IonQ Said To Buy SkyWater For $1.8 Billion In Push Toward Domestic Quantum Hardware

• The purchase will let IonQ accelerate its hardware production timelines.
• CEO Niccolo de Masi said the deal positions IonQ to become a vertically integrated leader in the quantum space.
• Last September, the company created a dedicated federal unit to concentrate on government-related projects.

IonQ, Inc. (IONQ) is reportedly planning to acquire semiconductor producer SkyWater Technology, Inc. (SKYT) for about $1.8 billion, a deal that could reshape domestic quantum hardware manufacturing.

According to a Wall Street Journal report, SkyWater stockholders will receive a package of $15 in cash and $20 in IonQ shares for each share they hold.

Strategic Expansion

The purchase will let IonQ accelerate its hardware production timelines and reduce its reliance on external suppliers, the report said. 

IonQ specializes in trapped-ion quantum machines, while SkyWater operates an exclusively U.S.-based semiconductor foundry that supports advanced manufacturing for military, aerospace, and computing clients. 

IonQ stock traded over 1% lower in Monday’s premarket. On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around the stock remained in ‘bullish’ territory while message volume changed to ‘normal’ from ‘high’ levels in 24 hours. 

According to the report, CEO Niccolo de Masi said the acquisition positions IonQ to become a vertically integrated leader in the quantum space.

“This is our move to make sure we are the ‘Nvidia’ of quantum.”

-Niccolo de Masi, CEO, IonQ

Deal Rush 

The latest acquisition comes in line with a slew of deal the company has forged in the past 12 months to expand its technology stack. In July last year, IonQ agreed to acquire U.K.-based quantum computing innovator Oxford Ionics in a deal worth approximately $1.075 billion. 

In November, the company partnered with Heven AeroTech, a U.S.-based hydrogen-powered drone maker, to embed quantum technologies into long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles. 

IonQ already partners with U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Defense. Last September, the company created a dedicated federal unit to concentrate on government and military-related projects.

IONQ stock has gained over 22% in the last 12 months. 

Also See: Dan Ives Reportedly Says Tesla Enters ‘Most Important Year Ever’ As Autonomy Takes Center Stage

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