News
WESTERN ATHLETIC CLUBS ADDS SAN FRANCISCO TENNIS CLUB TO PRESTIGIOUS COLLECTION Plans to invest over $2 million in renovations in 2009
San Francisco, CA, February 3, 2009
Western Athletic Clubs (WAC), the leading operator of luxury athletic clubs on the West Coast, announced today that it has taken over operations at San Francisco Tennis Club (SFTC). Western Athletic Clubs’ over 30 years of private club ownership and management will blend well with the proud tradition established at the San Francisco Tennis Club. Adding SFTC to WAC’s prestigious collection of clubs in downtown San Francisco, including The San Francisco Bay Club, Golden Gateway Tennis & Swim Club and Bay Club Financial District, benefits members of all of these clubs through expanded programs, additional resources and access to other facilities.
San Francisco Tennis Club is a unique tennis, athletic and social club located in the heart of South of Market/South Beach, at the corner of 5th and Brannan. More than a place to socialize, play tennis and exercise, SFTC fosters a sense of community and camaraderie within its diverse membership. The club has the most extensive tennis amenities in the Bay Area, with 12 indoor climate-controlled courts, 12 outdoor courts, extensive lessons, match play and youth programs. With additional cardio and weight rooms, banquet rooms, and fitness classes, SFTC offers an unparalleled club experience for everyone. All 12 indoor courts are in the process of being resurfaced, including eight with DecoTurf, the same multi-layered cushion system used at the USTA National Tennis Center. All freshly resurfaced courts are scheduled to be open for play starting February 5, 2009. Over $2 million is expected to be invested in the San Francisco Tennis Club in 2009, providing upgrades throughout the facility, including new locker rooms and shower facilities.
Western Athletic Clubs’ mission is to provide its members with the finest-quality sports and fitness facilities, athletic and mind-body programs, social events, dining experiences and spa amenities. With the acquisition of San Francisco Tennis Club, WAC members now enjoy 17 indoor and 56 outdoor tennis courts. Of these courts, nine are located at Pacific Athletic Club - Redwood Shores, which was named the 2008 Private Facility of the Year by Professional Tennis Registry and 2008 Facility of the Year by USTPA Northern California. An additional 18 courts are located at Courtside Club in Los Gatos, where head tennis pro Tim Sunderland was recently named 2008 USTPA NorCal Pro of the Year.
WAC operates nine of the most luxurious athletic club facilities in the country, including Pacific Athletic Club – Redwood Shores (Redwood City, CA), Courtside Club (Los Gatos, CA), Decathlon Club (Santa Clara, CA), Bay Club Marin (Corte Madera, CA), The San Francisco Bay Club (San Francisco, CA), Bay Club Financial District (San Francisco, CA), Golden Gateway Swim & Tennis Club (San Francisco, CA), and Pacific Athletic Club – San Diego (San Diego, CA).
For more information please contact:
Terry Romero, San Francisco Tennis Club, tromero@sftennis.com, 415.777.9000 or Matthew
Stevens, Western Athletic Clubs, 415.901.9254, mstevens@wac-clubs.com.
Western Athletic Clubs Positions for Growth;
Names Matthew Stevens President and Chief Executive Officer
San Francisco, CA, November 3, 2008
Western Athletic Clubs (WAC) announced today that Matthew Stevens has been named President and Chief Executive Officer. WAC’s founder and former President, Jim Gerber, was recently promoted to Chairman of the Board of Advisors to WAC.
WAC is regarded as the country’s leading operator of luxury fitness clubs, with nine private athletic clubs and sports resorts on the West Coast, including The Bay Club in San Francisco and Pacific Athletic Club in Redwood City, CA. In March 2008, WAC was acquired by an affiliate of KSL Capital Partners, LLC (KSL). The private equity firm has over $1.6 billion in committed capital, investing solely in travel and leisure businesses, including the fitness club sector.
Eric Resnick, Managing Director of KSL, stated, “We are thrilled to have Matthew leading the growth and direction of Western Athletic Clubs. We are also fortunate to have Jim Gerber taking such an active role in advising on the strategic direction of the Company.”
Gerber added, “Matthew’s passion for the fitness industry and commitment to member service are an excellent fit with the culture at Western Athletic Clubs. We’re excited to have him lead the company to the next level.”
Stevens spoke candidly about WAC’s imminent growth, citing the Company’s financial strength and KSL’s desire to expand WAC. The Company’s growth plan is focused on acquiring and developing new club locations, in order to expand WAC’s two most successful brands, The Bay Club and Pacific Athletic Club.
Stevens is quick to spell out what this means for WAC’s members and employees. He stated, “Adding KSL’s related businesses to Western Athletic Clubs’ luxury fitness product gives our members a winning set of benefits. It also gives our employees dynamic growth opportunities throughout the KSL family of companies.”
His respect for WAC’s industry-leading standards is also apparent. “I am honored to have the opportunity to work with such a successful team at Western Athletic Clubs,” he continued. “And with our partners at KSL, I am certain that our company’s ability to enhance members’ lives has never been stronger.”
Stevens began transitioning into his new role in September after serving for the past five years as president and CEO of Spectrum Clubs, Inc., an owner and operator of premium fitness clubs in California and Texas. During his tenure at Spectrum, he executed three strategic acquisitions, significantly improved bottom-line profitability and increased membership at over 22 locations. Prior to Spectrum, Stevens was an executive with Club Sports International/Wellbridge, based in Denver, Colorado, for nine years, with his last three years as vice president of sales and marketing.
Gerber’s new role as WAC’s Chairman of the Board of Advisors will focus on new club development and strategic projects for the company. Gerber founded WAC nearly thirty-three years ago when he opened The San Francisco Bay Club. Among high-end clubs, The Bay Club was the first co-ed, privately owned, multipurpose club in the country. Gerber has been awarded numerous accolades during his career, including the Distinguished Service Award from IHRSA, the International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association.
About KSL
KSL Capital Partners is a private equity firm specializing in travel and leisure enterprises in five primary sectors: hospitality, recreation, clubs, real estate and travel services. KSL Capital Partners has offices in Denver, Colorado, New York and London. For more information, please visit www.kslcapital.com.