EA to Go Private in Record $55 Billion Deal, Shareholders to Receive $210 Per Share
Electronic Arts (EA) announced Monday that it will be taken private in a massive $55 billion all-cash acquisition led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. Under the agreement, EA shareholders will receive $210 per share in cash, marking one of the largest leveraged buyouts in Wall Street history.
The deal follows a surge in EA’s stock, which climbed 4.5% on Monday and gained over 15% last Friday after reports signaled that negotiations were nearing completion. PIF, already holding a 9.9% stake in EA, will emerge as the dominant investor in the new structure.
The move further underscores Saudi Arabia’s aggressive push into the gaming sector. Through its gaming arm, Savvy Gaming Group, PIF has made significant investments in publishers and acquired companies like ESL, FACEIT, and Scopely. However, the EA acquisition marks the fund’s boldest and most expensive step to date.
Affinity Partners CEO Jared Kushner praised EA’s ability to create “iconic, lasting experiences” and highlighted his personal connection to the company’s titles. The consortium backing the deal is contributing $36 billion in equity alongside $20 billion in debt financing from JPMorgan.
EA, the publisher behind blockbuster franchises such as Battlefield, The Sims, and Madden NFL, confirmed that CEO Andrew Wilson will remain in his role, emphasizing the partners’ confidence in the company’s long-term strategy. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2027, though a 45-day “go-shop” period allows for alternative bids.
