IBM Buys HRL Laboratories From Boeing and GM for Quantum Expansion

IBM agreed to acquire HRL Laboratories from joint owners Boeing and General Motors. The parties expect the transaction to close by the end of the third quarter of 2026. Financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed.

The acquisition shifts IBM to a two-track quantum development strategy. IBM will integrate HRL’s silicon-based electron spin qubit expertise with its existing superconducting circuits. This technology enables smaller, denser processors for large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers.

Boeing and General Motors will continue partnering with IBM on quantum applications. This collaboration focuses on ongoing technology development following the acquisition.