Electronic Arts, a leading game developer, has agreed to a $55 billion deal to be acquired by a Saudi-led consortium. The consortium, which includes Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, private equity firm Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, owned by Jared Kushner, will finance the deal with $36 billion in equity and $20 billion in debt.
The Public Investment Fund will retain its existing 9.9% stake in Electronic Arts, which is known for its popular gaming franchises such as FIFA, Battlefield, Apex Legends, The Sims, Plants vs. Zombies, and Need for Speed. This acquisition is described as the largest all-cash sponsor take-private deal in history and is expected to accelerate decision-making and unlock new opportunities, particularly in international markets.
The deal has received approval from Electronic Arts’ board of directors and is expected to close during the first quarter of the company’s 2027 fiscal year. Once completed, Electronic Arts will no longer be listed on public stock exchanges and will operate as a privately held company.
The gaming industry has undergone significant changes after experiencing a surge during the pandemic. Electronic Arts’ stock has underperformed the S&P 500 over the past five years, with a notable decline of 17% in early 2025 following disappointing sales of the latest version of the football simulation series EA FC25.
This acquisition marks a significant shift in the gaming industry, which has entered a period of restructuring. The deal’s completion will likely have implications for the industry’s future, particularly in terms of investment and expansion into new markets. With its diverse portfolio of gaming franchises, Electronic Arts is well-positioned for growth and development under its new ownership structure.
