Electronic Arts is going private in a $55 billion deal with Saudi Arabia’s PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners.
Electronic Arts has officially confirmed it will be acquired in a massive $55 billion all-cash deal. The agreement, announced today, will see the company taken private by a consortium that includes Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), along with Silver Lake and Affinity Partners.
“Electronic Arts Inc., a global leader in interactive entertainment, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an investor consortium comprised of PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners in an all-cash transaction that values EA at an enterprise value of approximately $55 billion,” the press release reads. “The transaction positions EA to accelerate innovation and growth to build the future of entertainment.”
Under the terms of the deal, EA shareholders will receive $210 per share in cash, which the company notes is a 25% premium compared to its unaffected share price before reports of the talks surfaced. Once the deal closes, EA’s stock will be delisted, marking the end of its run as a publicly traded company.
“Under the terms of the agreement, the Consortium will acquire 100% of EA, with PIF rolling over its existing 9.9% stake in the Company. EA stockholders will receive $210 per share in cash. The per share purchase price represents a 25% premium to EA’s unaffected share price of $168.32 at market close on September 25, 2025, the last fully unaffected trading day, and a premium to EA’s unaffected all-time high of $179.01 at market close on August 14, 2025.”
What EA and Partners Are Saying
EA says the move will allow the company to move faster and “unlock new opportunities” across entertainment, sports, and technology. In the official press release, CEO Andrew Wilson praised the company’s employees and teased what’s ahead:
“Our creative and passionate teams at EA have delivered extraordinary experiences for hundreds of millions of fans, built some of the world’s most iconic IP, and created significant value for our business. This moment is a powerful recognition of their remarkable work,” said Andrew Wilson, Chairman & CEO of Electronic Arts.
“Looking ahead, we will continue to push the boundaries of entertainment, sports, and technology, unlocking new opportunities. Together with our partners, we will create transformative experiences to inspire generations to come. I am more energized than ever about the future we are building.”
PIF’s Deputy Governor, Turqi Alnowaiser, added that the fund is “uniquely positioned in the global gaming and esports sectors” and sees this partnership as a way to fuel EA’s long-term growth worldwide. Silver Lake’s Egon Durban also highlighted Wilson’s leadership, pointing out that EA has nearly tripled EBITDA and multiplied its market cap five times during his tenure.
The deal still needs approval from both regulators and EA’s shareholders, but it already has the full backing of the company’s board. It’s expected to close in Q1 of EA’s 2027 fiscal year, which means around mid-2026. Until then, EA will continue operating under Wilson’s leadership from its headquarters in Redwood City, California.
This buyout is being called the largest all-cash sponsor take-private investment in history, and it positions EA to lean even harder into its biggest franchises like Battlefield, The Sims, and EA Sports FC.
What do you think of EA’s decision to go private in such a huge deal? Do you see this as a turning point for the company’s future? Share your thoughts below.
