Electronic Arts (EA), the renowned video game publisher behind blockbuster franchises such as Battlefield, The Sims, Apex Legends, Madden NFL, and EA Sports FC, is poised to undergo a transformative shift as it agrees to be taken private in a monumental $55 billion all-cash acquisition deal. Announced on September 29, 2025, the transaction is spearheaded by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), in partnership with global investment firms Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, marking it as the largest sponsor-led take-private transaction ever recorded in corporate history. This deal values EA at an impressive $55 billion, offering shareholders a generous $210 per share a 25% premium over the company’s unaffected closing price of $168.32 on September 25, 2025 prompting the immediate suspension of trading in EA’s common stock on the Nasdaq following the announcement.
The acquisition has received unanimous approval from EA’s Board of Directors, who view it as a strategic opportunity to unlock long-term value and accelerate innovation without the pressures of public market expectations. Financing for the deal is robust, comprising about $36 billion in equity commitments from the consortium members and $20 billion in fully committed debt arranged by JPMorgan Chase, with PIF notably rolling over its existing 9.9% ownership stake in EA to maintain continuity. Upon closing, expected in the first quarter of EA’s fiscal year 2027 (subject to customary regulatory approvals, including antitrust reviews, and shareholder vote), EA’s shares will be delisted from public exchanges, allowing the company to operate as a privately held entity focused on expansive growth in interactive entertainment, sports, and emerging technologies.
Under the terms of the agreement, EA will retain its global headquarters in Redwood City, California, and continue to be steered by its current CEO, Andrew Wilson, ensuring stability in leadership and creative direction. The consortium emphasizes that this move honors EA’s storied legacy of pushing creative boundaries, with no immediate plans for operational disruptions or asset sales. For context, EA reported approximately $7.5 billion in net revenue for its fiscal year 2025, underscoring its dominant position in the gaming industry. This acquisition further solidifies PIF’s growing footprint in global gaming, building on prior investments in heavyweights like Activision Blizzard, Capcom, and Nintendo, and positions the deal among the most significant mergers in the sector’s history, potentially reshaping how major studios balance innovation with financial agility in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.
Source: EA