Electronic Arts is getting ready for a huge change in ownership. Shareholders have voted to support a $55 billion deal led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which aims to buy the company and take it private. This vote is a major step forward, but the deal still needs approval from regulators before it becomes official.
As part of the agreement, EA shareholders will receive $210 per share in cash, which is higher than the company’s recent trading price. If the deal goes through, EA will leave the stock market after many years and operate as a privately owned company instead of a public one.
If everything is approved, the Saudi Public Investment Fund is expected to control over 90% of EA, while firms like Silver Lake and Affinity Partners will hold smaller shares. This means one of the biggest names in gaming could soon be mostly owned by Saudi Arabia, which has already started a strong push into the global entertainment and gaming industry.
Because the deal is so large, it has drawn serious attention from governments and politicians. Some U.S. officials have raised concerns about national security and foreign ownership, so the transaction will face detailed review in the coming months.
For EA, this could mark the start of a completely new era. Being a private company may give it more space to plan long-term projects without constant market pressure, but it also raises questions about how new ownership might influence future decisions and strategies.
Right now, shareholders are on board, and EA is closer than ever to a major transformation. What happens next depends on regulators and their final decision will shape EA’s future and possibly the gaming industry as a whole.
So how do you feel about the possibility of EA becoming a privately owned, Saudi-backed giant? Do you see this as a bold new opportunity or a worrying shift for the industry? Share your thoughts and stay tuned to VGNW and follow us on X for updates, analysis, and every major development as this monumental deal moves forward.
Is the acquisition officially completed yet?
No. The deal still requires regulatory approval and government review before it can become official.
Who will control EA if the deal is approved?
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is expected to control over 90% of the company.
