EA reportedly set to go private in a ~$50 billion buyout
Multiple outlets report Electronic Arts (EA) is close to a deal that would take the company private in a roughly $50 billion leveraged buyout led by private equity firm Silver Lake, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Affinity Partners. If completed, it would likely be the largest leveraged buyout in history.
Key points
- Deal value: reported at ~ $50 billion.
- Investors involved: Silver Lake, Saudi PIF, Affinity Partners (Jared Kushner’s firm).
- Why EA? Analysts point to EA’s steady, predictable earnings driven by annual sports franchises (Madden, NHL, EA Sports FC) and other live-service titles.
- Timing: Some reports say an announcement could come as soon as next week, but nothing is finalized.
Why it matters
Taking EA private could change longer-term strategic decisions, M&A flexibility and how franchises are managed — possibly insulating the company from quarterly market pressure but increasing debt load via the leveraged structure. For consumers and developers, outcomes could range from more long-term investments in live services to potential cost-cutting to service the buyout debt.
Sources
Note: Reports cite The Wall Street Journal and other outlets. This story is developing and details could change.