Macdonald Henderson is pleased to have advised the shareholder of Clyde Marina Limited on the successful sale of Clyde Marina Limited and Sunbird (U.K.) Limited to Aquavista Watersides Ltd.

Operating from Ardrossan Harbour, Clyde Marina is one of Scotland’s best-known marina operators and has built a strong reputation within the country’s marine, leisure and tourism sectors. Sunbird complements the marina business through its established presence in boat sales and marine services.

The acquisition marks Aquavista’s first investment in Scotland, extending its growing portfolio of marinas and waterside destinations across the UK. The transaction further demonstrates the continued appeal of high-quality leisure and infrastructure assets and highlights the strength of Scotland’s marine sector as an attractive market for strategic investors.

For Clyde Marina and Sunbird, the deal represents the beginning of an exciting new phase, providing a platform for future growth while ensuring continuity for customers, employees and stakeholders.

Macdonald Henderson acted for the shareholder of Clyde Marina Limited, with the transaction led by Laura McKnight and Eva Fraser.

Laura McKnight, Managing Director at Macdonald Henderson, commented:

“We were delighted to support the shareholder throughout this transaction. Clyde Marina and Sunbird are highly respected businesses within Scotland’s marine sector, and this acquisition represents a strategically important step for Aquavista as it enters the Scottish market. We wish all parties every success for the future.”

About Macdonald Henderson, Simon Limb, Managing Director at Clyde Marina and Sunbird, said:

“Macdonald Henderson and Laura McKnight were recommended to us by a trusted colleague and that turned out to be a very good piece of advice. Working through a slightly complicated acquisition together Laura and Eva Fraser were always available with quick and detailed responses and generally the sensible voices of reason in discussions. The process was made much easier with clear language responses and common-sense approaches to working through issues and keeping the process moving. It was a pleasure to complete the deal together and we would be pleased to make the same recommendation that we received at the outset.”

The acquisition demonstrates continued M&A activity across Scotland’s leisure and tourism sectors, where established businesses with strong market positions continue to attract interest from strategic acquirers and investors.

Advisors

  • Shareholder of Clyde Marina Limited – Macdonald Henderson Limited (legal); Morton Fraser MacRoberts LLP (property legal aspects); and Armstrongs Accounting Services Limited (tax and accountancy).
  • Aquavista Watersides Ltd – Burness Paull LLP (legal); Cooper Parry LLP (tax and accountancy).