Electronic Arts, maker of The Sims and Madden NFL, has been acquired by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and investors including Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners in a $55 billion deal completed Tuesday.
The acquisition marks one of the largest gaming industry deals on record. EU regulators approved the transaction days before completion, providing the final regulatory clearance needed for the deal to close.
Electronic Arts generates annual revenue of approximately $7.2 billion and employs over 13,000 people globally. The company's portfolio includes major franchises such as FIFA, The Sims, Madden NFL, Battlefield, and Star Wars gaming titles.
Affinity Partners, the investment firm run by Jared Kushner, joined Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) as a key investor in the consortium. The PIF, which manages Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth, has increasingly invested in the gaming and entertainment sectors over recent years.
The deal was announced in September and underwent regulatory scrutiny in multiple jurisdictions. The EU's approval came after review of competition concerns and other regulatory factors.
EA's CEO Andrew Wilson stated the company would continue operating independently while benefiting from the consortium's resources and long-term investment strategy. The company plans to maintain its current leadership structure and development operations across its studios worldwide.
The acquisition reflects growing interest from sovereign wealth funds in the gaming industry, valued at over $180 billion globally. Major gaming acquisitions in recent years include Microsoft's purchase of Activision Blizzard for $69 billion and Elon Musk's involvement in various tech sector investments.
EA shareholders approved the deal earlier this year, with the acquisition price set at $140 per share. The transaction includes assumption of EA's net debt as part of the total consideration.
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