The Little Gym Announces U.S. Expansion After Franchise Group Triples In Size

With a total of 26 locations across seven states, Somersault Holdings is officially the brand’s largest multi-unit franchisee

The Little Gym has been serving children ages 4 months to 12 years old and their families for nearly 50 years. Now, it’s growing faster than ever before.

Somersault Holdings, the largest franchisee of The Little Gym International, has announced plans for expansion across the U.S. amid massive company growth.

The Little Gym, founded by educator Robin Wes in 1976, launched its franchise concept in 1992 and now boasts nearly 400 locations across 31 countries. Wes’s goal was to create a space where children could build confidence and develop essential life skills while having fun.

With gymnastic classes like “Bugs” for ages 4 to 10 months and “Flips/Hot Shots/Twisters” for ages 6 to 12, The Little Gym offers a myriad of class options for its members, which will soon be available to the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, and Eastern New Jersey market.

“The business acumen brought forward by the Somersault group and their overall passion for highlighting The Little Gym’s mission and brand in each of these communities over the past year has been incredible,” said Little Gym Brand President Nancy Bigley . “Their continued growth within the system is a testament to their dedication and strategic efforts.”

Somersault Holdings became The Little Gym’s largest franchise operator after its creation by Unleashed Brands in 2023. In less than a year, the private equity-backed franchisee has tripled in size, now employing nearly 300 people. The group initially acquired 20 Little Gym studios and has since opened one new location, with plans to open five more in North Carolina and New Jersey.

Griffin Gordon of Taurus Capital Partners, which leads Somersault Holdings’ investments in The Little Gym, says the franchise partnership and consequent investments have been successful.

“We are ecstatic to continue growing this impactful child development brand nationwide, as we’ve already experienced tremendous success in the gyms we’ve acquired,” Gordon said.

“The professional support from Unleashed Brands over the past year has exceeded our expectations. We are excited about the future of both Unleashed Brands and The Little Gym, given the significant investments in infrastructure, technology and marketing being directed into the franchise system.”

Somersault Holdings is owned by Unleashed Brands, with a portfolio that currently includes Urban Air, The Little Gym , Sylvan Learning , Snapology , XP League , Class 101 and Premier Martial Arts .The company has over 2,000 operating and in-development franchise locations.

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