PORTLAND, Maine — Recycled sail manufacturer Sea Bags announced Monday that it has purchased Portland nautical map jeweler CHART metalworks.
“We couldn’t be happier. We’ve always admired Sea Bags and recognized the strong synergies between the brands,” said Charlotte Guptill, co-founder of CHART metalworks, in a prepared statement. “The deal makes it possible to further collaborate in product design and retail, and take CHART metalworks to the next level.”
Sea Bags purchased a majority stake in the company for an undisclosed sum. Both businesses represent Maine’s working waterfront and are riding a wave of nautical chic that’s enjoyed steady growth for the last decade.
Don Oakes, chief executive officer at Sea Bags, said the move “enables us to further our goal of building a nautical lifestyle brand.”
Sea Bag’s line of totes and accessories, handmade from reclaimed sailcloth, complements CHART metalworks nautical effects.
Guptill and her husband, John, will continue to be involved in day-to-day operations at CHART metalworks, and the business will remain in its location on Portland’s Pleasant Street.
Sea Bags, founded in 1999 in Portland’s Old Port, has five retail stores including Freeport, Cape May, New Jersey, and as of this summer Rockport and Chatham, Massachusetts, and is an active e-tailer.
