Microlease

About Microlease

In 1979, the world of electronics was evolving at a breakneck pace, and with it, the specialized equipment needed for testing and measurement. This is where the story of Microlease begins. Founded in London, the company identified a critical pain point for businesses: the high cost of acquiring sophisticated test equipment that could quickly become obsolete. The founders built a business not on selling equipment outright, but on renting, leasing, and managing these crucial assets. This model allowed companies to access top-tier technology without the heavy capital expenditure and balance sheet burden. Microlease established itself as a key player in Europe, offering a smarter way to manage the lifecycle of test equipment. Their value proposition was simple but powerful: provide flexibility and minimize costs for customers, from rental and leasing to selling used equipment and handling asset management. This approach resonated with industries where innovation was constant, allowing Microlease to expand its operations globally, with offices across Europe, the US, and Asia. A pivotal chapter in the company's journey began in 2016. Electro Rent Corporation, a major US competitor, announced its intention to acquire Microlease. The deal, which closed in early 2017, was a transformational moment. It set the stage to create a global powerhouse in the test and measurement services industry. Over the next couple of years, the two companies, along with the brand Livingston, began integrating their operations. This culminated in the Microlease brand being consolidated under the Electro Rent name, creating a single entity with a combined asset value of over $1 billion.