Electronic Arts Goes Private in Massive $55 Billion Deal
Rumors circulating last week about Electronic Arts potentially going private have now been confirmed. The prominent video game publisher announced today that it will be acquired by a consortium of investment firms in a deal valued at approximately $55 billion.
The purchasing group includes three major players: PIF (Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund), Silver Lake (a US-based global technology investment firm), and Affinity Partners (another US-based investment firm). These firms will assume ownership of all of EA's assets, with the transaction expected to be finalized in the first fiscal quarter of 2027.
Andrew Wilson, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Electronic Arts, shared his enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, "EA's creative and passionate teams have delivered incredible experiences to hundreds of millions of fans, built some of the most iconic franchises in the world, and created significant value for our business. This moment is a powerful recognition of their remarkable work. We will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in entertainment products, sports, and technologies, opening up new opportunities. Together with our partners, we will create revolutionary projects that will inspire future generations. I am more enthusiastic than ever about the future we are building."
Players can expect continuity in leadership and operations, as Andrew Wilson will continue to lead the publishing giant after the deal closes. Furthermore, Electronic Arts' headquarters will remain in Redwood City, California, signaling that day-to-day operations and game development will likely proceed without immediate major disruptions.
This significant acquisition marks a new chapter for Electronic Arts, a company behind some of the most popular franchises in gaming, including *FIFA*, *Battlefield*, *Apex Legends*, and *The Sims*. The backing of such a robust investment consortium could provide EA with enhanced resources and strategic flexibility, potentially leading to even more innovative and ambitious projects for its global player base in the years to come.
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