Electronic Arts (EA) has completed its $55 billion sale to a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, ending its long run as a publicly traded company. The deal closed on August 4 after receiving shareholder and regulatory approvals. EA’s shares have stopped trading and will be delisted from Nasdaq.
The consortium includes Saudi Arabia’s PIF, Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, founded by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. EA shareholders will receive $210 in cash for each share they held at closing.
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EA Begins New Chapter as Private Company
The consortium announced the acquisition agreement on September 29, 2025. EA shareholders then approved the deal at a special meeting on December 22. The transaction ranks as the largest leveraged buyout in history.
“This moment recognises the extraordinary people whose creativity, ambition and passion have made EA one of the world’s leading interactive entertainment companies,” Andrew Wilson, EA’s chairman and CEO, said.
“We’re entering this next chapter from a position of strength with partners who share our vision and ambition. Together, we’ll invest boldly, accelerate innovation, and build the next generation of games and experiences for the hundreds of millions of players and fans who inspire us every day.”
Wilson will remain chief executive under the new ownership. EA said its new partners would provide long-term capital, sector expertise and strategic support.
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“Today, as we begin our next chapter as a private company, the determination to keep learning and innovating remains one of our greatest strengths,” Wilson added.
“We’re entering one of the most exciting and transformative moments our industry has ever seen. Around the world, fans choose interactive entertainment as their first and favourite way to experience community, culture, and shared fandom.”
Saudi Arabia Expands Global Gaming Push
Former Apple employee Trip Hawkins founded Electronic Arts in 1982. The company grew into one of gaming’s biggest publishers.
Its major franchises include EA Sports FC, formerly FIFA, Battlefield, Need for Speed, Apex Legends and The Sims. EA also owns major sports properties including Madden NFL and College Football.
EA reported around $7.5 billion in GAAP net revenue for fiscal 2026. Its games and online services reach hundreds of millions of players worldwide.
The takeover strengthens Saudi Arabia’s broader push into gaming and esports as part of its economic diversification strategy. PIF already owned nearly 10% of EA before the acquisition and considers gaming a priority investment sector.
Reuters previously reported that PIF would become EA’s majority shareholder, while Affinity Partners would own about 5%. The consortium committed about $36 billion in equity, including PIF’s existing holding. JPMorgan-backed debt financing supported the transaction.
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European regulators approved the takeover in July after finding no competition concerns. That decision removed a major regulatory hurdle ahead of closing.
The acquisition ends EA’s approximately 36-year spell as a public company. It places some of gaming’s best-known franchises under private ownership for the first time in decades.
The consortium says it plans to invest heavily in EA’s growth, innovation and artificial intelligence as the company develops its next generation of games.
