SEALSQ and Quobly Mutually Agree to Halt Discussions Regarding a Potential Majority Investment or Acquisition by SEALSQ

Rhea-AI Summary

SEALSQ (NASDAQ: LAES) and Quobly mutually agreed on Feb. 20, 2026 to halt talks about a potential majority investment or acquisition by SEALSQ.

They will instead explore a possible minority investment to be discussed after Quobly launches its Series A financing round, while continuing their technical and industrial collaboration announced in Nov. 2025 around secure semiconductors and scalable quantum architectures.

News Market Reaction – LAES

-1.25%

1 alert

-1.25% News Effect

On the day this news was published, LAES declined 1.25%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Collaboration start date: Nov. 2025

1 metrics

Collaboration start date Nov. 2025 Start of SEALSQ–Quobly technical and industrial collaboration

Market Reality Check

Price: $3.95 Vol: Volume 2,161,810 is below...

low vol

$3.95 Last Close

Volume Volume 2,161,810 is below the 20-day average of 8,071,830 (relative volume 0.27x). low

Technical Shares at 3.91 are trading below the 200-day MA of 4.03 and well under the 52-week high of 8.71.

Peers on Argus

Peers in semiconductors show a mixed picture, with names like AIP (+1.77%) and P...

Peers in semiconductors show a mixed picture, with names like AIP (+1.77%) and POET (+2.96%) up while NVEC (-0.52%) and CEVA (-0.05%) are down, suggesting stock-specific factors around the Quobly decision.

Previous Acquisition Reports

5 past events · Latest: Jan 14 (Positive)

Same Type Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 14	Quobly MoU signed	Positive	+0.0%	Non-binding MoU for staged minority then potential majority Quobly investment.
Oct 29	Wecan stake update	Positive	-0.9%	Confirms 28.3% Wecan stake and leadership change to drive RegTech growth.
Aug 04	IC’ALPS deal closed	Positive	+0.3%	Completion of IC’ALPS acquisition after French approval, expanding ASIC capabilities.
Jun 30	Wecan stake completed	Positive	-0.5%	Finalization of 28.30% equity stake in WeCan Group for quantum-resilient compliance.
May 27	IC’ALPS SPA signed	Positive	+5.2%	Share Purchase Agreement to acquire 100% of IC’ALPS pending approval.

Pattern Detected

Acquisition-related announcements have produced mixed reactions: two events aligned positively with price, while three saw flat or negative moves despite seemingly strategic transactions.

Recent Company History

Over the past year, SEALSQ has used acquisitions and strategic stakes to expand in quantum and secure semiconductor markets. Deals included minority and expanded positions in Wecan and a signed SPA plus completion of the IC’ALPS acquisition, as well as a planned multi-stage Quobly investment. Price reactions to these acquisition headlines have been inconsistent, with both gains and declines. Today’s decision to halt majority-acquisition talks with Quobly, while keeping a minority option open, follows this active but variably rewarded M&A pattern.

Historical Comparison

+0.8% avg move · In the last 12 months, SEALSQ issued 5 acquisition-related updates, with an average move of 0.82%. T...

acquisition

+0.8%

Average Historical Move acquisition

In the last 12 months, SEALSQ issued 5 acquisition-related updates, with an average move of 0.82%. The Quobly decision follows a broader M&A strategy spanning IC’ALPS and Wecan stakes.

Acquisition news shows a progression from announcing and signing the IC’ALPS SPA to completing that deal, while also building minority positions in Wecan and planning a staged Quobly investment within its quantum and semiconductor strategy.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement confirms SEALSQ and Quobly have ended discussions for a potential majority acquisi...

Analysis

This announcement confirms SEALSQ and Quobly have ended discussions for a potential majority acquisition while leaving open a future minority investment linked to Quobly’s Series A. The companies will maintain their collaboration launched in Nov. 2025 around secure semiconductors and scalable quantum architectures. In context of SEALSQ’s active M&A history with IC’ALPS and Wecan and earlier Quobly MoUs, investors may watch how any eventual minority structure supports its broader quantum and post‑quantum roadmap and revenue growth trajectory.

Key Terms

PKI, post-quantum, Series A financing round, quantum computing

4 terms

PKI technical

"developing and selling Semiconductors, PKI, and Post-Quantum technology hardware"

PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) is a system that creates and manages digital “keys” and electronic certificates to prove identities and secure online communications, like a bank vault and ID card for data. For investors, PKI matters because it helps prevent fraud, ensures that financial documents and trading instructions are genuine, and reduces regulatory and operational risk tied to hacked accounts or tampered disclosures.

post-quantum technical

"Semiconductors, PKI, and Post-Quantum technology hardware and software products"

Post-quantum describes technology, especially encryption methods, designed to stay secure against powerful future quantum computers that could break today’s digital locks. For investors, it signals which products, services or suppliers are preparing for a major shift in cybersecurity risk—similar to choosing a safe built to resist a new kind of drill—affecting costs, liability, competitive advantage and regulatory compliance across industries.

Series A financing round financial

"to be discussed once Quobly launches its Series A financing round"

A Series A financing round is an early stage of outside investment in a private company where professional investors provide a significant sum of money in exchange for ownership stakes to help the business grow beyond initial development. Think of it as a larger fuel refill after a car’s first tune-up: it sets a market value for the company, influences future ownership percentages, and serves as an important signal to other investors about the company’s potential and progress.

quantum computing technical

"compatible with the current pace of quantum computing investments in France"

Quantum computing is a type of advanced technology that uses the principles of quantum physics to perform calculations much faster than traditional computers. It can process vast amounts of information simultaneously, potentially solving complex problems that are currently impossible or take too long with regular computers. For investors, this technology could lead to breakthroughs in areas like cryptography, data analysis, and optimization, impacting financial markets and security systems.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES) ("SEALSQ" or "Company"), a company that focuses on developing and selling Semiconductors, PKI, and Post-Quantum technology hardware and software products, and Quobly, today announced that they have mutually agreed to halt discussions regarding a potential majority investment or acquisition of Quobly by SEALSQ.

The parties will instead explore the possibility of a minority investment, to be discussed once Quobly launches its Series A financing round.

This decision reflects a shared preference for a minority investment structure that is more compatible with the current pace of quantum computing investments in France.

The companies will continue their technical and industrial collaboration announced in Nov. 2025 https://www.sealsq.com/investors/news-releases/sealsq-and-quobly-announce-collaboration-to-advance-secure-and-scalable-quantum-technologies, particularly around the convergence of secure semiconductor technologies and scalable quantum architectures.

About SEALSQ:
SEALSQ is a leading innovator in Post-Quantum Technology hardware and software solutions. Our technology seamlessly integrates Semiconductors, PKI (Public Key Infrastructure), and Provisioning Services, with a strategic emphasis on developing state-of-the-art Quantum Resistant Cryptography and Semiconductors designed to address the urgent security challenges posed by quantum computing. As quantum computers advance, traditional cryptographic methods like RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) are increasingly vulnerable.

SEALSQ is pioneering the development of Post-Quantum Semiconductors that provide robust, future-proof protection for sensitive data across a wide range of applications, including Multi-Factor Authentication tokens, Smart Energy, Medical and Healthcare Systems, Defense, IT Network Infrastructure, Automotive, and Industrial Automation and Control Systems. By embedding Post-Quantum Cryptography into our semiconductor solutions, SEALSQ ensures that organizations stay protected against quantum threats. Our products are engineered to safeguard critical systems, enhancing resilience and security across diverse industries.

For more information on our Post-Quantum Semiconductors and security solutions, please visit www.sealsq.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning SEALSQ Corp and its businesses. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our business strategy, financial performance, results of operations, completion of contemplated minority investments, market data, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, as well as any other statements which are not historical facts. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include SEALSQ's ability to continue beneficial transactions with material parties, including a limited number of significant customers; market demand and semiconductor industry conditions; and the risks discussed in SEALSQ's filings with the SEC. Risks and uncertainties are further described in reports filed by SEALSQ with the SEC.

SEALSQ Corp is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SEALSQ Corp. Carlos Moreira Chairman & CEO Tel: +41 22 594 3000 info@sealsq.com

SEALSQ Investor Relations (US) The Equity Group Inc. Lena Cati Tel: +1 212 836-9611 lcati@theequitygroup.com

FAQ

Why did SEALSQ (LAES) and Quobly halt acquisition discussions on Feb. 20, 2026?

They mutually decided to halt majority-acquisition talks and explore a minority option instead. According to SEALSQ, this reflects a shared preference for a minority structure more compatible with the current pace of quantum computing investments in France and the companies' timelines.

Will SEALSQ (LAES) still collaborate with Quobly after halting acquisition talks?

Yes, the companies will continue their technical and industrial collaboration announced in Nov. 2025. According to SEALSQ, the partnership will focus on integrating secure semiconductor technologies with scalable quantum architectures while investment terms are revisited.

When will SEALSQ (LAES) and Quobly revisit the idea of a minority investment?

They plan to discuss a potential minority investment after Quobly launches its Series A financing round. According to SEALSQ, the minority option will be considered once Quobly completes or advances its Series A process and financing timetable.

Does halting majority talks affect SEALSQ (LAES) shareholders immediately?

There is no immediate shareholder action announced; talks were paused in favor of a minority approach. According to SEALSQ, continuing collaboration remains the near-term focus while any investment terms will be addressed after Quobly's Series A.

What strategic areas will SEALSQ (LAES) and Quobly focus on following the decision?

They will concentrate on the convergence of secure semiconductor technologies and scalable quantum architectures. According to SEALSQ, ongoing technical and industrial work aims to advance secure, scalable quantum solutions as investment discussions proceed separately.