SEALSQ Receives Final Approval from the French Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty and Completes Acquisition of IC'ALPS

Core Viewpoint - SEALSQ Corp, a subsidiary of WISeKey International Holding Ltd, has received final approval from the French Ministry of the Economy for the acquisition of IC'ALPS, enhancing its capabilities in the semiconductor sector and expanding its workforce in France [1][2]. Acquisition Details - The acquisition of IC'ALPS was completed for a total fixed purchase price of EUR 12.5 million, with an additional earn-out payment of up to EUR 4 million contingent on revenue targets [3]. - Approximately 90 employees from IC'ALPS have joined SEALSQ, increasing the total staff in France to over 150 [2]. Financial Performance of IC'ALPS - For the year ended December 31, 2024, IC'ALPS reported revenue of EUR 9,756,000 and a net loss of EUR 2,016,000, while in 2023, it had revenue of EUR 8,465,000 and net income of EUR 318,000 [5]. - SEALSQ will prepare audited financial statements for IC'ALPS under US GAAP, which may differ materially from the preliminary figures provided [5]. Business Continuity and Expertise - IC'ALPS will continue to provide bespoke ASIC design services, maintaining its established certifications in medical, aerospace, and automotive applications [6]. - The company has partnerships with leading silicon foundries, enhancing its reputation as a reliable design partner [6]. Strategic Vision & Product Innovation - The acquisition aims to leverage SEALSQ's expertise in quantum-resistant chip technology and IC'ALPS' capabilities in ASIC design, creating a synergy for developing secure, tailor-made ASICs [7]. - SEALSQ plans to offer an end-to-end EU sovereign Secure ASIC solution, integrating advanced security IP with IC'ALPS' design capabilities [7]. Key Developments - A significant outcome of this collaboration is the development of SEALSQ's QVault TPM, expected to launch initial samples in Q1 2026 [8]. - The QVault TPM will exemplify the integration of advanced security IP and ASIC design, providing protection for digital identities and connected devices [9]. Market Context - The acquisition addresses the growing demand for secure, high-performance ASICs in a projected $36.8 billion market by 2032, where quantum threats are a rising concern [11]. - ASICs with integrated security are positioned to offer unmatched performance and energy efficiency while addressing vulnerabilities to quantum computing attacks [13]. Strategic Quantum Corridor - SEALSQ's operational headquarters in Aix-en-Provence is set to become a "Quantum Corridor," focusing on post-quantum semiconductors and identity-focused microchips [14].