Electronic Arts Inc., one of the world’s leading interactive entertainment companies, has announced it will be acquired by a consortium of investors led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners in a landmark all-cash deal valuing the company at approximately $55 billion.

The transaction, one of the largest of its kind in the gaming sector, is designed to accelerate EA’s innovation and growth as it seeks to shape the future of global entertainment.

Under the terms of the agreement, the consortium will acquire 100% of EA’s shares. PIF, which currently holds a 9.9% stake in the company, will roll over its existing shares as part of the deal. EA shareholders will receive $210 in cash per share, representing a 25% premium on the company’s unaffected closing share price of $168.32 on 25 September 2025 and surpassing its all-time high of $179.01 recorded on 14 August 2025.

The consortium brings together substantial financial backing and industry expertise across gaming, entertainment and sports. Their combined networks aim to enhance EA’s ability to merge physical and digital experiences, improve fan engagement, and explore new avenues for expansion. The deal also marks the largest all-cash sponsor-led take-private transaction in history.

Andrew Wilson, Chairman and CEO of EA, praised the agreement as a significant milestone for the company and its teams.

“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,” he said. “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.”

Turqi Alnowaiser, Deputy Governor and Head of International Investments at PIF, highlighted the fund’s broader ambitions in the gaming sector.

“PIF is uniquely positioned in the global gaming and esports sectors, building and supporting ecosystems that connect fans, developers, and IP creators,” he said. “PIF has demonstrated a strong commitment to these sectors, and this partnership will help further drive EA’s long-term growth, while fueling innovation within the industry on a global scale.”

Silver Lake’s Co-CEO and Managing Partner Egon Durban also commented on the deal, framing it as a natural step for the private equity firm.

“This investment embodies Silver Lake’s mission to partner with exceptional management teams at the highest quality companies. EA is a special company: a global leader in interactive entertainment, anchored by its premier sports franchise, with accelerating revenue growth and strong and scaling free cash flow. We are honored to invest and partner with Andrew – an extraordinary CEO who has doubled revenue, nearly tripled EBITDA, and driven a fivefold increase in market cap during his tenure,” Durban said. “The future for EA is bright, we are going to invest heavily to grow the business and we are excited to support Andrew and the EA team as the company accelerates innovation, expands its reach worldwide, and continues to deliver incredible experiences to players and fans across generations.”

Jared Kushner, CEO of Affinity Partners, spoke about his personal connection to the company and optimism for its next chapter.

“Electronic Arts is an extraordinary company with a world-class management team and a bold vision for the future. I’ve admired their ability to create iconic, lasting experiences, and as someone who grew up playing their games - and now enjoys them with his kids – I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead,” said Jared Kushner, Chief Executive Officer of Affinity Partners.

EA’s Board of Directors has unanimously approved the acquisition. Luis A. Ubiñas, Lead Independent Director of the Board, said the transaction represents a strong outcome for shareholders.

“The Board carefully evaluated this opportunity and concluded it delivers compelling value for stockholders and is in the best interests of all stakeholders,” said Luis A. Ubiñas, Lead Independent Director of EA’s Board of Directors. “We are pleased that this transaction delivers immediate and certain cash value to our stockholders while strengthening EA’s ability to continue building the communities and experiences that define the future of entertainment.”

The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of EA’s 2027 fiscal year, subject to shareholder approval and regulatory clearances. Upon completion, EA’s stock will be delisted from public exchanges.

The acquisition will be financed through a mix of equity and debt. PIF, Silver Lake and Affinity Partners will contribute approximately $36 billion in equity, including PIF’s rolled-over shares. The remaining $20 billion will come from debt financing fully committed by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., with $18 billion anticipated to be funded at the time of closing. Each of the three consortium members will fund their equity contributions using existing capital.

Once the deal is complete, EA will continue to operate from its headquarters in Redwood City, California, with Andrew Wilson remaining as CEO.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is acting as financial advisor to EA, while Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is serving as its legal counsel. Kirkland & Ellis LLP is representing the consortium and providing additional legal support for PIF alongside Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. Silver Lake’s legal advisors include Latham & Watkins LLP and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, while Affinity Partners is being advised by Sidley Austin LLP. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is acting as the consortium’s financial advisor.

Following the announcement, EA confirmed it will proceed with its scheduled Q2 FY26 earnings release on 28 October 2025, but will not hold a conference call or webcast.

The acquisition marks a defining moment in the evolution of the gaming industry, positioning one of its most iconic companies for its next era of growth and innovation under new ownership.