MarineMax attracts final bids from Blackstone, Donerail and Centerbridge

Investment firms Blackstone and Donerail, together with private‑equity firm Centerbridge, are in the final round of bidding to acquire MarineMax, the Clearwater, Florida‑based retailer of recreational yachts. MarineMax, valued at roughly $725 million, operates about 65 marinas, storage sites and 70 dealerships, primarily in the United States, and serves a wealthy clientele.

Sources said Donerail first urged MarineMax to consider a sale or a change of chief executive in 2023, and in February submitted an all‑cash offer valuing the company at around $1 billion, later raising its bid. Blackstone entered the process as the firm formally solicited buyer interest from April. MarineMax has not publicly confirmed a sales process, even as it reported quarterly earnings and made board changes aimed at appeasing investors.

The interest in MarineMax reflects a broader trend of dealmaking in the marina and super‑yacht sector. Blackstone’s infrastructure arm bought Safe Harbor Marinas for $5.7 billion in 2025, while rival Stonepeak recently acquired Southern Marinas. At the time of reporting, MarineMax shares traded around $33.30, up about 37 % year‑to‑date but still far below the peak reached in May 2021.