Gymshark founder in talks to buy back stake sold to private equity firm

The company snapped up a 21% stake in the sportswear brand back in 2020 in a deal that valued the business at £1.25bn.

Francis is now understood to be in discussions with General Atlantic about the potential valuation and size of the stake he wants to buy back, the Financial Times reported.

He is also thought to be in talks with banks over financing the deal with General Atlantic.

Gymshark shared in March that the business enjoyed its 13th consecutive year of sales growth in 2025, thanks to its continued international expansion and new partnerships.

Revenues for the gymwear brand rose 7% from £603m to £646m in the year to July 31, 2025. Pre-tax profit slipped to £7m, which Gymshark said was intentional and related to new store openings and providing free events for consumers.

The brand is set to open its first-ever gym, Gymshark Lifting Club, this summer in Wynwood, Miami.

Ben Francis said in March: “We are really, really investing in the long term of our brand, and we’ve opened up stores in Dubai, Manchester, Amsterdam, Long Island, and most recently, our first ever flagship in the United States in New York City.”

“We are investing in building a truly long-term brand. We are investing in building a globally iconic British brand that can stand the test of time.