Kirkland & Ellis is advising heart rate-based interval training company Orangetheory Fitness on a merger of equals with Self Esteem Brands, which includes portfolio of purpose-driven health and personal care franchise brands. The two companies plan to merge in an all-stock transaction that will create one of the largest footprints of fitness, health and wellness services in the world, representing $3.5 billion in systemwide sales and approximately 7,000 franchise locations across 50 countries and territories on all seven continents. The transaction was announced February 29, 2024. The timing of the merger close is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Read the transaction press release The Kirkland team is being led by corporate partners Josh Kogan, Laura Steinke and Matt Cohn and tax partners Mark Schwed and Steven Ort, and included corporate associates Sandra Lewitz, Eli Markham, Molly Kaleya and Laurence Hoch; and tax associate Afshin Khan.