CVC Capital Partners has agreed to sell its high-end marina group, D-Marin, for more than €1 billion to French private equity firm Infra Via. The deal comes amid a surge in investment within the yachting sector, driven by booming demand for superyacht services.

D-Marin, an Athens-based operator with 28 marinas across Europe and the Middle East, was acquired by CVC in 2020. The transaction is projected to value the company between €1 billion and €1.5 billion, representing a substantial return for CVC, which purchased it for approximately €200 million six years prior. Under CVC’s ownership, D-Marin expanded its geographical reach and tripled its revenues.

The sale highlights a broader trend of consolidation in the fragmented marina market, attracting major investors like Blackstone and Stonepeak. With a global shortage of berths and increasing yacht ownership, particularly in the Mediterranean, the sector presents significant growth opportunities. D-Marin’s portfolio includes 14,300 berths and 12 boatyards, serving over 50,000 customers annually. Infra Via intends to further expand the business.

This transaction underscores the lucrative potential in maritime infrastructure as demand outstrips supply. Investors and business leaders should monitor the marina sector for further M&A activity driven by strong underlying market fundamentals and the appeal of scalable infrastructure assets.