By Sarah Danckert,Sophie Aubrey

Copyright brisbanetimes

An investigation by The Age revealed last week that the rapidly expanding Melbourne gym empire has been failing to pay taxes, staff superannuation, and hundreds of businesses and landlords, while its owner, Nick Solomos, has been withdrawing millions for personal expenses over several years.

Solomos’ company accounts have been used for $5000-a-week pocket money, to make mortgage payments on his $40 million property portfolio, to fund more than $30,000 a week in payments to his ex-wife and to give luxury cars to senior staff.

Portelli declined to share exact figures on his financial contribution nor the size of his stake in the business.

“We haven’t put pen to paper just as yet, however, work has begun in the background,” Portelli said.