Esporta could find itself back in the ownership of Duke Street Capital, the private equity company that sold the fitness chain for £470m nine months ago.

It is understood that Duke Street is interested in buying the group after Esporta’s holding company went into administration last week.

Simon Halabi bought Esporta from Duke Street. However, his backer, Société Générale, is now demanding £330m which it claims it is owed from the deal.

Halabi’s investment vehicles, Bell Leisure Investment No 1 and No 2, appointed Grant Thornton as joint administrators. This could lead to a restructuring of Esporta’s capital, a break up or sale of the whole business.