EA Set to Close Saudi Takeover Deal Next Week
Electronic Arts will become a private company again very soon, with the gaming giant set to be acquired by an investors' group led by the Saudi Arabian government.
Electronic Arts will become a private company again very soon, with the gaming giant set to be acquired by an investors' group led by the Saudi Arabian government.
Electronic Arts is on the verge of being acquired by an investors' group led by the Saudi Arabian government, as confirmed in a recent SEC filing. The $55 billion deal, one of the largest in the gaming industry, is expected to close on or around August 4, 2026. The acquisition, which will make EA a private entity, has already received all necessary regulatory approvals.
The deal involves the Saudi Arabian government, private-equity firm Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, co-founded by Jared Kushner. Despite concerns about potential influences on EA's game content due to Saudi involvement, the impact remains uncertain. The acquisition coincides with EA's restructuring efforts amid layoffs and project cancellations, focusing resources on key franchises like Battlefield.
EA CEO Andrew Wilson's substantial pay raise amid layoffs has drawn criticism. The acquisition will burden the company with significant debt, raising questions about future financial strategies.
