Electronic Arts has formalized a major agreement: the publisher will be acquired and taken private by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund (PIF).

Electronic Arts has formalized a major agreement: the publisher will be acquired and taken private by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund (PIF). Valued at $55 billion, the transaction marks the largest privatization ever carried out in the technology sector. The PIF, which already owns nearly 10% of the company, is joining forces with Silver Lake and Affinity Partners to take full control of the business. Andrew Wilson, EA’s CEO and chairman, will remain in his position to ensure strategic continuity.

The acquisition illustrates investors’ ambition to consolidate their influence in video games and esports. The partners say they share extensive expertise in entertainment, sports and digital networks, which should enable EA to explore new forms of hybrid experiences. Andrew Wilson praised the transaction as recognition of the teams’ work and an opportunity to push the boundaries of innovation in gaming and live action, while strengthening fan engagement.

The various parties involved have expressed their enthusiasm. The PIF emphasized its desire to develop the global video game ecosystem and support EA’s long-term growth. Silver Lake highlighted the exceptional financial performance achieved under Andrew Wilson’s leadership and plans to invest heavily to expand the company’s global reach. As for Affinity Partners, its head Jared Kushner stressed the cultural and generational significance of EA’s creations, while the board of directors said the agreement provided immediate and lasting value to shareholders.