US$55 Billion Deal Takes EA Private Under New Global Ownership, Including Saudi’s PIF

EA Acquired in $55 Billion Deal, Taken Private by Investor Consortium

A Landmark Gaming Acquisition

Electronic Arts (EA), the publisher behind Battlefield and EA Sports FC, has confirmed its acquisition in a US$55 billion deal by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), alongside Silver Lake and Affinity Partners.

The move marks the end of EA’s run as a publicly traded company, transitioning it back into private ownership. Shareholders will receive US$210 per share, representing a premium of roughly 25% above the closing price of US$168.32 on September 25.

Leadership Remains in Place

Despite the scale of the deal, the gaming giant has announced no immediate leadership changes. Chairman and CEO Andrew Wilson will continue to be the face of the company, emphasising in a statement that the new ownership remains on hand to inspire the next generation of players.

“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,” said Wilson.

“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.”

Transition Timeline

The transaction is expected to close in Q1 of fiscal year 2027, pending regulatory approvals. Once completed, EA’s shares will be delisted from public stock exchanges, officially ending its status as a publicly traded company.

Industry Implications

With one of gaming’s largest publishers now under private ownership, questions remain about how the new consortium will influence EA’s strategy. For now, the company’s leadership has promised stability, while fans and analysts watch closely for potential shifts in direction as the acquisition moves forward.