Electronic Arts (EA), one of the most iconic names in the video game industry, has confirmed that it will be acquired by a consortium of investors in a landmark $55 billion deal. The group — composed of Silver Lake, Affinity Partners, and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) — will purchase 100% of EA’s shares, taking the company private and ending its decades-long run as a publicly traded entity.
Under the terms of the agreement, EA shareholders will receive $210 in cash per share, representing a 25% premium over the company’s unaffected share price of $168.32 at market close on September 25, 2025. The transaction, expected to close in Q1 FY27, is still subject to regulatory approval.
Despite the ownership change, EA will retain its current leadership. CEO Andrew Wilson will continue to helm the company, which will remain headquartered in Redwood City, California. Wilson described the acquisition as a “powerful recognition” of EA’s legacy in building “some of the world’s most iconic IP.”
The Investors Behind the Deal
The consortium backing the acquisition brings together financial heavyweights with deep ties to global markets:
- Silver Lake: A Silicon Valley-based private equity firm founded in 1999, known for its investments in technology and media.
- Affinity Partners: A Miami-based investment fund launched in 2021 by Jared Kushner, which receives substantial backing from the Saudi government.
- Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF): The sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom, which has aggressively expanded into gaming. In 2023, PIF became Nintendo’s largest investor.
EA’s Recent Struggles and Strategic Shift
Founded in 1982 and publicly listed since 1989, EA has grown from a modest $84 million market cap to a global gaming powerhouse. However, recent years have been turbulent. Earlier in 2025, the company lost approximately $6 billion in shareholder value following disappointing performance from key titles like EA Sports FC 25 and Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
The acquisition marks a strategic pivot for EA, allowing it to restructure away from the pressures of public markets. Analysts suggest that going private could give the company more flexibility to innovate and invest in long-term projects without the scrutiny of quarterly earnings.
A Historic Deal in Gaming
If approved, the $55 billion buyout will rank among the largest in video game history — second only to Microsoft’s $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The scale of the deal underscores the growing influence of sovereign wealth and private equity in shaping the future of entertainment.
While the long-term impact on gamers remains uncertain, industry watchers are hopeful that the infusion of capital and strategic backing could revitalize EA’s portfolio and bring fresh energy to its franchises.
