Therme Group acquires Therme Erding

Therme Group, which has the aim of reviving communal thermal bathing globally, has announced the acquisition of Therme Erding, in Munich, Germany.

Said to be the largest wellbeing destination in Europe, Therme Erding features 35 steam baths and saunas, a 40-pool bathing oasis as well as indoor and outdoor water slides.

The facility was founded by architect Josef Wund in 1999. Therme Group has a long-standing personal relationship with the Wund family, built on a shared commitment to advancing traditional thermal bathing offerings with cutting-edge technology.

“By breaking away from the exclusivity of traditional wellness, we aim to reimagine the sector’s potential and its benefits for society as a whole,” said Dr. Robert Hanea, founder and CEO of Therme Group.

Jörg Wund, CEO of Therme Erding, saaddedid: “We’ve found an established and proven partner who shares the innovative wellbeing legacy I built alongside my father.

“This acquisition not only honours that legacy but also ensures a vibrant and prosperous future for Therme Erding, its employees and the community it serves.”

Therme Group secured a €320 million (£264 million) funding package from Macquarie Capital’s Principal Finance team to finance the deal.

A new type of social infrastructure

This acquisition Therme Erding will mean Therme Group surpasses 3.5m annual visitors to its portfolio of wellbeing destinations.

It establishes the Group as the world’s largest operator of wellbeing infrastructure.

A global organisation, Therme Group is striving to create a new type of social infrastructure that integrates all aspects of wellbeing in a single location.

“There’s growing demand for accessible, holistic escapes that foster connection,” said Robert Hammond, president and chief strategy officer at Therme Group US.

“People are seeking spaces that allow them to connect with nature, themselves and others. Innovation must stem from the essential elements that make communal bathing experiences meaningful – a focus on integrating nature and fostering social interaction.”

Democratising wellbeing worldwide

Therme Group has operational sites in Bucharest and Germany, with projects in development in Canada, South Korea, Manchester and Scotland.

Speaking exclusively to European Spa in the 2024 Platinum Resource, Prof. David Russell, CEO of Therme Group UK, said the brand was committed to advancing democratised wellbeing infrastructures worldwide.

“The benefits are myriad,” he said. “Providing access to wellness facilities improves health and mental health outcomes. It can also boost city profiles… and build resilient communities, encouraging active healthy lifestyles.

“Providing access to water and nature can reduce healthcare expenditure and the economic impact of sick days, driving positive behaviour change. The list goes on and on.”

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