EA, best known for hits like FIFA and Apex Legends, has agreed to a $55 billion buyout that could reshape the gaming landscape.
The deal was first expected to land around $50 billion, with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners leading the charge. However, the final agreement went even bigger, coming in at roughly $55 billion in an all-cash takeover.
That eye-watering figure doesn’t just beat early predictions, it also places the buyout among the largest the gaming industry has ever seen. In fact, it’s the largest leveraged buyout in history (meaning the people buying the company are borrowing to purchase).
EA aims to “push the boundaries” after massive sale
In a statement to Business Wire, EA explained that the move will give the company the resources to “accelerate innovation and growth to build the future of entertainment.”
Chairman and CEO Andrew Wilson framed the deal as a recognition of what EA has already achieved. “Our creative and passionate teams at EA have delivered extraordinary experiences for hundreds of millions of fans, built some of the world’s most iconic IP, and created significant value for our business. This moment is a powerful recognition of their remarkable work,” he said.
Looking forward, Wilson emphasized that EA will continue to push the boundaries of sports, entertainment, and technology, promising “transformative experiences to inspire generations to come,” meaning EA is still intending on making all the games fans know and love.
The new owners do bring plenty of experience in the gaming and tech industry. PIF has already invested heavily in gaming, with stakes in Nintendo and Embracer Group, and Silver Lake is known for backing tech and media giants such as Dell and Endeavor.
Regardless, what this means for upcoming games, franchises, and the future of EA is yet to be seen, but it’s certain that this marks a major move for EA.
Spooky Tax Evasion House