Electronic Arts (EA), one of the world’s largest video game publishers, is set to go private in a deal valued at $55 billion, making it the biggest leveraged buyout to date. The transaction is backed by Silver Lake, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, and is expected to close by June 2026, the end of EA’s fiscal first quarter for 2027.
As part of the agreement, shareholders will receive $210 per share in cash, representing a 25% premium over the company’s closing share price prior to reports of the deal surfacing. The investment package includes approximately $36 billion in equity and $20 billion in debt financing from JPMorgan Chase Bank.
EA will remain headquartered in Redwood City, California, with Andrew Wilson continuing as CEO. The company’s portfolio includes blockbuster franchises such as Battlefield, EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA), Madden NFL, The Sims, Need for Speed, Plants vs. Zombies, and more. Its next major release, Battlefield 6, launches Oct. 10.
“Our creative and passionate teams at EA have delivered extraordinary experiences for hundreds of millions of fans, built some of the world’s most iconic IP, and created significant value for our business. This moment is a powerful recognition of their remarkable work,” says Wilson in a statement.
The deal comes amid rising global interest in gaming. EA’s privatization positions the company for new investment, long-term expansion, and continued development of its wide-ranging IP.
“Together with our partners, we will create transformative experiences to inspire generations to come. I am more energized than ever about the future we are building,” says Wilson.
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