The video game giant EA has now been bought in full cash by a consortium of Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake Capital and Affinity Partners at $55 billion. This is going to be the largest full-cash privatization deal ever.
Under the acquisition agreement, EA shareholders will receive $210 per share of cash, which is 25 per cent higher than the pre-acquisition premium. The value of the cash transaction to EA was $55 billion. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of the financial year 2027, subject to regular delivery conditions. Once the deal is completed, the EA General Stock will be withdrawn from all open markets, and the current CEO Andrew Wilson will continue to run the company. The official statement of EA states: “PIF, Silver Lake Capital and Affiliation Partners have deep industry experience, sufficient capital and a global resource network in the fields of play, entertainment and sport, which will provide unique possibilities for the integration of EA entities with digital experience, increased fan interaction and creative growth opportunities.”
President of EA and CEO Andrew Wilson said: “EEA’s creative and passionate team of hundreds of millions of players has brought extraordinary experience, created many world-class IPs and created great value for companies. This acquisition is a positive recognition of the team’s excellent work.” He further emphasized: “We will continue to break the boundaries of recreation, sport and technology and open new opportunities. Working with partners to create a transformative experience that inspires future generations.” PIF Vice-President and Director of International Investment Turqi Alnowaiser added: “PIF has a unique advantage in the field of global games and electric competition and has been working to build ecosystems that connect fans, developers and IP creators. This cooperation will drive growth in EAs and global industrial innovation.”
The Silver Lake Capital Consortium CEO Egon Durban states: “EA is a global leader in the field of interactive entertainment, and income is growing faster and the free cash flow continues to be strong, with the top sports series as a core pillar. We are honoured to be working with such an outstanding CEO as Andrew — a doubling of corporate income during his tenure, nearly three times the growth of EBITDA and five times the increase in market value. “Affiliation Partners CEO Jared Kushner said, “Technology has a world-class management team and a bold vision for the future. I admire their ability to create the classic eternal experience — I look forward to the future as an old player who has played the EA game from an early age and now shares pleasure with his children.”
