Electronic Arts Inc, a global leader in interactive entertainment, has announced a definitive agreement to be acquired by a consortium comprising Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners in an all-cash transaction valuing the company at approximately $55 billion.
Under the terms of the agreement, EA shareholders will receive $210 per share in cash, representing a 25 percent premium to the company’s unaffected share price of $168.32 as of September 25, 2025, and a premium to its all-time high of $179.01 recorded on August 14, 2025. The consortium will acquire 100 percent of EA, with PIF rolling over its existing 9.9 percent stake.
The transaction, the largest all-cash sponsor take-private investment in history, will be funded through $36 billion in equity contributions and $20 billion in debt financing fully committed by JPMorgan Chase, of which $18 billion is expected to be drawn at closing.
EA’s board of directors unanimously approved the agreement, which is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027, subject to customary regulatory and shareholder approvals. Upon completion, EA’s common stock will be de-listed from public markets, and the company will continue to operate from its Redwood City, California headquarters under the leadership of Andrew Wilson, who will remain Chief Executive Officer.
Commenting on the occasion, Andrew Wilson, Chairman & CEO of Electronic Arts, 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.”
Turqi Alnowaiser, Deputy Governor and Head of International Investments at PIF, added, “PIF is uniquely positioned in the global gaming and esports sectors, building and supporting ecosystems that connect fans, developers, and IP creators. 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.”
Egon Durban, Co-CEO and Managing Partner of Silver Lake, continued, “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. 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, Chief Executive Officer of Affinity Partners, concluded, “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.”
Goldman Sachs is acting as EA’s financial advisor, with Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz providing legal counsel. Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as lead legal counsel to the consortium, alongside Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, Latham & Watkins LLP, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, and Sidley Austin LLP. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is serving as financial advisor to the consortium.
The transaction underscores the increasing role of sovereign wealth funds and private equity in shaping the future of global gaming and digital entertainment.
