Private Equity Consortium to Take Electronic Arts Private in $52.5B Deal

Electronic Arts, publisher of “Madden NFL,” “The Sims,” and “Battlefield,” agreed to a $210-per-share buyout led by Silver Lake Partners with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Affinity Partners, valuing the transaction at $52.5 billion ($55 billion including debt). If completed, it would be the largest private equity–financed acquisition to date and end EA’s 36-year run as a public company. CEO Andrew Wilson will remain, headquarters stays in Redwood City, and PIF will roll its 9.9% stake. Supporters say private ownership enables bolder, long-term bets; skeptics argue the price undervalues EA amid a strong pipeline. The move continues Saudi-backed expansion in gaming and follows Microsoft’s 2023 Activision deal. Closing is targeted for fiscal Q1 2027 pending shareholder approval.

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Source: AP News