The Bottom Line: Planet Fitness, Skillsoft and Itaconix

A roundup of news updates from public companies in NH and nationwide

NEW PLANET FITNESS DEVELOPMENT IN MEXICO

Planet Fitness is expanding its footprint in Mexico through a new franchise agreement that will bring additional gyms to the country’s northern region.

The Hampton, NH–based fitness franchisor announced it has partnered with Impulso Gym to open new Planet Fitness locations in Tijuana and Mexicali. The deal is aimed at strengthening the company’s presence in northern Mexico. Planet Fitness currently operates 47 locations across 14 Mexican states.

Impulso Gym is a joint venture between Great American Hospitality and Fernando Sada, owner of Desarrollos Mafersa. Great American Hospitality develops and operates several U.S. restaurant brands in Mexico, including Applebee’s, Little Caesars and Wendy’s, while Desarrollos Mafersa previously served as general contractor for the first Planet Fitness clubs built in Monterrey.

Planet Fitness entered Mexico in 2018 and said demand for its low-cost gym model continues to grow. According to the International Health and Fitness Association, gym membership penetration in Mexico remains below 7%.

Chip Ohlsson, Planet Fitness’ chief development officer, said the company has seen strong performance in the Mexican market and believes Impulso Gym’s local expertise will help bring its fitness model to new communities.

Globally, Planet Fitness has more than 20.8 million members and operates more than 2,800 clubs across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Panama, Australia and Spain.

SKILLSOFT NAMED IT TRAINING SERVICES LEADER IN NORTH AMERICA AND EUROPE

Skillsoft (NYSE: SKIL) has been named a leader in two IDC MarketScape reports evaluating IT training services in North America and Europe, the company announced.

The Nashua-based provider of an AI-focused skills management platform was recognized in the IDC MarketScape for IT Training Services in both regions as organizations seek workforce training to support artificial intelligence initiatives.

The recognition comes amid a growing global skills shortage tied to rapid technological change. According to IDC, skills gaps could cost the global economy up to $5.5 trillion in lost revenue, product delays and reduced competitiveness by the end of next year. Nearly half of IT leaders say a lack of AI-related skills is slowing progress on AI initiatives.

Skillsoft said its Percipio learning platform is designed to help companies assess workforce capabilities, identify skills gaps and deliver training more quickly. The platform enables organizations to create custom learning content, provide personalized training paths and validate employee competencies through simulations, labs and certification programs.

The company said the platform also supports multilingual teams and integrates with existing systems, allowing organizations to scale training programs across global workforces.

IDC Research Director Gina Smith said the platform is best suited for large organizations that need broad skills development, global reach and tools to align workforce training with AI-driven business changes.

ITACONIX TRADING UPDATE

Stratham-based Itaconix plc (AIM: ITX) (OTCQB: ITXXF) reported strong revenue growth in 2025, surpassing $10 million in annual sales for the first time as demand increased for its plant-based specialty polymers.

The company said unaudited revenue for the year ended Dec. 31, 2025, rose 59% to $10.3 million, up from $6.5 million in 2024. The performance included a third consecutive record half year, with second-half revenue reaching $5.5 million compared with $4.8 million during the same period a year earlier.

Growth was driven by both new and existing customers across multiple regions and product applications.

The company said demand for its patented plant-based polymers has continued to rise as consumer product manufacturers seek sustainable, high-performance ingredients for products such as detergents, hygiene items and beauty products.

The increased revenue and broader commercial traction allowed Itaconix to invest further in marketing and demand generation heading into 2026.

CEO John R. Shaw called 2025 a milestone year for the company, citing growing adoption of its technology and stronger engagement from customers developing next-generation consumer products focused on sustainability and performance.

The board said it remains optimistic about the company’s outlook for 2026, pointing to a growing customer pipeline, expanding product adoption and a capital-efficient operating model.