EA is Officially Private as Saudi-Led $55 Billion Buyout Finally Closes

Back in September 2025, Electronic Arts (EA) surprised the gaming industry by announcing plans to go private through a $55 billion acquisition. The investor group included Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. After clearing shareholder and regulatory approvals, the transaction officially closed on August 4.

EA’s $55 Billion Saudi Acquisition Is Complete, Ending Its Public Company Era

The completion ends EA’s decades-long run on the public stock market. The company now operates under a new ownership structure led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Reports indicate the sovereign wealth fund owns roughly 93.4% of the newly private company, with Silver Lake and Affinity Partners holding smaller stakes.

That means some of gaming’s biggest franchises now sit under the new ownership group. EA’s portfolio includes Battlefield, EA Sports FC, Madden NFL, Apex Legends, The Sims, Need for Speed, and several other major properties. The deal also ranks among the largest acquisitions in gaming history and is widely regarded as the biggest leveraged buyout ever completed.

EA says the new ownership provides long-term capital while allowing the company to accelerate creativity and innovation. CEO Andrew Wilson said the publisher remains focused on building games, services, and entertainment experiences for players worldwide.

What could change next?

Going private also removes the quarterly pressure of reporting to public investors. That could give EA greater flexibility when deciding where to invest. At the same time, industry watchers will closely monitor whether the company shifts even more attention toward blockbuster franchises over smaller experimental projects. Reports suggest no immediate changes to EA’s development roadmap have been announced.