Electronic Arts (EA), the powerhouse behind blockbuster franchises like EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA), The Sims, and Mass Effect, has agreed to be sold for a staggering $55 billion in what is now the largest leveraged buyout in history.
The buyers? A surprising consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners.
This mega-deal will take EA private, removing it from the stock exchange at a 25% premium, valuing shares at $210 each. It ranks as the second biggest video game acquisition ever, just behind Microsoft’s $69bn takeover of Activision Blizzard.
CEO Andrew Wilson will remain in charge, calling the buyout a “powerful recognition” of EA’s creative legacy. He pledged to deliver “transformative experiences” with the backing of its new private partners.
Still, analysts say the industry is uneasy. Private equity typically focuses on cash flow and returns, leaving fans and employees to wonder whether innovation or profit will take priority.
