Specac Strengthens Global OEM Capabilities with Acquisition of Amax

Specac Ltd, a global provider of spectroscopy accessories and sample preparation solutions, has announced the acquisition of Amax Precision Ltd, a Singapore-headquartered company that specializes in high-precision analytical instrument manufacturing (1). This deal brings together two complementary businesses to form a larger, vertically integrated original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partner that can serve multiple analytical technology markets worldwide.

In an announcement about the acquisition on January 21, 2026, Specac stated that this move sets them up to significantly expand its technological depth, manufacturing scale, and geographic reach (1). Specac is a portfolio company of Ampersand Capital Partners, a healthcare-focused private equity firm, and the transaction aligns with Ampersand’s strategy of building market-leading platforms through targeted acquisitions (1).

Amax Precision Ltd. is a precision contract manufacturer that specializes in high-mix, low-volume components produced to ultra-low micron tolerances. Its capabilities span engineering, machining, higher-level assembly, and testing for mission-critical parts that are integrated into complex analytical instruments and systems (1,2). Founded in 1995, the company operates production facilities in Malaysia and India, with its headquarters in Singapore, serving customers across medical and life sciences, analytical instrumentation, and semiconductor applications (1,2).

By combining Amax’s precision manufacturing expertise with Specac’s strengths in designed-in spectroscopy accessories and module-based assemblies, the newly expanded group aims to deliver greater vertical integration for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners (1). The combined organization now employs more than 400 people across three continents and maintains a manufacturing footprint strategically co-located with customer engineering and production sites.

“We are delighted with the opportunity to support existing Specac and Amax customers with an expanded set of capabilities as an OEM partner,” said Mark Dearden, President and CEO of the Specac Group, in a press release (1). “It is a pivotal step in building a best-in-class partner for analytical instrumentation.”

According to the company, the addition of Amax increases its reach and presence in life sciences markets while extending its ability to support customers earlier in the design cycle and further along the manufacturing value chain (1,2). Specac is best known for its infrared (IR) spectroscopy accessories, optics, process cells, and hydraulic presses used in sample preparation. These products are supplied to OEMs, laboratory equipment distributors, and end users across research, industrial, and applied markets (1).

Thomas Chen, the Chairman of Amax, described the acquisition as a milestone for the company’s next phase of growth.

“Joining Specac marks an exciting new chapter,” Chan said in a statement (1). “This not only broadens our exposure to new global markets but also represents a meaningful new step for us. We appreciate the support that will help us grow and gradually reach the next level.”

Ampersand Capital Partners emphasized the strategic fit between the two companies. Dave Patteson, a Partner at Ampersand, noted that Amax brings scale and complementary capabilities that enhance the overall platform.

“Amax’s merger into the Specac group will substantially increase scale, client capabilities, and life science contributions,” Patteson said (1). “Specac and Amax have complementary and high-quality offerings, multi-decade client relationships, and strong technical leadership.”

The acquisition builds on Specac’s recent growth trajectory under Ampersand’s ownership. In March 2024, Ampersand acquired Specac and subsequently added the assets of Harrick Scientific, another well-known name in spectroscopy accessories, to create a more globally active segment leader. With Amax now part of the group, Specac’s manufacturing operations span its purpose-built headquarters in Orpington, United Kingdom, a custom-designed facility in Mt. Kisco, New York, and Amax’s sites in Melaka, Malaysia, and Coimbatore, India.

Industry observers see the transaction as reflective of a broader trend toward consolidation and vertical integration in the analytical instrumentation supply chain. As OEMs seek partners capable of delivering precision components, subassemblies, and fully tested modules at a global scale, suppliers with integrated design, manufacturing, and testing capabilities are increasingly in demand.

With the addition of Amax, Specac aims to position itself as a long-term, strategic OEM partner across spectroscopy, analytical instrumentation, medical diagnostics, and related high-growth markets, offering both the technical sophistication and global footprint required to support next-generation analytical technologies.

References

1. Specac, Specac Acquires Amax Precision Ltd. Specac. Available at: https://specac.com/news/specac-acquires-amax-precision-ltd/ (accessed 2026-01-26).
2. Ampersand Capital, Specac Acquires Amax Precision Ltd. Ampersand Capital. https://ampersandcapital.com/specac-acquires-amax-precision-ltd/ (accessed 2026-01-26).