Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), alongside Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, will acquire Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) in a $55 billion all-cash transaction, the largest sponsor-led take-private deal in history.

Under the agreement announced Monday, the consortium will purchase 100% of EA, with stockholders receiving $210 per share in cash, a 25 percent premium to the company’s unaffected share price on Sept. 25, 2025.

The deal also surpasses EA’s all-time high of $179.01 reached in August 2025.

PIF will roll over its existing 9.9% stake in EA, while Silver Lake and Affinity Partners will contribute equity.

Financing will include approximately $36 billion in equity and $20 billion in debt led by JPMorgan Chase, with $18 billion expected at closing.

“This moment is a powerful recognition of the extraordinary work of our teams,” said EA Chairman and CEO Andrew Wilson, who will continue to lead the Redwood City-based company.

“Together with our partners, we will push the boundaries of entertainment, sports, and technology.”

Turki Alnowaiser, deputy governor of PIF, said the fund’s expanding role in gaming and esports makes it “uniquely positioned” to support EA’s growth and innovation worldwide.

The transaction, approved by EA’s board, is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals. EA’s shares will be delisted from public markets following completion.