BowFlex is a fitness equipment company headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, United States. It is known for its home gyms, adjustable dumbbells, treadmills, and cardio machines.
Originally launched under Nautilus, Inc., the company rebranded in 2023 to BowFlex, Inc., aligning the corporate identity with its flagship brand. The company once traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol BFX.
Founded in 1986, BowFlex became a household name in the 1990s for its infomercial-driven home gym products. By 2024, the company filed for bankruptcy and was later acquired.
Ownership Status of BowFlex
There is no single private individual owner of BowFlex anymore. Following bankruptcy proceedings in 2024, the brand was acquired by Johnson Health Tech Retail, Inc., a Taiwan-based fitness equipment giant.
Major Ownership Details
| Owner / Entity | Ownership | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Johnson Health Tech Retail | 100% (Brand Owner) | Acquired BowFlex, Schwinn, and JRNY brands in 2024 bankruptcy sale. |
| Former Public Shareholders | Lost stake post-2024 | BowFlex, Inc. (formerly Nautilus, Inc.) was delisted after bankruptcy. |
Note: BowFlex is no longer publicly traded; it now operates as part of Johnson Health Tech’s portfolio.
Key Shareholder Highlights
- Johnson Health Tech Retail, Inc. (based in Taiwan) is now the sole owner of BowFlex.
- Before bankruptcy, BowFlex was a publicly traded company with ownership spread across institutional investors and mutual funds.
- After the acquisition, all public shareholders lost their stakes, as BowFlex’s assets were absorbed by Johnson Health Tech.
Recent Developments in Ownership
- In March 2024, BowFlex filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey.
- Johnson Health Tech offered $37.5 million in cash as a stalking horse bid and completed the acquisition later that year.
- Post-acquisition, BowFlex’s U.S. operations were restructured, offices were closed, and brands like Schwinn and JRNY were also consolidated under Johnson Health Tech.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of BowFlex?
The BowFlex brand is owned by Johnson Health Tech Retail, Inc., a Taiwan-based fitness equipment manufacturer.
2. Is BowFlex publicly traded or privately owned?
BowFlex is no longer publicly traded. After its 2024 bankruptcy, it became privately held under Johnson Health Tech.
3. Who founded BowFlex?
BowFlex was founded in 1986 by Nautilus, Inc., which later rebranded itself as BowFlex, Inc.
4. Has the ownership changed recently?
Yes. In 2024, BowFlex filed for bankruptcy and was acquired by Johnson Health Tech, ending its public company status.