Electronic Arts Goes Private in Massive $55 Billion Acquisition Deal
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Electronic Arts has agreed to a $55 billion privatization deal led by Silver Lake, Affinity Partners, and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, taking the gaming giant off the public stock market.
Electronic Arts is stepping away from the public stock market after confirming a staggering $55 billion acquisition by an investor group consisting of Silver Lake, Affinity Partners, and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, according to a report by Game Rant. Under the terms of the agreement, shareholders will receive $210 per share in cash, representing a 25 percent premium over the company's recent market close. Despite the massive shift in ownership, CEO Andrew Wilson will stay at the helm, and the corporate headquarters will remain in Redwood City, California.
The publisher behind massive franchises like Battlefield, Apex Legends, and EA Sports FC has faced a turbulent financial stretch recently, losing roughly $6 billion in shareholder value earlier this year following underperforming releases such as Dragon Age: The Veilguard and EA Sports FC 25. Moving away from public markets could give the leadership team breathing room to pivot away from quarterly earnings pressure, though it brings fresh questions about how the new ownership group will steer the company's live service monetization and massive digital ecosystems.
The buying consortium brings heavy financial backing to the table. Silver Lake brings long standing Silicon Valley investment experience, while Affinity Partners, founded by Jared Kushner, draws significant capital from Saudi Arabia. The Public Investment Fund itself has steadily increased its footprint across the global gaming landscape over the past few years, including major investments in Nintendo and other industry giants.
Pending regulatory approval, the transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027. While it sits just shy of Microsoft's historic $68.7 billion buyout of Activision Blizzard, this privatization deal marks one of the biggest ownership shifts in gaming history. For players navigating battle passes, ongoing live service updates, and digital economies, the buyout signals a major new chapter for one of the industry's most influential publishers.
Tags: EA, Industry News, Business, Gaming Culture
Original article: Game Rant