Electronic Arts to Be Acquired in $55 Billion Buyout, Ending 36-Year Run as Public Company
Published: September-30-2025, 15:30 EDT
Record-Breaking Deal Reshapes Gaming Industry
Electronic Arts (EA), the developer and publisher behind global gaming franchises such as Madden NFL, Battlefield, and The Sims, is set to be acquired in a $55 billion private equity deal, the largest of its kind in history.
The investor consortium includes Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), private equity firm Silver Lake Partners, and Affinity Partners, led by Jared Kushner. EA shareholders will receive $210 per share, far surpassing the previous record for private equity acquisitions and marking a historic moment for both gaming and global finance.
Largest Private Equity Buyout on Record
The $55 billion transaction significantly exceeds the $32 billion purchase of Texas utility TXU in 2007, which had previously stood as the largest leveraged buyout. Analysts note that the scale of this agreement underscores the growing influence of the gaming industry as a cornerstone of global entertainment and technology investment.
Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, which already holds a 9.9% stake in EA, will roll its existing investment into the deal. Andrew Marok of Raymond James highlighted that the PIF has aggressively expanded its gaming portfolio since 2022 through its Savvy Gaming Group. Investments have included minority stakes in major publishers and outright acquisitions of companies such as ESL, FACEIT, and Scopely.
Regulatory Approval Required
Because of the involvement of Saudi investors, the deal will undergo review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). The Treasury Department, which oversees the process, has not issued a public statement. Analysts believe the transaction is likely to proceed, though scrutiny around foreign ownership and potential conflicts of interest is expected.
Political considerations may also play a role. Former President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, is leading Affinity Partners’ participation. Trump has longstanding business ties with Saudi-backed entities, including the hosting of LIV Golf tournaments at his resorts after 2021, raising questions about potential influence.
End of EA’s Public Market Era
If approved, the transaction would conclude Electronic Arts’ 36-year history as a publicly traded company. EA first went public in 1989, with shares closing their opening day at a split-adjusted $0.52. Founded in 1982 by former Apple employee William “Trip” Hawkins, the company became a global force in sports, simulation, and action gaming.
EA’s headquarters will remain in Redwood City, California. CEO Andrew Wilson, who has led the company since 2013, will continue in his role following the acquisition.
In a statement, Kushner praised the company’s cultural impact: “I’ve admired EA’s ability to create iconic, lasting experiences, and as someone who grew up playing their games—and now enjoys them with my kids—I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.”
Industry Context and Rival Deals
The deal comes amid an era of consolidation in the gaming sector. Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023 remains the largest gaming-specific takeover, while competition from mobile publishers like Epic Games has intensified.
Silver Lake’s involvement reflects its broader strategy of targeting technology companies with strong consumer bases. The firm is also part of a joint venture led by Oracle to oversee the U.S. operations of TikTok, though details of that deal remain under negotiation.
Financial Performance and Market Position
EA has maintained strong brand loyalty, yet its revenue growth has been flat in recent years. Annual revenues have hovered between $7.4 billion and $7.6 billion over the past three fiscal years. Going private, analysts suggest, may allow EA to restructure its operations and pursue riskier growth strategies without quarterly market pressures.
Mike Hickey of The Benchmark Company argued the $210 per share offer undervalues the company:
“With Battlefield 6 about to launch and a pipeline that could add more than $2 billion in incremental bookings by FY28, the true earnings power of EA is only beginning to emerge.”
Others view the sale as strategically sound. Nick McKay of Freedom Capital Markets wrote that the deal “makes sense for EA because share price appreciation is likely limited, given that much of the success of its sports franchises and live services is already reflected in the stock price.”
Market Reaction
Following reports of the potential takeover, EA’s stock surged 15% on Friday. On Monday, shares rose an additional 4.5% as investors welcomed the clarity of the acquisition offer.
The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2027, pending regulatory review and shareholder approval.
The Road Ahead for Electronic Arts
By transitioning to private ownership, EA will gain financial backing and operational flexibility from its new investors. Analysts expect the company to double down on its core franchises while exploring new technologies such as virtual reality, cloud gaming, and AI-driven game design.
For the gaming community, the acquisition raises questions about EA’s creative direction and long-term independence. Yet with strong global demand for interactive entertainment, industry experts believe the company will remain a leading force in shaping the next era of gaming.
Source: AP News – Video gamer Electronic Arts to be bought in largest-ever private equity buyout valued at $55 billion
