Blackstone, Donerail and Centerbridge vie for MarineMax in final bidding round

Private‑equity giant Blackstone, activist hedge fund Donerail and private‑equity firm Centerbridge are competing in the final stage of a sale process for MarineMax, the Clearwater, Florida‑based yacht retailer. MarineMax, valued at roughly $725 million, operates about 65 marinas and 70 dealerships across the United States and serves affluent customers.

Donerail pushed for a sale last year and submitted an all‑cash proposal of around $1 billion in February, later raising its offer. The company has responded with board changes but has not officially confirmed a formal sale. Blackstone entered the process after MarineMax began formally seeking bids in April, attracted by growing investor interest in marina and super‑yacht assets. The firm already has a presence in the sector through its infrastructure arm, which acquired Safe Harbor Marinas for $5.7 billion in 2025. MarineMax shares were trading near $33.30, up about 37 % year‑to‑date but still roughly 50 % below their 2021 peak.