Investment firm acquires life-science tools provider ESA

Wellesley & Chelmsford, MA – May 21, 2004 – Private equity investment firm Ampersand Ventures says it has acquired privately owned ESA, a global supplier of analytical instruments and kits for the biomedical research, drug discovery and clinical diagnostic markets. With headquarters in Chelmsford, MA, ESA recorded revenues of US$17 million in 2003.

Walter DiGiusto, who has served as ESA’s president since 1997, will continue to head the company and serve on the board of directors. "We are very excited about working with Ampersand to build on our past success and significantly expand our market presence," he says. "Ampersand has a strong understanding of our products and markets, and is an ideal equity partner for ESA as we embark on the next phase of the company’s development."