Kent-Based Gargoyles Plans To Purchase Private Eyes Sunglass

Gargoyles, the Kent-based manufacturer of high-performance sunglasses, said today it will acquire Private Eyes Sunglass Corp.

Private Eyes, based in Norwell, Mass., has a license to sell Ellen Tracy eyewear and is the North American distributor of Emmanuelle Khanh Paris Eyewear.

Gargoyles President Doug Hauff said the purchase will allow Gargoyles to broaden its customer base in the women's premium sunglasses market while also improving its distribution capabilities.

Company officials did not disclose the purchase price.

Private Eyes, founded in 1977, will become a subsidiary of Gargoyles.

Gargoyles was established in 1983. It makes and markets Gargoyles Performance Eyewear. It owns Hobie sunglasses, a line of polarized sunglasses. Earlier this year it introduced the Timberland line of sunglasses under license from Timberland Co. It also has acquired Sungold I-Wear, which manufactures Stussy and Anarchy glasses.

Hauff said the acquisition of Private Eyes will significantly expand Gargoyles' presence in the women's market through the Ellen Tracy brand.

Ellen Tracy features high-fashion women's sunglasses, reading glasses and eyeglass frames, Hauff said.