Electronic Arts (EA) is going private in a record $55 billion deal. The video game giant has been acquired by a consortium of investors including the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. This massive acquisition has sparked speculation about the company’s future. However, EA issued an official statement assuring that its mission, value, and creative control policies will remain unchanged.
EA $55 Billion Acquisition Deal Details
The deal, which became official in late September 2025, is the largest leveraged buyout (LBO) in history, valued at $55 billion. Following the deal, EA will delist and cease to be a publicly traded company. Existing shareholders will receive a cash payment of $210 per share, representing a roughly 25% premium to the share price prior to the deal’s announcement. Despite this significant change, EA’s CEO, Andrew Wilson, will remain in his position, and the company will remain headquartered in Redwood City, California.
Following the acquisition news, the industry and gaming community raised concerns about the company’s creative vision and content policies, particularly due to the inclusion of the Saudi Arabian PIF among its investors. In response, EA provided significant assurances in its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section for its employees and fans. The company stated that it would maintain creative control over both its current and future intellectual property (IP). It also emphasized that the investor consortium acquired the company because it believed in EA’s creative vision.
Layoffs are common after mergers and acquisitions. EA had already downsized several studios in 2025. However, the official statement stated that there would be no immediate changes to jobs, teams, or day-to-day operations within EA following the deal. The company emphasized that its mission and commitment to its global gaming community would remain unchanged. This statement aims to alleviate employee concerns.
The completion of this major acquisition is contingent on regulatory approval. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2027. If approved by US regulators, this deal would be one of the largest in video game history. Some groups and unions are demanding that approval be conditioned on job security and the preservation of creative freedom.
So, what are your thoughts on EA’s record $55 billion acquisition? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
