London, September 12, 2025 — The UK government has approved American quantum computing firm IonQ’s 100% acquisition of Oxford Ionics under the national security rules, with conditions to keep critical trapped-ion quantum computing capabilities anchored in the UK.
The final order permits the US buyer to proceed with the merger, subject to UK hosting for current and future Oxford Ionics hardware so it can be independently assessed and validated on request for present or future government programmes and contracts.
In addition, the conditions require IonQ to retain Oxford Ionics’ science, engineering and infrastructure functions, including qualified staff, tangible and intangible assets, and manufacturing capacity related to trapped-ion hardware in the UK.
The government said the measures are “necessary and proportionate” to mitigate national-security risks stemming from Oxford Ionics’ leading role in cutting-edge quantum computing.
In June, IonQ announced that it entered into a definitive agreement for IonQ to acquire Oxford Ionics in a transaction valued at $1.075 billion.
