Merrithew, the Canadian company that owns STOTT PILATES, has had a busy autumn: an acquisition in September and a new reformer in October.
Gyrotonic joins the group
In September Merrithew bought the Gyrotonic organisation from its founder, Juliu Horvath, including both of his methods, Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis. The terms were not disclosed.
Gyrotonic is taught on specialist equipment with pulleys and rotating and sliding parts that allow flowing, three-dimensional movement. Gyrokinesis is its sister method, done without equipment. According to Health Club Management, Horvath said in 2020 that the two methods had around 16,000 trainers in 60 countries, teaching in around 5,000 studios. The magazine reports that Merrithew intends to preserve Gyrotonic’s philosophy and education standards.
It is the latest in a series of deals for Merrithew, which bought the UK-based equipment maker Align-Pilates in November 2024. The private equity firm ONCAP took a majority stake in Merrithew in February 2022, alongside the company’s founders, Lindsay and Moira Merrithew.
A first wooden reformer
In October the company introduced the NX3 MAX, its first reformer made from wood: FSC-certified maple. It is aimed at studios, clubs, hotels and wellness centres, and has the largest carriage Merrithew has made, at 26 by 40 inches, with longer rails for extended carriage travel and a four-position gear bar.
The machine was first shown at The Pilates Journal’s expo in Miami. It was developed with STOTT PILATES master instructor trainers and teachers from other Pilates traditions. No UK price or availability has been announced.
The bigger picture
With STOTT PILATES, Align-Pilates and now Gyrotonic in one group, Merrithew covers equipment and teacher education across several related methods.
- Merrithew steps up expansion with Gyrotonic acquisition (opens in a new tab)Health Club Management, 24 September 2026
- New to Market: Merrithew Introduces Its First Wood Reformer (opens in a new tab)The Pilates Journal, 7 October 2026