Electronic Arts has vanished from Nasdaq after a $55 billion buyout.
Electronic Arts said its acquisition by PIF, Silver Lake and Affinity Partners had closed, giving the publisher new private owners and less public scrutiny.
The consortium’s deal to buy EA was announced on 29 September 2025 and approved by stockholders on 22 December 2025.
Electronic Arts chairman and chief executive Andrew Wilson said: “This moment recognises the extraordinary people whose creativity, ambition and passion have made EA one of the world’s leading interactive entertainment companies. We’re entering this next chapter from a position of strength with partners who share our vision and ambition. Together, we’ll invest boldly, accelerate innovation, and build the next generation of games and experiences for the hundreds of millions of players and fans who inspire us every day.”
The deal that hands EA to Saudi money, private equity and Jared Kushner’s investment shop. Stockholders will receive $210 in cash for every share they owned at closing.
EA’s common stock has stopped trading and will be delisted from Nasdaq, which means the peasants no longer get quarterly peeks at the loot box factory’s wiring.
PIF was already a minority investor in EA for more than five years.
PIF deputy governor and head of international investments Turqi Alnowaiser said: “Having been a minority investor in the company for more than five years, we have a deep understanding of EA’s unique platform, massive global sports and gaming franchises, and iconic IP.”
“Entertainment and sports are key areas of strategic focus for PIF, and are among the fastest-growing and evolving sectors around the world. Together, the Consortium is uniquely positioned to be a long-term partner to EA’s management team in driving sustained growth and innovation for EA and the industry,” he said.
Alnowaiser’s outfit has been busy buying its way into gaming and sport, because apparently culture is much easier to patch when you own the servers.
Silver Lake chief executive and managing partner Egon Durban gave the deal the expected technology-investor polish.
“EA’s franchises are some of the most beloved in entertainment, combining exceptional creative talent with a relentless focus on players. As long-term investors in technology, we admire how EA’s innovation fuels imagination and human connection. We’re proud to join with PIF and Affinity Partners to invest heavily in EA’s growth, including what AI can do to enhance game development and player experience, and excited to partner with Andrew and the EA team as they raise the bar for fans everywhere.”
Affinity Partners chief executive Jared Kushner said EA had built stories, characters and communities for hundreds of millions of people.
“EA has created stories, characters, and communities that have become part of everyday life for hundreds of millions of people. We’re excited to support the company as it continues to reach new audiences, inspire the next generation of creators, and expand the ways people around the world connect through play,” Kushner said.
EA now heads into private ownership with its sports franchises, back catalogue and live-service machinery safely tucked away from the irritations of public markets. Players can look forward to the next generation of games and experiences, which in EA-speak tends to mean fresh ways to monetise impatience.
