Bannatyne Group, founded by Dragon’s Den star Duncan Bannatyne, says Wildmoor Spa & Health Club is "exactly the type of facility that fits into its growing portfolio"

The Bannatyne Group has taken on Wildmoor Spa & Health Club.

The deal for the club, in Stratford-upon-Avon, means Darlington-based Bannatyne now has 70 sites.

Justin Musgrove, Bannatyne Group chief executive, said: “The Wildmoor Spa & Health Club represents exactly the type of facility that fits into our growing portfolio of health clubs and spas.

“It has benefited from the ideas, investment and leadership of respected entrepreneur Tony Bird and his family.

"We believe we can add value and enhance the customer experience and look forward to welcoming the staff and members to the wider Bannatyne Group.”

The acquisition comes just days after Bannatyne bosses said they expect to create hundreds of jobs in a £50m expansion after pumping up profits. Officials say the threeyear overhaul will see it buy more businesses and upgrade existing clubs with new spa facilities.

The business has also confirmed plans to spend £1.8m on a health club in Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton, where Mr Bannatyne’s empire began two decades ago.