Suntex merges with Windward in Florida
Suntex Marina Investors LLC has merged with Windward’s marina portfolio, through a joint venture with Centerbridge Partners, L.P., further expanding the Suntex presence in the recreational boating market.
Suntex specialises in the ownership and management of marina properties, with over 100 years experience investing in, acquiring, and managing marinas.
Bryan Redmond, CEO & Co-Founder of Suntex, said:
“Today’s announcement is a meaningful step forward in how we grow – intentionally, collaboratively, and with the boater experience guiding every decision.
“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.”
Windward owns and operates 14 marina and waterfront destinations in Florida, accommodating vessels from small leisure craft up to superyachts in 3,013 berths. Sites include Andreu Marina in Mandarin. Sadler Point Marina in Jacksonville and Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor in St Augustine, and the company grew from a single Floridian marina in less than seven years.
Stefan Johansson, Founder & CEO of Windward Marina Group, commented:
“Suntex brings operational depth, brand stewardship, and a long-term mindset that aligns perfectly with how we view the future of our marinas.
“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.”
Centerbridge Partners, L.P. is a private investment management firm employing a flexible approach across investment disciplines including Private Equity, Private Credit and Real Estates. Founded in 2005 it has offices in New York and London.
Matt Dabrowski, Senior Managing Director and Co-Head of Real Estate at Centerbridge Partners, L.P., said:
“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.”
Matt Dabrowski – Senior Managing Director and Co-Head of Real Estate at Centerbridge Partners, L.P.
The transaction adds locations such as Amelia Island, Jacksonville Beach, St. Augustine, Port Orange, Micco, Fort Pierce, Port Charlotte, Englewood, Panacea, and Pensacola, expanding Suntan’s network of marinas to more than 100 nationwide, including 34 locations across Florida.
Redmond concluded:
“Our growth strategy has always been about quality, not just scale.
“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.”
Bryan Redmond – CEO & Co-Founder of Suntex