Update: EA has confirmed that it will be acquired in a $55bn buy out, and the company will converted into a private entity. The investors for the buyout include Sadui Arabia's PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners.
The deal is all-cash, and will see the investors acquiring 100% of the company, with EA stockholders receiving $210 per share in cash, a premium over the company's last share price of $168.32. EA's current CEO Andrew Wilson will remain.
In a statement, Wilson said, " “Our creative and passionate teams at EA have delivered extraordinary experiences for hundreds of millions of fans, built some of the world’s most iconic IP, and created significant value for our business. This moment is a powerful recognition of their remarkable work.
“Looking ahead, we will continue to push the boundaries of entertainment, sports, and technology, unlocking new opportunities. Together with our partners, we will create transformative experiences to inspire generations to come. I am more energized than ever about the future we are building.”
"Electronic Arts may be headed for one of gaming’s biggest deals. Multiple outlets report that EA is in advanced talks to go private at around $50 billion, with a consortium that includes Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. Shares jumped on the news. No agreement is signed yet, but sources suggest an announcement could land soon."
Previously...
What’s being reported right now
Early reports outline a classic leveraged buyout: new owners, lots of debt, and a plan to take EA off public markets.
- Valuation: roughly $50bn
- Reported investors: PIF, Silver Lake, Affinity Partners
- Financing: debt reportedly arranged by JPMorgan
- Timing: talks described as “advanced”; announcement could come soon
- Market move: EA stock spiked double digits on the headlines
If completed, this would be one of the largest LBOs ever in tech and games, giving EA space to retool away from quarterly earnings pressure. It fits PIF’s push into games through Savvy Games Group and regional investments tied to Vision 2030.
Why EA is attractive to private buyers
EA prints steady cash from live-service sports and annualised franchises.
- Strong IP: EA Sports FC, Madden NFL, Apex Legends, Battlefield
- Huge user base: hundreds of millions of accounts across platforms
- Predictable revenue: sports packs, live seasons, and subscriptions
- Pipeline: this year’s tentpoles continue to carry the numbers
In a softer market for new game launches, reliable, global sports titles stand out. That stability is catnip for private equity, especially with interest-rate expectations easing and lenders open to big tickets again.
he PIF factor and Savvy’s gaming push
PIF has been building a sizeable games footprint.
- PIF owns Savvy Games Group, a vehicle for global games investments.
- Savvy has taken large stakes and acquisitions across publishers and platforms.
- The strategy lines up with Vision 2030 to diversify beyond oil.
Bringing EA under a PIF-backed umbrella would be a headline step, placing one of the world’s biggest publishers alongside Saudi-backed gaming assets and events across MENA.
