VLCC announces opening of new centre at Abu Dhabi

VLCC, which has carved a niche for itself in the UAE 'wellness' domain with its two centres in Dubai and one in Sharjah, will offer a vast array of slimming, beauty and skin services. The new centre will be strategically located at the Khalidia Street Junction.

The launch of VLCC in Abu Dhabi is part of the company's overall regional expansion strategy, aimed at meeting its commitment to customers and providing high-quality services at value-for-money prices. VLCC is expected to herald a totally new weight management and health and beauty experience in the capital city of UAE.

Following the launch, VLCC will make its foray into Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, taking the total number of VLCC centres in the Middle East to 28 by 2009.

In his comments, Mr Mukesh Luthra, Chairman and Managing Director, VLCC said: "Our expansion plans are driven by the inherent demand for customised slimming and beauty services in the UAE along with the entire region. Overall, the weight-loss and fitness market in UAE is witnessing a paradigm shift, and Abu Dhabi is no exception."

He added: "We are noticing a strong health consciousness amongst the burgeoning population and are completely overwhelmed with the interest that they have shown in our bouquet of services. We stand committed towards delivering world class services with the same efficiency as has always been maintained.

The expansion plans, to be taken up by the group's international arm, VLCC International LLC, will be funded by a combination of debt instruments and internal accruals. VLCC recently announced that Indivision India Partners, a private equity fund promoted by India-based Future Capital Holdings, has invested AED45 million in the group. The investment, structured in the form of Convertible Debentures, has been earmarked for funding the expansion of new VLCC centres in the Middle East and India.

VLCC currently operates three centres in the UAE (1) Spinneys building on Trade Centre Road with separate facilities for men and women (2) Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah exclusively for women and (3) Crescent Tower, Buhaira Corniche, Sharjah with separate facilities for men and women.