MarineMax has attracted final bids from investment firms Blackstone, Donerail and Centerbridge as the Florida-based recreational boat and yacht retailer considers a potential sale, Reuters reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter.
MarineMax operates more than 120 locations worldwide, including 65 marinas and storage facilities alongside over 70 dealerships. The company also owns IGY Marinas, Fraser Yachts Group, Northrop & Johnson, Cruisers Yachts and Intrepid Powerboats.
The business also provides financing, insurance and digital services for boat owners, and operates MarineMax Vacations in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, which offers yacht charter holidays.
One of the reported bidders, Blackstone, is described as the world’s largest alternative asset manager, overseeing more than $1.3 trillion USD in assets across investment areas including real estate, private equity, infrastructure, credit and life sciences.
In 2025, Blackstone Infrastructure acquired Safe Harbor Marinas for $5.65 billion, whose portfolio currently includes more than 150 marinas and shipyards, primarily in the United States.
Meanwhile, Donerail, one of MarineMax’s largest shareholders, submitted a non-binding proposal in February this year to acquire all outstanding shares of MarineMax in an all-cash transaction valued at around $1.1 billion.
Another reported bidder, Centerbridge, has also established a presence in the marina sector. The investment firm is affiliated with Suntex Marina Investors, with the partnership announcing acquisitions in Texas and Southern California this year, along with a merger with Windward Marina Group.
