Suntex and Windward Marina Group Merge Marina Portfolios
Suntex Marina Investors LLC, through a joint venture with Centerbridge Partners, L.P., recently merged with Windward’s marina portfolio, a Florida-based marina network.
The transaction adds 13 marinas and more than 3,000 slips, according to the company, bringing the Suntex network of marinas to more than 100 nationwide, including 34 locations across Florida.
“Today’s announcement is a meaningful step forward in how we grow – intentionally, collaboratively, and with the boater experience guiding every decision,” said Bryan Redmond, CEO and co-founder of Suntex, in a news release. “Windward has assembled an exceptional portfolio of marinas across Florida’s most compelling boating destinations. Together, we are creating a highly connected coastal network with Suntex marinas positioned near major inlets from Miami to Amelia Island. With a nationwide network of more than 100 marinas, Suntex is aligning brand standards and experiences across iconic waterfront destinations to deliver greater value for boaters.”
“This transaction marks another important milestone in executing Suntex’s strategy of expanding in high-growth, coastal markets, particularly in Florida, where demand fundamentals remain favorable and barriers to new supply remain incredibly high,” added Matt Dabrowski, Senior Managing Director and Co-Head of Real Estate at Centerbridge Partners, L.P.
Supporting Suntex’s Marina Growth
The newly added marinas span Amelia Island, Jacksonville Beach, St. Augustine, Port Orange, Micco, Fort Pierce, Port Charlotte, Englewood, Panacea and Pensacola, according to the company, offering diverse boating experiences across Florida’s Atlantic Coast, Gulf Coast and Panhandle. These destinations support a broad range of boating lifestyles from fishing and cruising to sailing, and waterfront dining while contributing to coastal communities statewide.
“Suntex brings operational depth, brand stewardship, and a long-term mindset that aligns perfectly with how we view the future of our marinas,” said Stefan Johansson, Founder & CEO of Windward Marina Group, in the release. “This merger allows us to preserve what makes each Windward marina special while unlocking new opportunities for innovation and guest experiences that will benefit our boaters.”
As part of the integration, Suntex brand standards will be introduced across the portfolio, according to the company, including enhanced guest services and technology-enabled communication all designed to improve access, consistency and enjoyment on the water.
“Our growth strategy has always been about quality, not just scale,” Redmond added in the release. “By expanding our presence through a collaborative merger like this, we’re creating outstanding experiences that matter to boaters and building a resilient marina network positioned for long-term success.”
