#United States #New York #Lafayette Instrument #Branford Castle #Sutter Instrument Corp.

Lafayette Instrument Acquires Sutter Instrument Corp.

On May 12, 2026, Lafayette Instrument, LLC, a prominent manufacturer renowned for scientific instrumentation in life sciences and polygraph markets, made a significant move by acquiring Sutter Instrument Corp. The details of the acquisition deal were not disclosed. This transaction aligns with Lafayette's strategic goal of enhancing its capabilities and offerings in the life sciences sector.

Lafayette Instrument, which is supported by the North American private equity firm Branford Castle Partners, anticipates this integration will substantially bolster its product portfolio. Since Branford Castle's acquisition of Lafayette in 2021, this marks the fifth strategic investment under its management.

In the realm of scientific tools, Sutter is recognized globally for its precision instruments aimed at advancing research in electrophysiology, neuroscience, and other critical life science disciplines. Over the past 50 years, Sutter has positioned itself as a leader in supporting cellular research and electrophysiology. The new acquisition means Lafayette will be able to provide even greater support to the life science research community.

Benjamin Mangrich, the CEO of Lafayette Instrument, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "Sutter Instrument has been a global leader in instrumentation supporting cellular research and electrophysiology for over 50 years. Their strong portfolio, expertise, and commitment to client success align well with our objectives at Lafayette Instrument."

Branford Castle's Managing Director, Ceon Francis, echoed these sentiments, noting that this move enhances Lafayette's platform and expands its offerings to meet the growing needs of life sciences customers, who rely on the latest technologies and tools in their research. He remarked, "We are eager to work alongside management to continue the company's growth trajectory, ensuring it not only meets but exceeds customer expectations."

The transaction has seen the involvement of various advisory firms. Branford Castle was assisted by Akerman LLP as its legal counsel, while RSM provided accounting and tax advice. Meanwhile, Sutter Instrument received advice from EC MA and Donahue Fitzgerald LLP, highlighting the collaborative nature of such significant business undertakings. Financing for the deal comprised senior debt from Byline Bank and mezzanine financing from Brookside Capital Partners.

About Branford Castle Partners

With more than 35 years of experience, Branford Castle Partners focuses on investing in lower middle-market companies, typically targeting firms with up to $15 million in EBITDA. The firm prioritizes building strong relationships with the management teams of its portfolio companies and has a distinct expertise in specialized manufacturing, business services, logistics, and consumer products.

About Lafayette Instrument

With a rich history that spans over 75 years, Lafayette Instrument Company is a leader in engineering and manufacturing high-quality scientific instrumentation and data acquisition systems. Their products cater to diverse fields such as biology, neurosciences, pharmaceuticals, and medical research, making them pivotal in driving innovations in human evaluation and scientific discovery.

As Lafayette Instrument integrates Sutter Instrument into its portfolio, the landscape of life sciences instrumentation is set for significant advancements. This acquisition not only paves the way for innovation but also aims to cater to the evolving demands of the scientific community, promising enhanced tools that facilitate groundbreaking research.