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

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SEALSQ (NASDAQ: WKEY) has completed the acquisition of IC'ALPS SAS after receiving final approval from the French Ministry of the Economy. The deal, valued at EUR 12.5 million plus potential earn-out of up to EUR 4 million, strengthens SEALSQ's position in Europe's semiconductor sector.

The acquisition brings 90 employees from IC'ALPS to SEALSQ, expanding their French workforce to over 150 people. IC'ALPS reported revenue of EUR 9.76 million in 2024 with a net loss of EUR 2.02 million, compared to EUR 8.47 million revenue and EUR 318,000 net income in 2023.

This strategic merger combines SEALSQ's quantum-resistant chip technology with IC'ALPS' ASIC design expertise, enabling development of secure, EU-sovereign ASIC solutions. The first joint product, QVault TPM, is expected to launch in Q1 2026, targeting automotive, healthcare, IoT, and defense applications.

SEALSQ (NASDAQ: WKEY) ha completato l'acquisizione di IC'ALPS SAS dopo aver ottenuto l'approvazione finale dal Ministero francese dell'Economia. L'accordo, del valore di 12,5 milioni di euro più un possibile earn-out fino a 4 milioni di euro, rafforza la posizione di SEALSQ nel settore europeo dei semiconduttori.

L'acquisizione porta 90 dipendenti di IC'ALPS a SEALSQ, ampliando così il personale francese a oltre 150 persone. IC'ALPS ha registrato un fatturato di 9,76 milioni di euro nel 2024 con una perdita netta di 2,02 milioni di euro, rispetto a un fatturato di 8,47 milioni di euro e un utile netto di 318.000 euro nel 2023.

Questa fusione strategica unisce la tecnologia di chip resistenti alla crittografia quantistica di SEALSQ con l'esperienza di IC'ALPS nel design di ASIC, permettendo lo sviluppo di soluzioni ASIC sicure e sovrane a livello europeo. Il primo prodotto congiunto, QVault TPM, è previsto per il lancio nel primo trimestre del 2026, con applicazioni nei settori automotive, sanitario, IoT e difesa.

SEALSQ (NASDAQ: WKEY) ha completado la adquisición de IC'ALPS SAS tras recibir la aprobación final del Ministerio de Economía francés. El acuerdo, valorado en 12,5 millones de euros más un posible earn-out de hasta 4 millones de euros, fortalece la posición de SEALSQ en el sector europeo de semiconductores.

La adquisición incorpora 90 empleados de IC'ALPS a SEALSQ, ampliando su plantilla en Francia a más de 150 personas. IC'ALPS reportó ingresos de 9,76 millones de euros en 2024 con una pérdida neta de 2,02 millones de euros, en comparación con ingresos de 8,47 millones y un beneficio neto de 318.000 euros en 2023.

Esta fusión estratégica combina la tecnología de chips resistentes a la computación cuántica de SEALSQ con la experiencia en diseño de ASIC de IC'ALPS, permitiendo el desarrollo de soluciones ASIC seguras y soberanas en la UE. El primer producto conjunto, QVault TPM, se espera que se lance en el primer trimestre de 2026, dirigido a aplicaciones en automoción, salud, IoT y defensa.

SEALSQ (NASDAQ: WKEY)� 프랑� 경제부� 최종 승인� 받은 � IC'ALPS SAS 인수� 완료했습니다. 이번 거래� 1,250� 유로 규모이며, 최대 400� 유로� 추가 성과금이 포함� � 있어 SEALSQ� 유럽 반도� 시장 � 입지� 강화합니�.

이번 인수� IC'ALPS� 90� 직원� SEALSQ� 합류하며, 프랑� � 인력은 � 150� 이상으로 확대됩니�. IC'ALPS� 2024년에 976� 유로� 매출� 202� 유로� 순손실을 기록했으�, 이는 2023� 매출 847� 유로와 순이� 31� 8� 유로와 비교됩니�.

이번 전략� 합병은 SEALSQ� 양자 내성 � 기술� IC'ALPS� ASIC 설계 전문성을 결합하여 안전하고 유럽 주권� 가� ASIC 솔루� 개발� 가능하� 합니�. � 공동 제품� QVault TPM은 2026� 1분기 출시 예정이며, 자동�, 의료, IoT, 방위 분야� 적용� 예정입니�.

SEALSQ (NASDAQ : WKEY) a finalisé l'acquisition d'IC'ALPS SAS après avoir obtenu l'approbation définitive du Ministère français de l'Économie. L'accord, d'une valeur de 12,5 millions d'euros avec un complément de prix potentiel allant jusqu'à 4 millions d'euros, renforce la position de SEALSQ dans le secteur européen des semi-conducteurs.

Cette acquisition intègre 90 employés d'IC'ALPS chez SEALSQ, portant leurs effectifs en France à plus de 150 personnes. IC'ALPS a déclaré un chiffre d'affaires de 9,76 millions d'euros en 2024 avec une perte nette de 2,02 millions d'euros, contre 8,47 millions d'euros de chiffre d'affaires et un bénéfice net de 318 000 euros en 2023.

Cette fusion stratégique combine la technologie de puces résistantes au quantique de SEALSQ avec l'expertise en conception ASIC d'IC'ALPS, permettant le développement de solutions ASIC sécurisées et souveraines en Europe. Le premier produit commun, QVault TPM, devrait être lancé au premier trimestre 2026, ciblant les secteurs automobile, santé, IoT et défense.

SEALSQ (NASDAQ: WKEY) hat die Übernahme von IC'ALPS SAS nach endgültiger Genehmigung durch das französische Wirtschaftsministerium abgeschlossen. Der Deal im Wert von 12,5 Millionen Euro zuzüglich eines möglichen Earn-outs von bis zu 4 Millionen Euro stärkt SEALSQs Position im europäischen Halbleitersektor.

Durch die Übernahme wechseln 90 Mitarbeiter von IC'ALPS zu SEALSQ, wodurch die französische Belegschaft auf über 150 Personen anwächst. IC'ALPS erzielte 2024 einen Umsatz von 9,76 Millionen Euro bei einem Nettoverlust von 2,02 Millionen Euro, verglichen mit 8,47 Millionen Euro Umsatz und einem Nettogewinn von 318.000 Euro im Jahr 2023.

Diese strategische Fusion verbindet SEALSQs quantensichere Chiptechnologie mit der ASIC-Design-Expertise von IC'ALPS und ermöglicht die Entwicklung sicherer, EU-souveräner ASIC-Lösungen. Das erste gemeinsame Produkt, QVault TPM, soll im ersten Quartal 2026 auf den Markt kommen und richtet sich an Anwendungen in den Bereichen Automobil, Gesundheitswesen, IoT und Verteidigung.

Positive
  • Acquisition expands SEALSQ's European presence with 90 additional employees
  • Strategic combination of SEALSQ's quantum security and IC'ALPS' ASIC expertise
  • IC'ALPS' revenue grew from EUR 8.47M (2023) to EUR 9.76M (2024)
  • Access to major silicon foundries including TSMC, GlobalFoundries, and Intel
  • Targeting EUR 36.8B market opportunity by 2032
  • Development of first joint product (QVault TPM) scheduled for Q1 2026
Negative
  • IC'ALPS reported EUR 2.02M net loss in 2024, down from EUR 318K profit in 2023
  • Significant cash and stock payment required (EUR 12.5M plus up to EUR 4M earn-out)
  • 180-day lock-up period for stock consideration may impact share price
  • Financial statements need to be restated under US GAAP, which may result in material differences

Insights

SEALSQ's acquisition of IC'ALPS strengthens EU semiconductor presence and expands quantum-resistant security solutions portfolio through strategic vertical integration.

The EUR 12.5 million acquisition of IC'ALPS represents a strategic vertical integration for SEALSQ, combining SEALSQ's post-quantum cryptography expertise with IC'ALPS' ASIC design capabilities. This deal adds approximately 90 employees to SEALSQ's workforce, bringing their total headcount in France to over 150, significantly strengthening their European semiconductor presence.

The acquisition structure includes a fixed component payable in cash and SEALSQ shares, plus a potential EUR 4 million performance-based earn-out tied to IC'ALPS achieving specific 2025 revenue targets. This structure aligns incentives while managing downside risk, particularly important given IC'ALPS' recent financial performance shift from a EUR 318,000 profit in 2023 to a EUR 2,016,000 loss in 2024 despite revenue growth from EUR 8.46 million to EUR 9.76 million.

Technologically, this acquisition creates significant synergies in the quantum-resistant security chip market. The integration combines SEALSQ's NIST-approved post-quantum cryptographic algorithms (CRYSTALS-Kyber and CRYSTALS-Dilithium) with IC'ALPS' analog and digital design expertise. A key product milestone is the QVault TPM chip, scheduled for sampling in Q1 2026, which will target high-value markets requiring FIPS 140-3 and CC EAL5+ certifications.

The deal positions SEALSQ as a more complete player in the $36.8 billion ASIC market (projected by 2032), focusing on segments where security is paramount: automotive, healthcare, IoT, defense, and AI. By establishing an EU-sovereign secure chip design and manufacturing capability, SEALSQ addresses growing European concerns about supply chain security and technological sovereignty in critical infrastructure components.

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

Geneva, Switzerland � August 4, 2025 � Ad-Hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 of SIX Listing Rules � WISeKey International Holding Ltd (NASDAQ: WKEY / SIX: WIHN) (“WISeKey" or "the Company�), a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT technologies, today announced that its subsidiary, SEALSQ Corp (“SEALSQ�), a leading developer and provider of semiconductor-based PKI and Post-Quantum hardware/software security solutions, received final approval from the French Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty under applicable foreign investment regulations and subsequently completed the acquisition of 100% of the share capital and voting rights of IC’ALPS SAS from its current shareholders (the “Sellers�), effective August 4, 2025.

As a result of the acquisition, approximately 90 employees from IC’ALPS have joined SEALSQ, bringing the Company’s total staff in France to over 150 people, significantly strengthening SEALSQ’s presence and capabilities in Europe’s semiconductor sector.

The acquisition was for a total fixed purchase price of EUR 12.5 million, payable in a combination of cash and SEALSQ shares, with a further earn-out payment of up to EUR 4 million payable in SEALSQ shares, subject to IC’ALPS achieving certain revenue targets for the twelve months ending December 31, 2025.

The SEALSQ Ordinary Shares issued as part of the consideration will be subject to a 180-day lock-up period, during which the relevant Seller receiving these shares will be restricted from selling, transferring, or otherwise disposing of them.

During the year ended December 31, 2024, based on the audited financial statements of IC’ALPS provided to SEALSQ and prepared according to French GAAP, the revenue of IC’ALPS was EUR 9,756,000 and the net loss was EUR 2,016,000. During the year ended December 31, 2023, based on the audited financial statements of IC’ALPS provided to SEALSQ and prepared according to French GAAP, the revenue of IC’ALPS was EUR 8,465,000 and the net income was EUR 318,000.1

SEALSQ will prepare audited financial statements for IC’ALPS under US GAAP for the fiscal years 2023 and 2024. These adjustments may result in material differences from the preliminary figures provided above.

Business Continuity and Expertise of IC’ALPS

IC’ALPS will continue its core business of providing bespoke Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) design services, ensuring uninterrupted support for clients seeking high-performance, differentiated solutions to drive innovation in their products and systems. With its established certifications in medical, aerospace, and extensive expertise in automotive applications, IC’ALPS remains uniquely positioned to deliver tailored, high-quality designs. The company’s trusted partnerships with leading silicon foundries, including TSMC, GlobalFoundries, Intel Foundry, X-FAB, and ams OSRAM, reinforce its reputation as a reliable design partner, enabling clients across diverse industries to achieve cutting-edge performance and innovation while benefiting from IC’ALPS� proven track record and rigorous industry standards.

Strategic Vision & Product Innovation

Leveraging SEALSQ’s expertise in quantum-resistant chip technology and IC’ALPS� proven track record in custom intellectual property block (IP) and ASIC design & supply chain management, this acquisition creates a powerful synergy to revolutionize the development of secure, tailor-made ASICs. The partnership combines SEALSQ’s advanced security intellectual property (IP), including NIST-approved post-quantum cryptographic algorithms (CRYSTALS-Kyber and CRYSTALS-Dilithium), with IC’ALPS� cutting-edge analog and digital design capabilities. This collaboration enables SEALSQ to offer an end-to-end EU sovereign Secure ASIC solution, including custom derivatives of the QS7001 open hardware platform, designed to meet stringent security standards such as FIPS 140-3 and CC EAL5+ for mission-critical applications.

A key milestone of this collaboration is the development of SEALSQ’s QVault TPM, the first chip to emerge from the integration of SEALSQ and IC’ALPS expertise, with initial samples expected in Q1 2026. Built on the QS7001 architecture, the QVault TPM exemplifies the synergy between advanced security IP and cutting-edge ASIC design, delivering unparalleled protection for digital identities and connected devices across diverse industries.

Synergistic Benefits

On one hand, the acquisition will bolster SEALSQ’s Secure Chip custom design strategy: The offering focuses on developing Secure ASICs, for instance customized derivatives of the QS7001 open hardware platform, designed to integrate NIST-approved post-quantum cryptographic algorithms (CRYSTALS-Kyber and CRYSTALS-Dilithium) for robust, quantum-resistant security, but also traditional counter measures and cryptography to prevent more classic attacks. The chips would therefore offer FIP 140-3 and CC EAL5+ certification capabilities, which are commonly required for sensitive applications like Healthcare, Defense and Automotive. (Visit to explore SEALSQ’s tailor-made Secure ASIC solutions)

On the other hand, IC’ALPS plans to leverage SEALSQ’s security IPs to embed quantum-resistant cryptography into its ASIC designs, enhancing the security pillar of its offerings for high-stakes industries, especially Healthcare, Automotive and IoT.

This integration addresses the growing demand for secure, high-performance ASICs in a $36.8 billion market (projected by 2032, Fortune Business Insights), where quantum threats and traditional vulnerabilities are increasing concerns.

Key Use Cases:

  • Automotive: The partnership delivers ASICs with quantum-safe cryptography and functional safety for connected cars, electric vehicles, and autonomous driving systems, meeting high Automotive Safety Integrity Levels (ASILs). These ASICs provide superior performance, lower power consumption, and cost efficiency compared to standard chips, ensuring secure and reliable vehicle systems.
  • Healthcare: Secure ASICs protect sensitive medical and healthcare systems, safeguarding patient data and ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory requirements.
  • IoT: The collaboration enables secure, low-power ASICs for IoT devices, ensuring data integrity and protection against quantum and classical threats in connected ecosystems.
  • Defense and AI: Tailored microcontrollers support defense applications and AI-driven systems, providing robust security for mission-critical operations.

Benefits of ASICs with Integrated Security:

ASICs offer unmatched performance, energy efficiency, and cost optimization for specialized applications. By embedding SEALSQ’s quantum-resistant security IPs, these ASICs address the vulnerabilities of traditional cryptographic methods (e.g., RSA and ECC) to quantum computing attacks, ensuring long-term protection for critical systems. This is particularly vital as quantum computing advances and industries demand future-proof solutions to safeguard sensitive data and infrastructure.

Strategic Quantum Corridor:

SEALSQ’s operational headquarters in Aix-en-Provence, France, is poised to become a “Quantum Corridor,� a hub for developing post-quantum semiconductors and identity-focused microchips. This acquisition strengthens SEALSQ’s ability to deliver EU-sovereign solutions, meeting the growing global demand for secure, quantum-resistant technologies.

More information:

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About IC’Alps
IC’ALPS is your one-stop-shop ASIC partner. Based in France (HQ in Grenoble, two design centers in Grenoble and Toulouse), the company provides customers with a complete offering for Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) and Systems on Chip (SoC) development from circuit specification, mastering design in-house, up to the qualification, and the management of the entire production supply chain. Its 90+ engineers� areas of expertise include analogic, digital and mixed-signal circuits (sensor/MEMS interfaces, ultra-low power consumption, power management, high-resolution converters, high voltage, signal processing, ARM and RISC-V based multiprocessors architectures, hardware accelerators) on technologies from 0.18 µm down to 1.8 nm, and from multiple foundries (TSMC, Global Foundries, Tower Semiconductor, X-FAB, STMicroelectronics, Intel Foundry, ams-OSRAM, etc.). The company is active worldwide in medical, industrial, automotive, IoT, AI, mil-aero and digital identity & security sectors. IC’ALPS is ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, EN 9100:2018, Common Criteria at site-level, and ready for IATF 16949.

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 .

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
WISeKey Investor Relations (US)
The Equity Group Inc.
Lena Cati
Tel: +1 212 836-9611
[email protected]



1 We note that the net loss of IC’ALPS under French GAAP for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 included sales to SEALSQ in an amount of approximately EUR 615,000. Excluding the sales to SEALSQ, the net loss of IC’ALPS under French GAAP for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 would amount to a net loss in the amount of EUR (2,631,000), based on the draft unaudited revenue of IC’ALPS provided to SEALSQ. We note that the net income of IC’ALPS under French GAAP for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 included sales to SEALSQ in an amount of approximately EUR 1,168,000. Excluding the sales to SEALSQ, the net income of IC’ALPS under French GAAP for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 would amount to a net loss in the amount of EUR (850,000) based on the audited revenue of IC’ALPS provided to SEALSQ.


FAQ

What is the total value of SEALSQ's acquisition of IC'ALPS?

The acquisition is valued at EUR 12.5 million in cash and shares, plus a potential earn-out of up to EUR 4 million in shares based on revenue targets for 2025.

How many employees did SEALSQ gain from the IC'ALPS acquisition?

SEALSQ gained 90 employees from IC'ALPS, bringing their total staff in France to over 150 people.

What was IC'ALPS' financial performance in 2024?

IC'ALPS reported revenue of EUR 9.76 million and a net loss of EUR 2.02 million in 2024 under French GAAP.

When will SEALSQ and IC'ALPS launch their first joint product?

Their first joint product, the QVault TPM, is expected to launch with initial samples in Q1 2026.

What industries will benefit from the SEALSQ-IC'ALPS merger?

The merger will serve multiple industries including automotive, healthcare, IoT, and defense, offering quantum-resistant security solutions and custom ASIC designs.

What is the market opportunity for SEALSQ's secure ASIC solutions?

The market is projected to reach $36.8 billion by 2032 according to Fortune Business Insights.
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