ASML’s chief executive said the Dutch semiconductor‑equipment giant is hunting deals that mirror the high‑profile €2.4 billion purchase of French AI startup Mistral last year. The move signals a sharpened focus on AI hardware that could drive demand for ASML’s lithography tools. The CEO framed the strategy as a way to lock in new customers.

The €2.4 billion transaction set a new benchmark for AI‑centric software deals in Europe and raised ASML’s profile among cloud‑service providers. By targeting companies that need advanced chips, ASML could secure long‑term supply contracts for its machines. The strategy also positions the company to benefit from the surging demand for AI infrastructure.

Investors will watch how quickly ASML can translate these bets into revenue, given the long lead times for chip‑making equipment. If the company closes a few Mistral‑style deals, it could lift its earnings margin by at least 2 percentage points. The next quarter’s earnings will reveal whether the strategy translates into tangible growth.

The shift also signals ASML's intent to diversify beyond its core lithography business, which has seen slowing demand from traditional chipmakers. By courting AI firms, ASML taps a market projected to grow at 20 % annually, potentially unlocking new revenue streams and strengthening its competitive moat.