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WISeKey’s
Subsidiary, SEALSQ Announces Entry into a Memorandum of Understanding Regarding a Potential Strategic Investment and Acquisition
of Quantum Computing Firm Quobly
Quobly is a pioneer in quantum microelectronics,
developing silicon-based quantum processors using proven semiconductor manufacturing processes
Geneva, Switzerland, January
14, 2026 – Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR - WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”) (SIX:
WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a leading global cybersecurity, blockchain, and IoT company, today announces that its subsidiary, SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ:
LAES) ("SEALSQ" or "Company"), a global leader in semiconductors security and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) solutions,
has entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding leading to exclusive negotiations with the shareholders
of Quobly SAS, a leading French technology company pioneering the development of silicon-based quantum computers (“QUOBLY”),
to make an initial minority investment and then potentially acquire a majority stake in QUOBLY. The proposed transaction remains subject
to the negotiation and execution of definitive agreements, completion of financial, legal, technical and commercial due diligence, receipt
of required corporate and regulatory approvals, and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.
These
exclusive negotiations result from the execution of a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding that contemplates a multi-stage transaction.
This
transaction is anchored within SEALSQ’s Quantum strategy and supported in part by its dedicated Quantum Fund designed to accelerate
the emergence of sovereign, secure, and industrial-scale quantum technologies across Europe. If completed, the transaction would result
in a total investment of approximately $200M by SEALSQ in return for a majority stake in QUOBLY.
The entering
into exclusive negotiations with QUOBLY follows the ongoing strategic collaboration between SEALSQ and QUOBLY, announced on November 21,
2025. The collaboration as proposed to be expanded, plans to deliver accelerated benefits, including joint leadership in trustworthy and
industrialized quantum computers and enhance EU and US market expansion.
SEALSQ
and QUOBLY aim to establish a reference platform for secure-by-design quantum computing to define how quantum-resistant security can be
embedded directly into future quantum infrastructures serving defense, intelligence, financial services, pharmaceuticals, and other mission-critical
sectors.
Maud
Vinet, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of QUOBLY, commented: “This proposed transaction by SEALSQ marks an important step
in QUOBLY’s industrial journey. Joining forces with a global leader in post-quantum security and semiconductor expert accelerates
our ability to bring secure, scalable silicon-based quantum processors to market, and to expand internationally while consolidating our
technological roadmap.”
Carlos
Moreira, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of WISeKey, stated: “The proposed acquisition of QUOBLY is fully aligned with our Quantum
roadmap. As quantum computing becomes a strategic infrastructure, security must be embedded at the hardware level from day one. QUOBLY’s
CMOS-compatible quantum technology, combined with SEALSQ’s post-quantum Root-of-Trust capabilities, creates a unique platform to
build sovereign, trusted, and industrialized quantum systems for Europe, and their strategic partners.”
About Quobly:
Quobly is a pioneer in quantum microelectronics, developing
silicon-based quantum chips using proven semiconductor manufacturing processes. Founded in 2022 in Grenoble, France, the company builds
on over 15 years of collaborative research between world-class institutions CEA-Leti and CNRS, combining expertise in quantum physics
and microelectronics. Co-founded by Maud Vinet, Ph.D. in quantum physics, author of 300+ papers and 70+ patents, and Tristan Meunier,
a leading expert in semiconductor quantum engineering trained under Nobel laureate Serge Haroche, Quobly bridges science and industry
to make quantum computing scalable and manufacturable.
Quobly has a strategic partnership with STMicroelectronics
to accelerate the industrialization of its silicon quantum chips. In 2023, Quobly raised €19 million, a record European seed round
for a quantum hardware startup, followed in 2025 by €21 million to advance its Q100T program, a key step toward fault-tolerant quantum
computing.
Quobly media contacts
marie.cabrieres@quobly.io
About WISeKey
WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”,
SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based
holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries
include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which
specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses
on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted
blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions, and (v) SEALCOIN AG which focuses on decentralized
physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform.
Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and
expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems
for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors,
WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. The company’s semiconductors generate valuable Big Data that,
when analyzed with AI, enable predictive equipment failure prevention. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey
provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity
of online transactions between objects and people. For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies,
please visit www.wisekey.com.
Disclaimer
This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and
its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual
results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future
results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd 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.
This press release does not constitute an offer
to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of
the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa's predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA.
Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained
herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.
Press and Investor Contacts
WISeKey International Holding Ltd
Company Contact: Carlos Moreira
Chairman & CEO
Tel: +41 22 594 3000
info@wisekey.com |
WISeKey Investor Relations (US)
The Equity Group Inc.
Lena Cati
Tel: +1 212 836-9611
lcati@theequitygroup.com
|