Saudi-led consortium completes record $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts
A consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), along with Silver Lake and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, finalized the $55 billion leveraged buyout of Electronic Arts (EA), taking the video game giant private. Shareholders received $210 per share, and EA was delisted from Nasdaq. The deal, the largest leveraged buyout in history, was partly financed by a $20 billion JPMorgan loan. Critics raised concerns over sportswashing and data misuse, while the consortium plans to invest in AI and focus on EA’s established franchises.
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Electronic Arts closes $55 billion go-private sale to Saudi PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners
Video game giant Electronic Arts (EA) has completed its $55 billion go-private sale to Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund PIF, investment firm Silver Lake Partners, and Affinity Partners, led by Jared Kushner. The deal, the largest-ever private equity buyout, takes EA off the public market. CEO Andrew Wilson stated the new owners will invest boldly in innovation and AI-driven game development. Critics, including campaign group #BlockTheEADeal, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, have raised concerns about data misuse by a foreign sovereign and accusations of 'sportswashing' to distract from human rights abuses. EA stockholders will receive $210 per share in cash.
Jared Kushner and Saudi PIF Acquire Electronic Arts in Record $55 Billion Buyout
The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, alongside Silver Lake and Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners, closed a $55 billion leveraged buyout of Electronic Arts (EA) on Tuesday. Shareholders received $210 per share in cash, ending EA's 36-year public trading run. The deal is the largest leveraged buyout in history, surpassing the 2007 TXU buyout that ended in bankruptcy. PIF borrowed $20 billion from JPMorgan, which also advised on the deal. Kushner, whose fund was seeded with $2 billion by PIF in 2021, reportedly brokered the introduction. EA generated about $7.5 billion in revenue last fiscal year but now carries significant debt, leading analysts to predict increased monetization through ads and microtransactions rather than innovative new games.
Jared Kushner and Saudi PIF Acquire Electronic Arts in Record $55 Billion Buyout
The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, alongside Silver Lake and Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners, completed a $55 billion leveraged buyout of Electronic Arts (EA), taking the video game publisher private. Shareholders received $210 per share in cash, ending EA's 36-year public listing. The deal is the largest leveraged buyout in history, surpassing the 2007 TXU buyout. Financing included a $20 billion loan from JPMorgan, which also advised the consortium. Kushner, whose fund received $2 billion from PIF in 2021, reportedly brokered the introduction between the Saudis and EA. The article notes EA generated $7.5 billion in revenue last fiscal year but now carries $20 billion in acquisition debt, suggesting the company will focus on established franchises like Madden and The Sims rather than new experiments.
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PIF, Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners complete $55 billion EA acquisition
Electronic Arts (EA) announced the completion of its $55 billion acquisition by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), private equity firm Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, led by Jared Kushner. The deal closed on August 5, 2026, with EA shareholders receiving $210 per share in cash. EA's stock has been delisted from Nasdaq. The consortium first announced the agreement on September 29, 2025, and EA stockholders approved it on December 22, 2025. EA CEO Andrew Wilson stated the company would invest boldly and accelerate innovation with new partners. PIF's Turqi Alnowaiser noted the fund had been a minority investor in EA for over five years. Silver Lake's Egon Durban said the consortium plans to invest in AI for game development. According to CNBC, PIF secured a $20 billion loan from JPMorgan to fund the transaction, making it the largest leveraged buyout on record. EA reported GAAP net revenue of approximately $7.5 billion in fiscal year 2026.
PIF, Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners Complete $55 Billion EA Acquisition
Electronic Arts (EA) announced the completion of its $55 billion acquisition by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), private equity firm Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, led by Jared Kushner. The deal closed on August 5, 2026, with EA shareholders receiving $210 per share in cash, and EA stock has been delisted from Nasdaq. The acquisition was first announced on September 29, 2025, and approved by EA stockholders on December 22, 2025. EA CEO Andrew Wilson stated the company would invest boldly and accelerate innovation with new partners. PIF's Turqi Alnowaiser noted the fund had been a minority investor in EA for over five years. Silver Lake's Egon Durban highlighted plans to use AI for game development. PIF secured a $20 billion loan from JPMorgan to fund the transaction, making it the largest leveraged buyout on record. EA reported GAAP net revenue of approximately $7.5 billion in fiscal year 2026, with titles including EA SPORTS FC, Battlefield, Apex Legends, and The Sims.
Saudi-led consortium finalizes $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts
A consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), along with private equity firm Silver Lake and Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners, has completed the $55 billion acquisition of video game maker Electronic Arts (EA). EA's stock has ceased trading and will be delisted from Nasdaq; shareholders will receive $210 per share in cash. The deal marks a major expansion of Saudi investment into sports and gaming. PIF is reportedly borrowing $20 billion from JPMorgan to finance the transaction, making it the largest leveraged buyout in history. Analysts warn the debt burden may force EA to focus on safe franchises like The Sims and Battlefield, potentially leading to layoffs, studio closures, or IP sell-offs.
Saudi wealth fund and Jared Kushner's Affinity finalize $55 billion EA Sports deal
A consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), along with Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners and other investors, has finalized a $55 billion deal to take Electronic Arts (EA) private. The transaction, one of the largest in the gaming industry, will see the video game giant delist from public markets. The deal includes EA's popular sports franchises like Madden NFL and FIFA. The acquisition is part of Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to diversify its economy and expand its footprint in the global gaming and entertainment sectors. Jared Kushner's involvement has drawn attention due to his previous role in the Trump administration and his firm's ties to the Saudi fund.