PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners Acquire Electronic Arts for $55 billion

Electronic Arts has confirmed the conclusion of a takeover agreement by a consortium led by the Saudi Arabian PIF, Silver Lake and Affinity Partners. The deal is worth $55 billion dollar and represents a significant development for the US video game industry.

The rumours from the weekend have been confirmed: A consortium led by the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund PIF and Silver Lake wants to acquire 100 percent of the US publisher and is offering all EA shareholders $210 per share. This represents a 25% premium over the share price on September 25, 2025. The volume of the transaction thus amounts to $55 billion. EA has signed the takeover agreement, according to its own statements.

It is interesting to note that around $20 billion of the transaction volume will be financed by loans. This could lead to increased cost pressure. The takeover is expected to be completed in Q1 2027, provided that all necessary approvals have been granted by then. This applies to both the relevant competition authorities and the shareholders of Electronic Arts.

"Our creative and passionate teams at EA have delivered extraordinary experiences for hundreds of millions of fans, built some of the world’s most iconic IP, and created significant value for our business. This moment is a powerful recognition of their remarkable work," said Andrew Wilson, Chairman & CEO of Electronic Arts. "Looking ahead, we will continue to push the boundaries of entertainment, sports, and technology, unlocking new opportunities. Together with our partners, we will create transformative experiences to inspire generations to come. I am more energized than ever about the future we are building."

"PIF is uniquely positioned in the global gaming and esports sectors, building and supporting ecosystems that connect fans, developers, and IP creators,” said Turqi Alnowaiser, Deputy Governor and Head of International Investments at PIF. “PIF has demonstrated a strong commitment to these sectors, and this partnership will help further drive EA’s long-term growth, while fueling innovation within the industry on a global scale."

"This investment embodies Silver Lake’s mission to partner with exceptional management teams at the highest quality companies. EA is a special company: a global leader in interactive entertainment, anchored by its premier sports franchise, with accelerating revenue growth and strong and scaling free cash flow. We are honored to invest and partner with Andrew – an extraordinary CEO who has doubled revenue, nearly tripled EBITDA, and driven a fivefold increase in market cap during his tenure," said Egon Durban, Co-CEO and Managing Partner of Silver Lake. "The future for EA is bright, we are going to invest heavily to grow the business and we are excited to support Andrew and the EA team as the company accelerates innovation, expands its reach worldwide, and continues to deliver incredible experiences to players and fans across generations."

"Electronic Arts ​is ​an ​extraordinary ​company with a ​world-class ​management ​team and a bold vision ​for ​the ​future. ​I've admired their ​ability to create iconic, lasting experiences, ​and ​as ​someone ​who ​grew up playing their ​games ​- and now enjoys them with his ​kids - I couldn't be ​more ​excited about ​what's ​ahead," said Jared Kushner, Chief Executive Officer of Affinity Partners and son-in-law of US president Donald Trump.

"The Board carefully evaluated this opportunity and concluded it delivers compelling value for stockholders and is in the best interests of all stakeholders," said Luis A. Ubiñas, Lead Independent Director of EA’s Board of Directors. "We are pleased that this transaction delivers immediate and certain cash value to our stockholders while strengthening EA’s ability to continue building the communities and experiences that define the future of entertainment."

The consequences of the deal in the medium to long term are uncertain. For the time being, at least, it appears that EA will remain an independent, privately held US company and will not merge with the Saudi Arabian Savvy Group, which is financed by the PIF. However, closer cooperation between EA and Saudi Arabia's various gaming-related companies is likely. The country is heavily involved in soccer and numerous other sports. It is also taking a leading role in esports with the Esports World Cup. In addition, the first Olympic Esports Games are scheduled to take place in Riyadh in 2027.

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