EA to go private in $55 billion acquisition by PIF, Silver Lake & Affinity Partners
Electronic Arts (EA) has agreed to be acquired in a $55 billion deal by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), alongside Silver Lake and Affinity Partners. The agreement will take EA private and ends the company’s 35-year run as a public company.
Key facts
- Deal amount: $55 billion (cash transaction).
- Buyers: PIF, Silver Lake and Affinity Partners.
- CEO & HQ: Andrew Wilson will remain CEO; Redwood City headquarters will stay in place.
- Expected close: EA says the deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2027, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.
- Context: EA has faced industry pressures — recent layoffs of over 650 employees, cancellation of a planned Black Panther title and studio closure, and reports of shelving parts of the Need for Speed franchise.
Why it matters
Backed by deep-pocketed investors, EA could receive significant investment to expand globally and refocus development, but being owned by sovereign-backed and private equity partners raises questions about strategic direction, content priorities and long-term studio investments.
“Our creative and passionate teams at EA have delivered extraordinary experiences for hundreds of millions of fans… This moment is a powerful recognition of their remarkable work.” — EA CEO Andrew Wilson
Sources & further reading
- EA press release: EA — Agreement to be Acquired for $55B
- ABC News coverage: ABC News — EA acquired for $55B
- Additional reporting: TechXplore — Electronic Arts bought by Saudi-led consortium
Discussion
What do you think this will mean for your favorite EA franchises and the industry at large? Share your thoughts below.
Originally reported by Engadget; this post references official EA statements and major news outlets for verification.