David Lloyd Leisure

David Lloyd Leisure is a chain of fitness and racquet sport centres founded by the British professional tennis player David Lloyd.

History

David Lloyd established David Lloyd Leisure in 1980 and opened the first club, aimed at providing a "family orientated" fitness and leisure facility. This was somewhat distinct from the traditional gyms and sports centres of the time. There was also an emphasis on racquet sports.

Acquisition by Whitbread PLC

By 1995, there were 18 David Lloyd Leisure clubs when Whitbread PLC acquired the company for £182 million, incorporating it into its Restaurants & Leisure Division. David Lloyd remained as managing director of the division until 1996.

Acquisition by London & Regional Properties

Whitbread ran more than 50 David Lloyd Leisure (DLL) clubs in the UK and Northern Ireland with a further number in Spain, the Netherlands and Belgium. However, by the mid-2000s, the business was giving Whitbread a poor financial return, and on 2 August 2007 they sold it to London & Regional Properties and Bank of Scotland for £925 million. Whitbread used the proceeds from the sale to repay debt.

London & Regional Properties already owned and operated Next Generation Clubs; the businesses were merged under the Next Generation Clubs' management team led by Scott Lloyd.<ref...
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