Vacasa has acquired Sterling Resorts, one of the largest vacation rental management companies on the Florida Gulf Coast. Previously purchased by Pacifica Companies in 2015, Sterling Resorts now manages 450 units in destinations along the Gulf Coast of Northwest Florida down from 585 units in 2015.
With the acquisition, Vacasa now manages 13,000 exclusive vacation rentals and is the largest vacation rental management company in North America.
Vacasa has raised over $207 million in outside funding and, with this purchase, is taking another significant step in purchasing established vacation rental management companies in traditional leisure destinations, including South Carolina, Colorado, Alabama, and Florida. The company that was once considered a newcomer has quickly crossed over into mainstream, traditional vacation rentals.
Sterling’s largest area competitors include Southern Resorts (which has been expanding regionally) and Wyndham Vacation Rentals. Wyndham Destinations recently announced that it is exploring strategic alternatives for its North American vacation rentals businesses, including its locations in Northwest Florida.
It’s a shame that a company as big as Vacasa squired Sterling and can’t even get Sterling’s debts and obligations paid.