Electronic Arts has completed its acquisition by a Saudi-led consortium for $55 billion, returning the gaming giant to private ownership. The deal saddles EA with $20 billion in new debt.
Electronic Arts is now a privately held company following the closure of the $55 billion takeover led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).
The acquisition marks a significant shift for one of the world's largest video game publishers. EA, which has been publicly traded for decades, will no longer report quarterly earnings to shareholders or face the pressures of public markets.
The transaction brings substantial debt obligations. EA carries $20 billion in new debt from the financing of the deal, a factor that will shape the company's financial strategy going forward.
The Saudi-led consortium acquired EA at a significant premium to its trading price before the takeover announcement, reflecting the consortium's confidence in the gaming sector and EA's portfolio of franchises including FIFA, Madden NFL, The Sims, and Apex Legends.
Private ownership typically allows companies greater flexibility in long-term strategic decisions without quarterly earnings pressures. However, the substantial debt load means EA will need to focus on revenue generation and operational efficiency to service those obligations.
The deal represents one of the largest buyouts in gaming industry history and underscores growing interest from international investors, particularly from the Middle East, in acquiring major entertainment and tech assets.
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