Electronic Arts, the California-based publisher behind some popular games like Battlefield and The Sims , has agreed to be taken private in a record-breaking $55 billion acquisition. The company recently announced the acquisition and as per Reuters, it will be the largest leveraged buyout in history, eclipsing the $45 billion takeover of Texas utility TXU in 2007. An investor group made up of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Affinity Partners led by Jared Kushner, and private equity firm Silver Lake Partners will finance the deal. The structure involves $36 billion in cash and equity, alongside $20 billion in debt provided by JPMorgan.
SurveyThe transaction comes at a time when the gaming industry is facing stiff competition and slowing revenues, with companies turning to consolidation and private funding to drive growth. Read on to know more about the deal.
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What does EA say?
Addressing EA employees in a letter, CEO Andrew Wilson mentioned that the company is entering a “new era of opportunity” and this is “one of the largest and most significant investments ever made in the entertainment industry.”
He added, “Our new partners bring deep experience across sports, gaming, and entertainment. They are committed with conviction to EA – they believe in our people, our leadership, and the long-term vision we are now building together.”
In its official press release, EA described the acquisition as an opportunity to “accelerate its strategic vision to advance the future of entertainment.” The company highlighted that the all-cash transaction, valued at $55 billion, represents the largest sponsor-backed take-private deal ever.
CEO Andrew Wilson called the agreement “a powerful recognition” of the work done by EA’s creative teams. “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,” he said.
Turqi Alnowaiser, Deputy Governor of PIF, talked about the fund’s commitment to gaming and esports, describing EA as a natural fit for its international portfolio. Silver Lake’s co-CEO Egon Durban praised Wilson’s leadership, noting how the company’s market value and earnings had multiplied under his tenure. Jared Kushner, CEO of Affinity Partners, added a personal touch, saying he grew up playing EA titles and now shares them with his children.
EA’s board, led by independent director Luis A. Ubiñas, said the deal delivers “compelling value” for shareholders while securing long-term growth opportunities for the company.
What happens next?
The transaction has already been approved by EA’s board of directors and is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2027, subject to shareholder approval and regulatory clearance, including a review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. Once completed, EA’s shares will be delisted, marking the end of its journey as a public company since its 1989 IPO.
EA stock rose nearly 5% on Monday after news of the agreement, signalling optimism from investors as one of gaming’s biggest names prepares for a new era.
Battlefield 6 release
The news also comes at a time when EA’s most anticipated release of the year, Battlefield 6, is days away from launch. The company had rolled out a Beta version months ago and it received a positive response from players across the globe. The full game will include more maps, weapons, and a campaign mode for story-mode games lovers. Battlefield 6 will be out on October 10. The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the EA App.
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Divyanshi Sharma
Divyanshi Sharma is a media and communications professional with over 8 years of experience in the industry. With a strong background in tech journalism, she has covered everything from the latest gadgets to gaming trends and brings a sharp editorial lens to every story. She holds a master’s diploma in mass communication and a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Her love for writing and gaming began early—often skipping classes to try out the latest titles—which naturally evolved into a career at the intersection of technology and storytelling. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her exploring virtual worlds on her console or PC, or testing out a new laptop she managed to get her hands on. View Full Profile
