Franchisor’s Portfolio Has 700-Plus Wellness and Beauty Locations
- Transom Capital Group, a private equity firm, concluded its acquisition of WellBiz Brands Inc. from KSL Capital Partners late this month. KSL had owned WellBiz since 2015.
- WellBiz Brands are Amazing Lash Studio, Drybar, Elements Massage, Fitness Together and Radiant Waxing. Globally, there are 700-plus locations of these franchises.
- A news release by Transom stated that it will use its operational expertise to improve profitability and increase support to franchisees.
- Denver-based WellBiz originated in 1983; Transom Capital was founded in 2008.
Transom Capital Group has acquired WellBiz Brands Inc., the parent of five wellness and beauty franchises: Amazing Lash Studio, Drybar, Elements Massage, Fitness Together and Radiant Waxing. A Transom Capital news release indicated the private equity firm plans to “accelerate WellBiz’s growth, improve profitability, enhance franchisee support and further strengthen its franchisee system.”
WellBiz Brands has more than 700 locations across the United States, Canada, Europe and the Middle East. The late January news release credited WellBiz Brands’ cross-brand digital marketing with particular strength in acquiring and retaining members; it also said that franchisees benefit from the parent franchisor’s supply chain management, e-commerce and product innovation.
Reactions from Transom and WellBiz Leaders
Conor Davenport, managing director at Transom Capital, said in the news release that strong brands comprise WellBiz and he praised its team for “strengthening the organization, driving innovation and positioning the business for its next phase of growth. We see significant opportunity to build on this foundation and leverage our hands-on operational approach to support franchisee success and unit count growth across the system.”
WellBiz Brands CEO Amanda Clark, who joined the umbrella franchisor in March 2024, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition. “We are excited to partner with Transom as we continue building the WellBiz platform by setting high standards in wellness franchising. We’ve been very focused on strengthening the foundation of the business, supporting our franchisee partners, and elevating the experiences we deliver to our members and guests.” Clark, who has been involved in franchising for about 15 years, has led initiatives that have driven same-store sales growth, according to an article in AthletechNews.com, which reports on fitness and wellness businesses.
Clark added that “Transom’s operational and collaborative approach makes them an ideal partner in executing our long-term strategy. Together with Transom, WellBiz is well-positioned to continue its momentum with existing and new franchisees, and to enhance the guest experience through high-quality service and operational excellence.”
About WellBiz and Transom
Denver-based WellBiz Brands traces its roots back to 1983. In 2015, it was acquired by KSL Capital Partners, which completed the sale of the multi-brand franchisor to Transom Capital this month. WellBiz is known for its WellBizONE system, a proprietary technology platform that enhances studio operations for franchisees, the news release noted. WellBiz has received national recognition from Inc., Entrepreneur and Franchise Times magazines.
Founded in 2008 and based in Los Angeles, Transom Capital specializes in identifying and unlocking value in the middle market. The private equity firm’s partner businesses have ranged from consumer services and products to specialty distribution, industrials and building products.
Private Equity’s Role in Franchising
Transom Capital’s acquisition of WellBiz Brands reflects a trend of private equity firms’ investments in franchising, following a year of notable franchise mergers and acquisitions. “Private equity (PE) is no longer a peripheral player in franchising; it’s central,” according to a 2025 article posted by Franchising.com. “FRANdata estimates that more than 12.4% of active U.S. franchise brands (regardless of how long they’ve been franchising) now have some level of PE ownership or investment backing. That represents hundreds of brands, spanning nearly every sector of franchising.”
The financial terms of the WellBiz deal were not disclosed. Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal adviser to Transom Capital in the acquisition. North Point Mergers & Acquisitions and Boxwood Partners served as financial advisers to WellBiz; Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP supplied legal advice to WellBiz.
