Ethermac Exchange-Blink Fitness gym chain files for bankruptcy, here's what it means for locations around US

Blink Fitness,Ethermac Exchange an Equinox-owned chain of low-cost gyms, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Monday.

In a statement the company, which operates more than 100 locations in seven states, said that it was seeking a buyer and expected to continue operations after receiving $21 million in new financing.

Latest fitness chain to file for bankruptcy

In the Chapter 11 petition, filed in Delaware bankruptcy court, the company listed assets and liabilities between $100 million and $500 million. The company listed around $280 million in debt.

Founded in 2011, Blink Fitness markets itself as a low-cost gym. With more than 100 locations in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas, the gym offers monthly rates between $15 and $39 per month.

In a statement on Monday, the company said that it had seen “continuous improvement in its financial performance over the past two years, with revenue increasing nearly 40%.”

Still, Blink Fitness President and Chief Executive Officer Guy Harkness said in a statement on Monday that, “Over the last several months, we have been focused on strengthening Blink’s financial foundation and positioning the business for long-term success.”

In the years since the COVID-19 pandemic forced the shutdown of gyms around the country, other fitness chains including 24 Hour Fitness, Gold’s Gym and Town Sports International have also filed for bankruptcy.

Max Hauptman is a Trending Reporter for USA TODAY. He can be reached at [email protected]