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Electronic Arts Finalizes $55 Billion Private Buyout by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and Investment Partners

Electronic Arts Inc. has officially completed its $55 billion acquisition by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. The deal, which marks the one of the largest leveraged buyouts in history, takes the gaming giant private, ending its 36-year history as a publicly traded company. Andrew Wilson, the Chairman and CEO of Electronic Arts, remains at the helm of the company. The consortium includes Affinity Partners, a firm led by Jared Kushner, who is the son-in-law of President Trump. The PIF owns over 93 percent of the company, with the consortium utilizing $20 billion in debt financing to secure the acquisition. While the deal offers long-term capital and strategic support, some fans expressed concern regarding potential creative influences from Saudi Arabia, where same-sex conduct is often restricted. However, the administration announced that the acquisition provides a platform for bold investment in innovation and AI-enhanced game development. The company will no longer be required to report quarterly financial results, allowing for a more hands-on management approach.

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