Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), the owner of esports properties such as Apex Legends and EA FC, has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an investor consortium comprising Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners in an all-cash transaction that values the gaming giant at an enterprise value of approximately $55 billion. The deal represents the largest all-cash sponsor take-private investment in history.
Under the terms of the agreement, EA stockholders will receive $210 per share in cash, representing a 25% premium to the company’s unaffected share price. The transaction, expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027, will see EA become a private company. Upon completion, EA will continue to be led by CEO Andrew Wilson and remain headquartered in Redwood City, California.
Also read: HRH Prince Faisal on Saudi Arabia’s endgame with the Esports World Cup
The official press release highlighted the strategic rationale behind the acquisition: “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 acquisition places a direct spotlight on EA’s extensive esports properties, which are key assets in its portfolio. The consortium highlighted its specific interest in this sector, with Turqi Alnowaiser, Deputy Governor and Head of International Investments at PIF, stating the fund is “PIF is uniquely positioned in the global gaming and esports sectors.” PIF owns the Savvy Games Group, the company behind tournament organiser ESL FACEIT Group (EFG), and also holds shares at Nintendo and Capcom
Egon Durban, Co-CEO of Silver Lake, noted the consortium plans to “invest heavily to grow the business,” supporting EA as it “accelerates innovation.”
EA’s Andrew Wilson called the transaction a “powerful recognition” of the work of the company’s teams, stating, “I am more energized than ever about the future we are building.”
