Electronic Arts Reportedly Nears $55B Private Equity Acquisition Ending Public Trading

Electronic Arts (EA), the creator of popular video game franchises such as Madden NFL, Battlefield, and The Sims, is being acquired in a historic $52.5 billion deal involving private equity firm Silver Lake Partners, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners. This acquisition, which values EA shares at $210 each, is the largest-ever buyout funded by private equity and will take EA private, ending its 36-year history as a publicly traded company. PIF, already a significant insider stakeholder with a 9.9% stake, will roll over its holdings, aligning with its ongoing strategy to expand its gaming footprint through its Savvy Gaming Group. EA's CEO Andrew Wilson will remain in his position, and the company's headquarters will stay in Redwood City, California, ensuring continuity in leadership and operations. The deal, expected to close by the first quarter of 2027, aims to accelerate innovation and growth in entertainment, with assurances that EA will continue developing its major game franchises. This acquisition marks a significant shift in the gaming industry, reflecting increasing private equity and sovereign wealth fund interest in major entertainment assets.