Studio transition/buyout advice · High Intensity Business

Studio transition/buyout advice

I’m looking for some real-world input from anyone who’s been through a studio transition/buyout.

I currently rent space in a high-intensity training studio owned by another trainer. She plans to retire in 3–5 years, and the rough idea is that I would take over the space at that point with a gradual transition of clients and relationship building.

She trains her own clients with the help of her husband (around 90 clients), and I run my own business within the space (30-35 sessions/wk currently).

What’s being discussed is a seller-financed buyout / equity over time, but I’m struggling with how that applies when the business doesn’t operate independently of the owner.

In reality, it seems like I’d be:

– Buying equipment

– Taking over the lease

– Hoping some percentage of clients stay (no guarantees)

For those who’ve been through something similar:

– Is there actually a “business” to buy in this scenario, or mainly equipment + opportunity?

– How have you handled valuing a client base that buys session packages?

– Have you seen cleaner transition structures (e.g. revenue share / transition period) that worked better?

I’m want to take over the space, but want to make sure it’s structured in a way that makes sense.

Appreciate any insight or examples.

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