Richardsons’ acquires Maptech’s marine division
NEWS BEDFORD, Mass. –Richardsons’ Chartbooks and Cruising Guides has purchased Maptech Inc.’s marine printed products division for an undisclosed amount, according to a press release.
The acquisition of this division of Matptech, publishers of ChartKits, Embassy Cruising Guides, creates one of the world’s largest chart makers outside of national hydrographic offices.
“Needless to say, I am very excited about this acquisition,” says Richardson’s President Lee Estes, who worked for the original ChartKit/BBA for 10 years before leaving and buying Richardson’s in 1998. “There is a large, loyal customer base of ChartKit and Embassy users, who I am sure will be glad to hear that Maptech’s marine paper products are staying in the family, so to speak.”
“Things have come full circle,” says Tom Coppa, Maptech Inc. president. “We are very pleased that someone who truly understands the chart business and appreciates the recreational boater will uphold the Maptech, ChartKit and Embassy brands. We believe this is true, because Lee Estes worked for us in the past, and we know he will do well.”
Maptech Inc. announced that it was for sale in February, less than 18 months after the death of its owner, Gary Comer. The printed products division is one of several Maptech Inc. has sold recently. Comer was the founder of Lands’ End, an avid boater and a beloved philanthropist.
“For the immediate future, the plan is to run Richardsons’ and Maptech as two separate divisions,” said Estes, who noted that shipping, sales, and operations will be performed out of the company’s New Bedford, Mass., headquarters, while production will remain in Amesbury, Mass. “We have retained the majority of the Maptech paper production staff and a portion of the sales group, all of whom I am happy to have aboard.”
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