Gym changed hands - can I cancel my contract?

JosieC

I want to cancel my gym contract because I am expecting a baby and am not using the gym at all. I just found out the other day that my nice small independent gym has been bought by Bannatynes. I didn't want to join a Bannatynes gym which is why I joined this one instead!

Anyway I am guessing my 12 month contract (ends mid November) is with the old company and that they can't just change it to another company without any warning and enforce that I take the new contract with Bannatynes. They didn't write to tell me about the changes.

Any ideas??

molerat

As long as they do not make any major detrimental changes to your current contract you cannot cancel. There will probably be a clause in the contract relating to change of ownership, there usually is.

Occams_Razor_2

no you are unlikely to be able to cancel, and nor should you be able to.

pmduk

Check the terms of your contract, there is almost certainly a clause stating that they can assign your contract to another party.

maginot

Unfortunately your guess would be wrong. Changing ownership would not invalidate your contract, they couldn't change your conditions as has been mentioned e.g. Increase your monthly fee to a £1000 or say you can only use the gym at certain times etc.
They may be able to freeze your membership for 6 months if you explain you are pregnant and then use these 6 months after the baby!

Dave101t

why do you have it in for bannatynes? they are state of the art.

arcon5

Has your contract changed or been transferred??

Your contract is with (for examples sake) 'Micks Gym' owned by 'Mick Davies' -- your contract is still with 'Micks Gym' but owned by Bannatynes.

JosieC

Thanks everyone.

Worth a try to see what is possible.

I think the contract has just been transferred, rather than changed. I'm not sure seeing as they didn't even tell me they had been bought!