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EA have gone private, as Saudi Arabia and Jared Kushner's investment groups complete their $55 billion acquisition
Electronic Arts (EA), publisher of franchises like EA Sports FC, Battlefield, The Sims, Mass Effect, and Dragon Age, has been acquired by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, equity firm Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners for $55 billion, making it a private company. The deal has raised concerns among unionized workers regarding potential layoffs and among LGBTQIA+ players about the future of diversity in EA's games, though some developers have expressed commitment to maintaining inclusivity.
The deal is done: Electronic Arts is now officially owned by Saudi Arabia
Electronic Arts has been officially acquired by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, along with Silver Lake and Affinity Partners. The deal, valued at a significant sum, gives Saudi Arabia a 93.4% ownership stake. Concerns have been raised regarding the company's future support for inclusive games given Saudi Arabia's human rights record, while EA leadership emphasizes continued innovation and investment, including in AI.
Business and Finance
Electronic Arts has announced the completion of its acquisition by a consortium including the Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. Separately, a judge has set a March date for an antitrust trial involving Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery.
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 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.
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 expect their $55 billion sale to Saudi Arabia and private equity firms to close next week, with "all regulatory approvals required" in place
Electronic Arts expects its $55 billion sale to Saudi Arabia, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners to close next week, with all required regulatory approvals in place. CEO Andrew Wilson is expected to remain in his position. Concerns have been raised by unions and lawmakers regarding transparency, worker rights, and the human rights record of Saudi Arabia.
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.
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 Says Saudi Takeover Deal Is Set To Close Next Week
Electronic Arts is set to become a private company next week as its acquisition by an investors’ group led by the Saudi Arabian government is expected to close around August 4, 2026. The $55 billion deal, which has received all necessary regulatory approvals, includes partners Silver Lake and Affinity Partners. Concerns have been raised regarding potential influence on EA's game content due to the Saudi government's involvement.
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.
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-led EA buyout receives EU approval, Xbox trials ad-supported game streaming, and Poinpy is eternal - Patch Notes #62
The European Commission has approved the Saudi-led buyout of Electronic Arts, while Xbox is trialing ad-supported game streaming for select titles. Separately, the mobile platformer Poinpy has returned, and news emerges about a revived Kinect game, scrapped Pokémon designs, and legal disputes involving Nintendo and Bethesda employees.
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.
Regulators clear the path: Saudi Arabia’s $55B takeover of EA loses its final barrier
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has received approval from the European Commission for its $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts, removing a major regulatory hurdle. The deal, which is the second-largest in video game history, has been cleared without competition concerns. This move is part of Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to diversify its economy and increase its presence in the global gaming market.
European Commission says EA's controversial $55 billion buyout "would not raise competition concerns" and…
The European Commission has approved the proposed $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts by a group of investors led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. The commission concluded that the buyout would not raise significant competition concerns, given its limited impact on the markets where the companies are active. This approval moves the deal, which would see PIF own 93.7% of EA, one step closer to completion.
EA Sale To Saudi Arabia Clears A Major Hurdle
Electronic Arts' proposed sale to an investor consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has received approval from the European Commission, clearing a significant hurdle. While the $55 billion deal is structured as a leveraged buyout, potential cost-cutting measures like layoffs and studio closures at EA and its subsidiaries, such as BioWare, are a concern for employees.
EU approves Saudi Arabia's $55bn acquisition of EA, clearing path for largest private leveraged buyout of all time
The European Union has approved Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners' $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts, citing no competition concerns. This leveraged buyout is set to be the largest in history. The deal has faced criticism from human rights organizations and video game industry unions due to concerns about sportswashing and Saudi Arabia's human rights record.
