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EA and games like The Sims, Dragon Age, and Battlefield are now officially owned by Saudi Arabia and private equity as…
Electronic Arts has officially been acquired by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners for $55 billion, making it a private company. CEO Andrew Wilson stated the move will allow for bold investment and innovation. Concerns have been raised regarding potential censorship of IPs like The Sims and Dragon Age, as well as national security risks due to foreign ownership.
EA Has Officially Been Sold, And What Comes Next Could Be Painful
Electronic Arts has been acquired by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund in a $55 billion leveraged buyout, making it the largest LBO in history. The deal has raised concerns about potential layoffs, studio closures, and game cancellations due to the significant debt involved. EA CEO Andrew Wilson will remain in his position, but the company's future financial operations will be less transparent as it moves from public to private ownership.
EA is now owned by Saudi Arabia and Donald Trump's son-in-law
Electronic Arts (EA) has been taken private in a $55 billion transaction led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). Other investors include Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, founded by Jared Kushner. The deal, which faced some scrutiny over geopolitical and employment concerns, was finalized on August 4, 2026, with EA asserting it will retain creative control and avoid immediate layoffs.
Saudi Arabia's $55 billion takeover of EA could waste "one of the best catalogues in the industry" by reducing it to a "sequel-and-mega-franchise machine," Helldivers 2 boss worries
Electronic Arts has officially been acquired by a group of investors led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund for $55 billion. Shams Jorjani, CEO of Arrowhead Game Studios, expressed concern that this consolidation could lead EA to focus solely on sequels and mega-franchises, potentially wasting its diverse catalogue of games and reducing creative diversity within the industry.
EA clears US regulatory approvals in take-private deal
Electronic Arts' major take-private deal, involving a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, has received all necessary regulatory approvals in the US and Europe. The approximately $55 billion deal is expected to close on August 4, 2026, despite concerns raised about Saudi Arabia's control and potential cultural implications.
EA aquisition set to close on August 4 following approval from required regulatory bodies
Electronic Arts' $55 billion acquisition by a consortium of investors led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is set to close on August 4, pending the satisfaction of remaining closing conditions. The European Commission has already cleared the merger, citing limited competition concerns. Despite recent layoffs within the Battlefield division, EA reported significant financial growth, with net income soaring 81.5%.
EA acquisition set to close on August 4 following approval from required regulatory bodies
Electronic Arts' $55 billion acquisition by a consortium of investors, led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, is set to close on August 4th after receiving approval from all necessary regulatory bodies. The deal, which will see the PIF own over 93.4% of EA, was cleared by the EU Commission with no competition concerns. The article also notes EA's recent financial performance, with net income soaring 81.5% to $461 million, partly attributed to the success of Battlefield 6.
The $55bn private acquisition of Electronic Arts is expected to go ahead
Electronic Arts has received all regulatory approvals for its proposed $55 billion private acquisition by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Affinity Partners, and Silver Lake, with the deal expected to close on August 4th. This record-breaking leveraged buyout faces scrutiny due to Saudi Arabia's human rights record and the involvement of Jared Kushner. The acquisition comes as EA CEO Andrew Wilson received significant bonus payments, and the company faces pressure amid industry-wide layoffs.
EA’s Acquisition by Saudi Arabia’s PIF Gets Regulatory Approval, as Deal Closes on August 4th
Electronic Arts has announced that its acquisition by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Affinity Partners, and Silver Lake has received all necessary regulatory approvals and is expected to close on August 4, 2026. The all-cash deal, valued at approximately $55 billion, will result in EA becoming a privately owned company with PIF holding a 93.4% stake. CEO Andrew Wilson expressed excitement about future opportunities with the new partners.
EA approved for acquisition by Silver Lake, Affinity Partners & Saudi PIF investors next week
Electronic Arts is set to go private in early August following its $55 billion merger with investors Silver Lake, Affinity Partners, and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Regulatory approvals have been secured, and the deal is expected to close on August 4, 2026, with Andrew Wilson remaining as CEO. The acquisition, first announced in September 2025, faced some opposition due to the involvement of Saudi Arabia and Affinity Partners, led by Jared Kushner, and was preceded by layoffs at EA.
Saudi Arabia's $55 billion takeover of Electronic Arts will happen next week
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is set to complete its $55 billion takeover of Electronic Arts next week, with all regulatory approvals secured. This acquisition, which will take EA private, has raised concerns among content creators and former employees regarding potential shifts in game content and the company's values. The deal, the largest leveraged buyout in history, will saddle EA with significant debt, potentially leading to cost-cutting measures focused on its most profitable franchises like Battlefield and EA Sports FC.
EA's $55 billion buyout is officially complete next week
Electronic Arts has confirmed that its $55 billion deal to go private will officially close on August 4, 2026, after receiving all necessary regulatory approvals. The acquisition will see Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund become the majority owner, with concerns raised by developers, US senators, and players regarding potential layoffs, foreign influence, and the impact on inclusive game development.
EA CEO Received Over $38 Million in Bonuses Despite Layoffs Due to Battlefield 6’s Success
Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson received over $38 million in bonuses and stock awards despite recent layoffs, with other executives also receiving substantial compensation. These bonuses were reportedly tied to the success of titles like Battlefield 6 and EA Sports FC, and come as EA is undergoing a $55 billion acquisition by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. The deal faces potential scrutiny from the US FTC regarding labor markets and job safeguarding.
EA CEO Got A Huge Pay Increase While Company Laid Off Devs
Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson received a $30 million increase in compensation, bringing his total to $38 million for the fiscal year, while the company simultaneously laid off developers from its Battlefield Studios banner. Other executives also saw significant pay increases, with Laura Miele, Stuart Canfield, Jake Schatz, and Mala Singh receiving millions in compensation. The company's financial disclosures also highlighted its AI strategy and the performance of Battlefield 6, amidst ongoing discussions about its potential sale to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
Despite Battlefield 6 layoffs, EA paid its CEO 305x more than its average employee last year thanks to an $8 million bonus increase — and he could net another $125 million in severance as buyout looms
Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson earned 305 times the average employee's salary in fiscal year 2026, with his total compensation reaching $38.6 million, an increase of over $8 million from the previous year. This comes despite recent layoffs at Battlefield 6 studios. Wilson could also be eligible for an additional $125 million in severance if EA is acquired, a deal reportedly being considered by a consortium including the Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners.
Saudi Arabia's takeover of EA gets approval from European Commission
The European Commission has approved Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund's proposed $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts, stating it will not raise competition concerns within the EU. While this hurdle is cleared, the deal still faces scrutiny from US lawmakers and developers concerned about the takeover's implications.
MMO Business Roundup: GTA 6’s union meeting, EA’s Saudi sale, and Steam’s wishlist updates
Rockstar Games' union reported a positive first meeting with management regarding negotiations for worker protections like no crunch and pay transparency. Separately, the European Union Commission cleared Electronic Arts' $55 billion sale to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, making the deal more likely to finalize. Steam has also updated its wishlist functionality to include categories and improved search.
EA Sports FC 27 Has A New $150 Edition, Because Ultimate Wasn’t Ultimate Enough
Electronic Arts is introducing a new $150 "Ultimate Plus" edition for EA Sports FC 27, adding to its existing standard and Ultimate editions. This premium version includes significant DLC, early access, and in-game currency, sparking criticism regarding the game's pricing and microtransaction model, which has previously drawn backlash in other EA titles like EA Sports College Football.
EU Commission approves $55bn EA buyout, says it "would not raise competition concerns"
The European Commission has approved the $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, stating it would not raise competition concerns. The deal, which includes Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, was reviewed under the EU Merger Regulation and found to have a limited impact on the markets where the companies are active. This approval follows concerns raised by US lawmakers and labor unions regarding potential labor market impacts and foreign investment.
EU gives antritrust approval to the Saudi-led $55 billion takeover of EA
The European Union has granted antitrust approval for the proposed $55 billion takeover of Electronic Arts by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. While this is a significant step, the deal is not yet finalized.