Electronic Arts Finalizes $55 Billion Sale to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and Affinity Partners
Electronic Arts has officially finalized the $55 billion sale of its business to a group of investors including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake Partners, and Affinity Partners. The American gaming giant, known for titles such as "The Sims" and "Battlefield," is now a private company, with all public shares purchased and no longer traded on a stock exchange. This transaction represents the largest leveraged buyout in history, with the business taking on $20 billion in debt to close the deal. While the acquisition provides the company with more freedom from public market pressures, analysts suggest the debt may lead to aggressive cost-cutting and potential mass layoffs. The new ownership includes Affinity Partners, which is led by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of President Trump. The deal has drawn mixed reactions; while some fans worry about creative decisions being influenced by Saudi Arabia's cultural norms, others see it as a strategic move for the PIF to expand its soft power in the gaming world. CEO Andrew Wilson stated that the firm plans to create transformative experiences to inspire future generations.