By Svea Herbst-Bayliss

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Impactive Capital doesn't push companies to sell but aims for them to improve independently, co-founder Lauren Taylor Wolfe noted. She highlighted student loan company SLM (NASDAQ:SLM) and gym chain Basic Fit as potential long-term success stories.

"We take the long term view," Taylor Wolfe mentioned, explaining that the firm, described as an impact-oriented activist fund, encourages companies to operate at their best and collaborates with management on strategies to increase stock prices. "We look for stable businesses where time is our friend."

Taylor Wolfe spoke at the 13D Monitor Active-Passive Investor Summit in New York.

Basic Fit

Basic Fit, a Dutch fitness chain, provides a minimalist workout space with weights and cardio equipment. Its facilities have few employees and lack pools, saunas, or scented towels. Currently, with over 1,600 locations, Taylor Wolfe anticipates the company could reach 3,000 locations by 2030, sometimes operating with only one employee during peak hours.

The company reported a 13% year-over-year membership growth in Q3 and a 17% increase in quarterly revenue. On Monday, the stock closed at 24 Euros a share, with predictions it could rise to 70 Euros per share in three years.

SLM (Sallie Mae)

In a similar vein, SLM, known as Sallie Mae, is projected to see its stock price double in three years, according to Taylor Wolfe. She pointed out that the student loan company has effectively been buying back its stock. It closed at $22.95 on Monday, with expectations of climbing to $44 a share in the next three years.

SLM originates $7 billion in loans annually and has captured 60% of the market, with potential growth anticipated as some competitors exit the business.