Video game company Electronic Arts (EA) said on Monday that it will be bought for $55 billion by a group led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). EA said this would be the biggest all-cash buyout by a private equity group ever.
The group also includes two U.S. investment companies: Silver Lake and Affinity Partners. Affinity was started by Jared Kushner, who used to be a White House advisor and is Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
EA’s CEO Andrew Wilson said this deal shows how much the company values its employees’ hard work. He believes the deal will create new chances for EA around the world.
EA makes popular video games like FIFA, Madden NFL, The Sims, and Battlefield. Last year, the company earned $7.5 billion in revenue.
The deal is expected to be completed in early 2026. Before that, it needs approval from EA’s shareholders and government regulators.
Saudi Arabia’s investment fund (PIF) already owns nearly 10% of EA and will keep that investment as part of the deal.
The purchase will be paid for with $36 billion from the group’s own money and $20 billion in loans from JPMorgan Chase.
Once the deal is done, EA will no longer be listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange. It will still be based in Redwood City, California, and Andrew Wilson will stay on as CEO.
This deal is part of Saudi Arabia’s plan to invest more in the gaming industry and reduce its reliance on oil money.
