Abstract: A disc brake keyed on a shaft has two levers and two gripping pads and comprises at least one spring whose action produces the tightening of the two pads on the disc. An electromagnet with a fixed yoke and movable armature produces the releasing of the two pads. A pivot assembly for the two levers is provided each comprising one end acting on one of the two pads and an opposite actuated end. The electromagnet is arranged between the actuated end of one of the levers and the actuated end of the other of the levers. The actuated ends have the form of a hollow body enveloping the electromagnet at least in part. The total lateral bulk of the gripper, in the direction parallel to the shaft bearing the disc is thereby kept less than the sum of the thicknesses of the two levers and of the electromagnet, the electromagnet thus remaining accessible. The device is notably useful in handling equipment.