Rhu Marina could be set to see a share of a £10 million investment programme after its owners agreed to merge with one of Britain's largest coastal businesses.

Quay Marina, which leases the Rhu site from The Crown Estate, has joined forces with Dean & Reddyhoff, which has marinas at East Cowes in the Isle of Wight, Weymouth, Portland and other locations.

As part of the deal, which was signed on May 29 for an undisclosed sum, there is a planned £10 million investment programme over the next five years.

The merger is expected to be complete in the next three months and the combined business will operate the second largest number of coastal marinas with the widest network around the coast of the UK.

READ MORE: 'Exciting times' for yacht club as Rhu homes plan is published

Alongside 11 marinas, 4,000 berths and 150 staff, the new business will operate boat yards, boat repair and maintenance and boat sales.

Michael Prideaux, managing director of Dean & Reddyhoff said: “Our customers at all our marinas know what they are getting – a friendly, warm, professional experience and a great atmosphere.

"By merging with Quay Marinas, we will be bringing together the strengths of both companies and our joint ambition is to make our marinas the destination of choice for all types of boaters in the UK, across the whole of the UK.”

Mr Prideaux said current berth holders would benefit straight away with berth swaps between the marinas and free nights for those cruising between destinations.

READ MORE: Three teens charged after 'raid' at Rhu Marina

The two companies will have completed the merger by the autumn and will be owned and operate all the marinas under one brand.

Both marina companies have significant history of developing and operating marinas with first rate facilities that are part of the community.

As well as providing berths for boats, the full range of services that customers need will be offered for experienced and new boaters.

Customers can learn to sail, buy a boat, eat, drink and relax, have their boats maintained - all with the same consistent high levels of service.

READ MORE: In Pictures: Rhu Marina hosts record-breaking New Year Swim

Simon Haigh, managing director of Quay Marinas said: "We are all looking forward to a busy boating season.

"We are confident that our visitors and berth holders can look forward to us making it even easier for them to spend time out on the water.

"Whether they are cruising, racing, fishing or diving, behind the scenes we’ll be working hard to make sure that our new company puts what our customers want at the heart of our business.

"Behind the scenes we’ll be working hard to make sure that our new company puts what our customers want at the heart of our business.”