Electronic Arts (EA), one of the world’s largest video game publishers, is set to be acquired in a record-breaking $55 billion deal. The transaction will see EA go private as it is purchased by a consortium consisting of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), private equity giant Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, an investment firm led by Jared Kushner.
Under the terms of the agreement, EA shareholders will receive $210 per share in cash, representing a 25% premium compared to the company’s closing price on September 25. The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of EA’s 2027 fiscal year, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals.
The consortium will fully acquire EA, financing the deal through a mix of PIF’s existing EA shares and fresh capital. EA’s board of directors, after thorough evaluation, concluded that the transaction delivers significant value to shareholders and strengthens the company’s long-term position.
EA CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized that the company’s passionate teams have created iconic IPs and delivered extraordinary experiences to millions of fans worldwide. He described the acquisition as recognition of their creative achievements and highlighted that EA will continue pushing the boundaries of entertainment, sports, and technology in the years ahead.
The deal is not only a landmark moment in gaming but also in global finance. Surpassing the 2007 TXU Energy buyout as well as major acquisitions like Toys “R” Us and Hertz, this agreement will stand as one of the largest leveraged buyouts in history.
According to the terms, if EA’s board withdraws and accepts another offer, or enters into a competing deal within a year of rejection, the company will be required to pay a $1 billion termination fee. Similarly, if the buyer consortium breaches the agreement or regulatory approval extends beyond September 28, 2026, they will be subject to the same penalty.