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IonQ to Acquire Oxford Ionics for $1.08 Billion to Boost Quantum Computing Research

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U.S.-based quantum computing company IonQ announced on Monday that it will acquire British peer Oxford Ionics for $1.08 billion in a cash-and-stock deal, aiming to strengthen its expertise in the rapidly growing quantum technology sector. IonQ’s shares rose nearly 4% in premarket trading following the announcement, with the company’s market valuation standing at $10.15 billion as of the last close.

Quantum computing, which leverages quantum bits or qubits to perform complex calculations faster and more efficiently than classical computers, has attracted significant investments from tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and IBM. Oxford Ionics specializes in innovative methods to control qubits, a critical focus area in advancing quantum computer performance.

The founders of Oxford Ionics, Chris Balance and Tom Harty, who are also researchers, will continue to work with IonQ after the acquisition closes. The transaction price per share will be set between $30.22 and $50.37 based on IonQ’s stock price in the 20 days preceding deal closure, expected within this year.

Although revenues remain modest for quantum computing companies including IonQ and competitor Rigetti, the technology is viewed as vital for national security and has promising applications in fields such as medical research and cybersecurity.

IonQ has actively expanded its capabilities through acquisitions, including last year’s purchase of Boston startup Lightsynq, which focuses on quantum memory. Meanwhile, Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang announced plans to open a quantum computing research lab, signaling growing industry momentum, despite some skepticism about when the technology will be practically applicable.

Bones from the Tudor Warship Mary Rose Reveal Life of the Crew

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The Mary Rose, the flagship of King Henry VIII’s fleet, has become a treasure trove for archaeologists exploring Tudor England’s maritime life. Built in 1512 and tragically lost in 1545 during a battle with the French fleet, the Mary Rose was preserved beneath the silt of the English Channel until its discovery and recovery in 1982. The unique preservation allowed historians to uncover items and remains from the shipwreck, offering rare insights into the lives of its crew.

Researchers have turned to examining the collarbones of 12 crew members, analyzing the bones for clues about their age, physical development, and even handedness. Findings revealed that these sailors predominantly relied on their right hands, likely due to social pressures, as left-handedness was linked to witchcraft in the Tudor period. Beyond historical insights, the study of these bones is also advancing modern medical research, especially in understanding how human bones change with age.

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