Electronic Arts has officially transitioned from a publicly traded company to a private entity following the completion of its acquisition by a consortium of three investor groups. The deal, initially announced last September, was finalized with the aim of accelerating creativity and innovation within the interactive entertainment sector.
The acquiring parties, collectively known as the “Consortium,” consist of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), the technology investment firm Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, an investment firm founded by Jared Kushner. The acquisition was valued at $55 billion, setting a new record as the largest all-cash sponsor take-private investment. As part of the transaction, former EA stockholders will receive $210 in cash for each share of common stock they held. EA's stock has since been delisted from NASDAQ.
Andrew Wilson, Chairman & CEO of Electronic Arts, stated that the acquisition recognizes the contributions of EA's employees and that the company is entering a new chapter from a position of strength with partners who share its vision. The company plans to invest boldly and accelerate innovation to develop future games and experiences.
The long-term implications of this acquisition for EA's various studios and projects remain uncertain. While established annual sports franchises like Madden and FC are expected to continue their planned releases, the futures of other development teams and their ongoing projects are unclear. This includes potential impacts on BioWare's upcoming fifth Mass Effect title, Motive Studio's Iron Man game, and a reported third Star Wars Jedi title in development at Respawn Entertainment. EA's projected releases for 2026 include Madden NFL 27, FC 27, NHL 27, and Star Wars Zero Company.