A consortium comprising Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake and Affinity Partners has completed its acquisition of Electronic Arts, closing an approximately $55 billion transaction that takes one of the world’s largest video game publishers private.
EA shareholders will receive $210 in cash for every share held at closing, while the company’s common stock has stopped trading and will be delisted from Nasdaq. Andrew Wilson remains chairman and chief executive, and EA will continue operating from its headquarters in Redwood City, California.
Key Overview
- Transaction value: Approximately $55 billion in enterprise value.
- Buyer consortium: PIF, Silver Lake and Affinity Partners.
- Shareholder payment: $210 in cash for each EA share.
- Completion date: August 4, 2026.
- Company status: Privately held and no longer publicly traded.
- Leadership: Andrew Wilson remains chairman and CEO.
- Strategic importance: The acquisition expands Saudi Arabia’s exposure to global gaming, entertainment and intellectual property.
EA Enters Private Ownership After Regulatory Clearance
The acquisition was first announced on September 29, 2025, before receiving shareholder approval at a special meeting on December 22. EA confirmed that the transaction successfully closed on August 4, 2026.
The final major regulatory steps were completed shortly before closing. EA said it had obtained all required regulatory approvals by July 30, including clearance under the European Union’s merger and foreign-subsidy frameworks.
Under the agreed terms, shareholders receive $210 per share in cash, representing a 25% premium to EA’s unaffected closing price of $168.32 on September 25, 2025. The companies described the transaction as the largest all-cash sponsor take-private investment completed to date.
EA brings the consortium a portfolio that includes EA Sports FC, Battlefield, Apex Legends, The Sims, Madden NFL, College Football and Need for Speed. The company reported approximately $7.5 billion in GAAP net revenue for its 2026 financial year.
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Long-Term Capital Comes With Significant Leverage
The acquisition combines approximately $36 billion of equity investment with $20 billion of committed debt financing. PIF also rolled over its pre-existing 9.9% stake as part of the equity contribution.
Private ownership may allow EA to pursue longer-term product development and technology investments with less pressure from quarterly public-market expectations. The consortium has highlighted growth, innovation, artificial intelligence and improved player experiences as priority areas.
However, the transaction also materially increases the financial obligations attached to the business. Servicing acquisition debt could place greater emphasis on recurring revenue, operating discipline and the performance of EA’s largest franchises. The completion announcement did not include job cuts, studio closures or changes to EA’s current leadership structure.
Wilson said EA is beginning its next chapter from a position of strength and plans to invest boldly in future games and experiences. PIF’s Turqi Alnowaiser said the consortium intends to act as a long-term partner supporting sustained growth and innovation.
Acquisition Advances Saudi Arabia’s Gaming Strategy
For Saudi Arabia, the takeover represents more than a financial investment. Gaming and esports form part of the Kingdom’s wider economic diversification agenda, with PIF identifying the sector as a priority for both investment returns and domestic industry development.
The National Gaming and Esports Strategy seeks to make Saudi Arabia a global industry hub by 2030. Its targets include creating more than 39,000 jobs and generating over SR50 billion in direct and indirect economic contribution.
Saudi Arabia also aims to establish 250 gaming companies as it develops local production, publishing, esports, technology and talent capabilities. PIF has already built a wider gaming portfolio through investments and its ownership of Savvy Games Group.
EA gives the consortium control of globally established franchises, extensive development talent and access to hundreds of millions of players. The strategic opportunity will be to connect that global reach with Saudi Arabia’s domestic ecosystem without weakening the creative independence and player trust that underpin EA’s commercial value.
What Comes Next for Electronic Arts
EA will continue to be led by Wilson and remain headquartered in California. The immediate focus is expected to be execution across its major franchises, investment in new technology and the development of experiences that can expand engagement across sports, gaming and entertainment.
The company’s move away from public markets provides more flexibility, but it also increases scrutiny over how its new owners balance innovation, financial returns, debt obligations and the expectations of players. The acquisition’s long-term success will ultimately depend on whether the consortium can convert patient capital and strategic reach into stronger games, sustainable growth and a broader global audience.
Sources: Electronic Arts / Public Investment Fund / Reuters / Associated Press / Saudi Vision 2030 / Arab News
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