IonQ (IONQ) to acquire SkyWater (SKYT) in $1.8B cash-and-stock deal
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
SkyWater Technology has agreed to be acquired by IonQ in a cash-and-stock deal that values SkyWater at approximately $1.8 billion. SkyWater stockholders will receive $35.00 per share, consisting of $15.00 in cash and $20.00 in IonQ common stock per SkyWater share, with the stock portion subject to a collar based on IonQ’s volume-weighted average price before closing.
The purchase price represents a 38.0% premium to SkyWater’s 30‑day volume‑weighted average share price as of January 23, 2026. After closing, SkyWater will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of IonQ under the SkyWater name, with Thomas Sonderman continuing to lead the business and report to IonQ CEO Niccolo de Masi. The transaction has been unanimously approved by both boards and is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2026, subject to SkyWater stockholder and regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.
Positive
- Significant takeover premium: IonQ’s $35.00 per share offer implies an approximate $1.8 billion equity value for SkyWater and a stated 38.0% premium to SkyWater’s 30‑day volume‑weighted average share price as of January 23, 2026.
- Part cash, part stock consideration: SkyWater shareholders receive $15.00 in cash plus $20.00 in IonQ stock per share (subject to a collar), providing immediate cash value and ongoing participation in the combined company.
- Board support and clear path to close: The transaction has been unanimously approved by both companies’ boards and is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2026, subject to stockholder and regulatory approvals and customary conditions.
Negative
- Closing and execution risks: The companies highlight risks that the acquisition may not be consummated due to regulatory or other conditions, as well as potential disruption to operations, relationships, and staffing during the transaction process.
- Dependence on IonQ share performance for part of value: The stock component is governed by a collar, so the ultimate mix of cash and IonQ shares, and the value of the equity received, will partly depend on IonQ’s share price near closing.
Insights
IonQ is acquiring SkyWater for $35 per share, a 38% premium, in a cash-and-stock deal expected to close in 2026.
The agreement gives SkyWater shareholders consideration of
The collar sets fixed exchange ratios outside an IonQ price band: 0.3326 IonQ shares per SkyWater share if IonQ’s VWAP exceeds
Both boards have unanimously approved the transaction, which is targeted to close in the
FAQ
What transaction did SkyWater Technology (SKYT) announce with IonQ?
SkyWater Technology announced that it entered into a definitive agreement under which IonQ will acquire SkyWater in a cash-and-stock transaction. SkyWater will first merge with a wholly owned IonQ subsidiary and ultimately become a wholly owned subsidiary of IonQ.
How much will SkyWater (SKYT) shareholders receive per share in the IonQ acquisition?
Each SkyWater share will be converted into the right to receive $35.00 per share, consisting of $15.00 in cash and $20.00 in IonQ common stock, with the stock portion subject to a collar tied to IonQ’s 20‑day volume‑weighted average price before closing.
What premium does the IonQ offer represent for SkyWater (SKYT) shareholders?
The purchase price of $35.00 per share represents a stated 38.0% premium to the 30‑day volume‑weighted average price of SkyWater common stock as of market close on January 23, 2026.
When is the IonQ–SkyWater transaction expected to close?
The companies state that the transaction is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2026, subject to approval by SkyWater stockholders, receipt of required regulatory approvals, and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.
What ownership stake will SkyWater (SKYT) shareholders have in the combined company?
Under the collar structure, SkyWater shareholders are expected to own between 4.4% and 6.7% of the combined company following completion of the transaction, depending on IonQ’s share price used in the collar calculation.
What happens to SkyWater’s operations and leadership after the IonQ acquisition?
After closing, SkyWater will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary under the SkyWater name. Thomas Sonderman will continue to lead the subsidiary and report to IonQ Chairman and CEO Niccolo de Masi. SkyWater’s facilities in Minnesota, Florida, and Texas will serve as Regional Quantum Production Hubs.
What are the main risks identified related to the IonQ–SkyWater transaction?
The companies cite risks including failure to obtain stockholder or regulatory approvals, inability to consummate the transaction on anticipated terms, potential litigation, business disruptions, challenges retaining key personnel, and the possibility that anticipated benefits and synergies may not be realized.