The company, which manages 40 fitness and wellness centres across Italy’s major cities, did not adequately inform customers about subscription terms and renewal conditions.

The Italian Competition Authority has closed its investigation launched in December 2024 into Virgin Active Italia, imposing a fine of 3 million euro. Prompted by numerous consumer complaints, the investigation confirmed that the company engaged in unfair practices. Virgin Active Italia – which reached over 100,000 subscriptions in 2024 – provided consumers with inadequate information regarding the terms and conditions of subscription, automatic renewal, cancellation and early termination. Furthermore, the company neglected to inform consumers in advance about the automatic renewal of their subscription and the deadline to exercise their cancellation rights. It also failed to clearly disclose the price increases introduced in 2024.

These actions – carried out as part of an integrated strategy – amount to a coordinated and complex unfair commercial practice adopted by Virgin Active Italia in breach of articles 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, letter f) and 65-bis of the Consumer Code.

In particular, Virgin Active Italia’s customers were in no position to make an informed decision about whether to subscribe to the services offered, cancel their subscription, or exercise their right of withdrawal. As a result, they found themselves contractually bound to a service they had not knowingly agreed to and were charged with the relevant costs.

Rome, 18 June 2025