A consortium of investors including the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company, and other leading Middle Eastern investment funds have announced investments in Russian Fitness Group (RFG), which manages the largest chain of fitness clubs in Russia under the ‘World Class’ brand. 
The consortium has acquired a 22.5% stake in RFG from VTB Capital and will invest to further develop the company. Together with Russian and foreign shareholders of RFG, the consortium will support its growth in Russia, the CIS and Europe.
RDIF, Mubadala and co-investors intend to increase investments in RFG to strengthen its position in various markets and to stimulate the development of sport, increase the availability of fitness and organized physical education as well as the popularization of sports and finally, to promote healthy lifestyles in Russia.
“The World Class chain is dynamically developing, and we together with our partners intend to actively contribute to the further realization of the company’s leadership potential. We are pleased to join a strong team of shareholders, including chain founder Olga Sloutsker, who continues to play a significant role in business development − an important factor for us as financial investors. Together we will create the conditions needed to improve the quality of life. Through both this project and the mixed martial arts (MMA) company UFC Russia, which was established in partnership with Mubadala, RDIF is promoting the development and popularization of sports in Russia”, Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), noted.
Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) is Russia’s sovereign wealth fund established in 2011 to make equity co-investments, primarily in Russia, alongside reputable international financial and strategic investors.
Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala) is a pioneering global investor, deploying capital with integrity and ingenuity to accelerate economic growth for the long-term benefit of Abu Dhabi.
Russian Fitness Group operates World Class and World Class Lite fitness clubs chains. World Class is the largest fitness corporation in Russia operating 39 own and 46 franchised clubs in 34 cities of 6 countries.
VTB Capital, the Investment Business of VTB Group, is one of the three strategic business arms of VTB Group along with the corporate and retail businesses. VTB Capital offers a full range of investment banking products and services to Russian and international clients, including execution of ECM and DCM deals, advisory on M&A-transactions, infrastructure project financing, fixed income and equities trading, Research and investment management.