Lafayette Instrument, a leading global manufacturer of scientific instrumentation equipment for the life sciences, polygraph, and human evaluation markets, has announced the acquisition of Sutter Instrument Corp., a leading provider of precision scientific instruments used by universities and research institutions globally for electrophysiology, neuroscience, and related life sciences research. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The deal marks the fifth bolt-on acquisition for Lafayette since being acquired by Branford Castle Partners’ Fund II in 2021, and significantly expands its life sciences instrumentation product offerings. Sutter has been a global leader in instrumentation supporting cellular research and electrophysiology for more than 50 years, bringing a strong product portfolio, deep technical expertise, and an established customer base across academic and research institutions worldwide. The addition reinforces Lafayette’s commitment to providing the life science research community with experiment-focused software and instrumentation and positions the combined company to better serve a growing base of customers demanding advanced tools and technology.
Lafayette Instrument has more than 75 years of experience engineering and manufacturing scientific instrumentation and data acquisition equipment across biology, neuroscience, pharmaceutical and medical research, physical therapy and rehabilitation, security, and law enforcement. Branford Castle Partners is a North American-focused private equity firm specializing in lower middle-market investments with more than 35 years of experience and particular expertise in industrials, specialty manufacturing, consumer products, business services, and logistics. Branford Castle was advised by Akerman as legal counsel with RSM as accounting and tax advisor. EC M&A acted as financial advisor and Donahue Fitzgerald as legal advisor to Sutter. Byline Bank is providing senior debt financing and Brookside Capital Partners is providing mezzanine debt financing.
KEY QUOTES:
“Sutter Instrument has been a global leader in instrumentation supporting cellular research and electrophysiology for over 50 years. The company’s strong product portfolio, deep technical expertise, and commitment to customer success make them a natural complement to Lafayette Instrument’s Life Science portfolio.”
Benjamin Mangrich, CEO, Lafayette Instrument
“This acquisition strengthens Lafayette’s platform and broadens its product offering to better serve a growing base of life sciences customers who demand the latest tools and technology. We are excited to collaborate with management as we continue to build on the company’s momentum and drive long-term growth.”
Ceon Francis, Managing Director, Branford Castle Partners
