Blackstone-Backed Safe Harbor To Acquire Marinemax

Two major St. Maarten yachting facilities could come under new ownership through a 1.5-billion-US-dollar acquisition agreement.

Blackstone-backed Safe Harbor Marinas has agreed to acquire MarineMax Incorporated for 53 dollars per share in cash.

MarineMax owns IGY Marinas, whose international portfolio includes Simpson Bay Marina and Yacht Club Isle de Sol.

If completed, MarineMax will become a privately held company, placing IGY and its St. Maarten facilities under Safe Harbor—a Blackstone Infrastructure portfolio company.

MarineMax operates more than 120 locations worldwide, including dealerships, marinas, yacht manufacturers, brokerage firms and marine-service businesses.

The MarineMax board unanimously approved the agreement and is recommending shareholder support.

The acquisition is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.

Operations at the two St. Maarten marinas remain unchanged while the transaction is pending. No investment or operational changes have been announced for the local facilities.