EA has officially been acquired by a group of investors including Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in a private transaction worth $55bn.
EA chairman and CEO Andrew Wilson will continue to lead the company – known for its sports games, BioWare’s RPGs, The Sims, and forthcoming shooter Battlefield 6 – with the transaction expected to be completed in Q1 FY27.
News of the acquisition came over the weekend, before an official announcement today. The investor group comprises the PIF, as well as investment firms Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners.
“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,” said Wilson.
“Looking ahead, we will continue to push the boundaries of entertainment, sports, and technology, unlocking new opportunities. Together with our partners, we will create transformative experiences to inspire generations to come. I am more energised than ever about the future we are building.”
“Electronic Arts is an extraordinary company with a world-class management team and a bold vision for the future. I’ve admired their ability to create iconic, lasting experiences, and as someone who grew up playing their games – and now enjoys them with his kids – I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead,” said Jared Kushner, CEO of Affinity Partners. Kushner is US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
PIF increased its stake in EA in 2023; now its 9.9 percent stake will roll over. The organisation also holds stakes in a number of gaming companies including Nintendo, Take-Two Interactive, Embracer, Capcom, and more.
Ubisoft is another, with Assassin’s Creed Mirage set to receive a surprise free DLC set in 9th century AlUla, an ancient Arabian city. The DLC follows reported funding from PIF.
The PIF was designed to diversify Saudi Arabia’s revenue via investment in foreign companies. It’s chaired by Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the country’s controversial ruler blamed by the CIA for the assassination of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who has upheld the country’s notoriously poor human rights record.