Safe Harbor Marinas Finds Safe Haven in Blackstone's $5.65 Billion Bargain

Safe Harbor Marinas, a pivotal player in the yachting industry, has been caught by the net of Blackstone Infrastructure funds in a lucrative $5.65 billion agreement. This substantial investment could cause significant ripples throughout the yachting sector, impacting competitors and market trends.

Heidi Boyd, a senior MD at Blackstone, highlighted how marinas are bolstered by increasing trends towards travel and leisure, as well as population inflows into coastal cities. She affirmed that Safe Harbor, renowned as the largest marina and superyacht servicing business in the US, is the best-positioned company in this sector. Boyd further expressed excitement about working with Safe Harbor’s remarkable team to invest in their existing marinas and expanding their reach.

Gary Shiffman, the Chairman and CEO of SunCommunities, commended the Safe Harbor team’s dedication and hard work over their four-year partnership. Shiffman expressed satisfaction with the performance of Safe Harbor and the outcome of this successful sale process. He posited that the acquisition would further Safe Harbor’s stature as the leading marina and superyacht servicing business in the US, thanks to Blackstone’s involvement.

For Blackstone Infrastructure, the acquisition of Safe Harbor Marinas solidifies its diverse portfolio. The firm specifically targets companies in burgeoning industries, driven forward by areas such as increasing consumer desire, advances in technology, and pivotal demographic shifts. The firm continues its rapid pace of growth with an escalation of approximately 40% year over year, overseeing critical assets worth around $55 billion as of 31st December 2024.

With a history of making strategic investments in established industry players such as QTS, AirTrunk, Carrix, and Invenergy, Blackstone’s acquisition of Safe Harbor Marinas writes a new chapter in the investment firm’s continual expansion and evolvement in the marina sector. With Safe Harbor now in its harbor, Blackstone Infrastructure sails forward into an exciting new future.