Reshaping the world of fitness

GP Bullhound acted as exclusive financial adviser to the shareholders of 7NXT Group (“7NXT”), a leading German online fitness and nutrition company with its headquarters in Berlin, on the sale of a majority stake to the London-based private equity firm Oakley Capital. Markan Karajica will continue in his role as CEO and will retain a significant minority stake in the business.

Since 2015, 7NXT has reshaped the world of fitness with its portfolio of three companies focusing on the fitness and well-being market. Gymondo is the leading digital fitness subscription platform in the German-speaking market, offering access to premium video content, personalised coaching and nutrition plans.

The direct-to-consumer nutrition brand Shape Republic offers premium healthy and functional fitness food for lifestyle-oriented female customers. 7NXT’s complementary merchandising and licensing division Brand Solutions secures additional monetisation streams for brands and influencers.

With Oakley Capital as new investor, the 7NXT management team aims to strengthen its market-leading position in the DACH region across its focus verticals of fitness content, nutrition and influencer marketing. Furthermore, the investor will support the company in rolling out its businesses into new geographies and expand its network of influencers to drive its domestic and international growth.

Markan Karajica, CEO and Founder of 7NXT, said: “We are thrilled to have found an experienced and dynamic partner in Oakley, with a shared vision to accelerate the growth of the company in the coming years. My team and I look forward to taking 7NXT to the next level with Oakley’s support. It has been a pleasure working with GP Bullhound.”

Sascha van Holt, Managing Director at Crosslantic Capital, which has sold its majority stake in the firm, further commented: “We’ve partnered with 7NXT since 2018 and, together with the founding team, built up successful brands in the high-growth digital fitness and nutrition market. GP Bullhound has been a great advisory partner; the experience of the team, its hard work and intense support proved invaluable to achieve this great outcome.”

Julian Riedlbauer, Partner at GP Bullhound, stated: “We are delighted to have helped the management team in finding the ideal partner for 7NXT’s next stage of growth. The company is perfectly positioned to replicate its success internationally, drive new content creation and address additional target groups.”

This represents GP Bullhound’s 20th transaction in the last 12 months and is a further testament to the firm’s expertise in the Consumer Subscription Software sector, having previously worked with AllTrails, Spotify, Revolut, Busuu, and Fishbrain, among many others.