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Jan 26 (Reuters) – Quantum computing firm IonQ said on Monday it would buy chipmaker SkyWater Technology for about $1.8 billion, in \u200ba deal that would bring semiconductor manufacturing in-house and boost \u200cthe development of its next-generation quantum processors.<\/p>\n
The cash-and-stock deal will allow IonQ to secure its supply \u200cchain by taking control of its own chip production, ensuring a steady supply of advanced technology as it scales up its work supporting federal and defense sectors.<\/p>\n
IonQ’s shares rose about 4% in early trading, while SkyWater \u2060jumped nearly 8%.<\/p>\n
By acquiring \u200cits own fabrication facility and securing embedded access to a trusted U.S. foundry, IonQ will be able to begin \u200dtesting its planned 200,000-qubit chips in 2028, which is earlier than previously expected, the company said. In quantum computing, a qubit serves as the fundamental unit \u200bof information.<\/p>\n
SkyWater, a U.S. semiconductor foundry with operations in Minnesota, Florida, \u200cand Texas, will use those facilities as quantum production hubs for IonQ, the companies said.<\/p>\n
SkyWater’s shareholders will receive $15 in cash and $20 in IonQ stock for each share of SkyWater, representing a premium of nearly 12% to SkyWater’s last closing price.<\/p>\n
The deal is expected to close in the \u2060second or third quarter of 2026, after \u200bwhich SkyWater will operate as a wholly \u200bowned subsidiary, remaining under the leadership of CEO Thomas Sonderman, who will report to IonQ CEO Niccolo de Masi.<\/p>\n
The subsidiary will \u200dcontinue to provide \u2060its existing aerospace, defense, and commercial customers with wafer services, advanced packaging, and specialized components like atomic clocks.<\/p>\n
IonQ also said it \u2060expects its full-year 2025 revenue to be at the high end or above its \u200cpreviously announced forecast of $106 million to $110 million.<\/p>\n
(Reporting by Anhata Rooprai \u200cin Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber)<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n