continues to own sales outfit HanWay Films in the UK. Best of Deadline 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery How To Watch 'Wicked: Part One': Is The Film Streaming Yet? All The Songs In 'Severance' Season 2: From The Who To Ella Fitzgerald
