In a move that reshapes the gaming industry landscape, Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), one of the world’s largest video game publishers, has announced it will be acquired and taken private by a consortium of investors in a landmark $55 billion all-cash transaction. The deal, the largest all-cash sponsor take-private in history, involves Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), technology-focused private equity firm Silver Lake, and the investment firm Affinity Partners.
The Deal Structure and Value
Under the terms of the agreement, EA stockholders will receive $210 per share in cash, representing a 25% premium over the company’s unaffected share price of $168.32 as of September 25, 2025. The transaction values EA at an enterprise value of approximately $55 billion.
The acquisition consortium will comprise:
- PIF: Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, which will roll over its existing 9.9% stake in EA
- Silver Lake: A significant technology investment firm currently involved in the TikTok acquisition
- Affinity Partners: An investment firm founded by Jared Kushner, former senior advisor to President Donald Trump
The equity investment totals approximately $36 billion, with an additional $20 billion in debt financing provided by JPMorgan Chase.
Strategic Vision and Leadership Continuity
EA Chairman and CEO Andrew Wilson will continue to lead the company, which will maintain its headquarters in Redwood City, California. In a statement, Wilson framed the acquisition as a “powerful recognition” of EA’s creative teams and their work building “some of the world’s most iconic IP.”
“Looking ahead, we will continue to push the boundaries of entertainment, sports, and technology, unlocking new opportunities,” Wilson said. “Together with our partners, we will create transformative experiences to inspire generations to come.”
Investors See Global Growth Potential
The consortium members emphasized their confidence in EA’s future growth and the potential to blend physical and digital experiences across gaming, entertainment, and sports.
Turqi Alnowaiser, Deputy Governor of PIF, stated: “PIF is uniquely positioned in the global gaming and esports sectors, building and supporting ecosystems that connect fans, developers, and IP creators.”
Egon Durban, Co-CEO of Silver Lake, praised Wilson’s leadership, noting that under his tenure, EA has “doubled revenue, nearly tripled EBITDA, and driven a fivefold increase in market cap.”
Jared Kushner, CEO of Affinity Partners, expressed personal enthusiasm as a longtime EA fan: “I’ve admired their ability to create iconic, lasting experiences, and as someone who grew up playing their games – and now enjoys them with his kids – I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.”
Industry Context and Regulatory Process
This acquisition continues PIF’s significant investments in the gaming industry, which already include stakes in Nintendo, Activision Blizzard, and Take-Two Interactive. The Saudi wealth fund launched Savvy Games Group in 2021 specifically to pursue gaming and esports investments.
The transaction, expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027, requires regulatory approvals and stockholder approval. Once completed, EA’s common stock will no longer be publicly traded, marking the end of its decades-long history as a public company.
A New Chapter for Gaming
The acquisition marks a watershed moment for the gaming industry, underscoring the immense value and strategic significance of major gaming publishers in the global entertainment landscape. For EA, the publisher of flagship franchises including Madden NFL, FIFA (now EA Sports FC), Apex Legends, The Sims, and Battlefield, the move provides substantial capital to accelerate innovation while removing the quarterly pressures of public markets.
The deal highlights the increasing convergence of gaming, technology, and global finance, paving the way for potentially transformative changes in how games are developed, distributed, and experienced by players worldwide.
This acquisition marks one of the most significant transitions in EA’s 42-year history, positioning the gaming giant for its next chapter under private ownership with substantial resources to pursue its long-term vision.
