Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to be acquired by an investor consortium led by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. The all-cash deal values the video game publisher at an enterprise value of approximately $55 billion, marking one of the largest acquisitions in the history of the gaming industry.
Transaction Overview
Under the terms of the agreement, the consortium will acquire 100% of EA. Shareholders will receive $210 per share in cash, representing a 25% premium compared to EA’s unaffected share price of $168.32 at the market close on September 25, 2025. The purchase price also exceeds EA’s previous all-time high of $179.01, recorded on August 14, 2025. PIF will roll over its existing 9.9% stake into the new ownership structure.
The acquisition is expected to provide EA with greater financial and operational flexibility as it continues to expand its portfolio of gaming and entertainment properties. The consortium brings a combination of capital and industry expertise, with established interests across gaming, sports, and entertainment.
Leadership Statements
Andrew Wilson, Chairman and CEO of EA, stated that the deal recognizes the company’s work in building globally recognized franchises and delivering experiences to a broad player base. He added that EA will continue to invest in sports, technology, and interactive entertainment under the new ownership.
Representatives from the consortium highlighted EA’s financial growth and global presence as key factors in the investment decision. Egon Durban, Co-CEO and Managing Partner of Silver Lake, described EA as a company with a strong track record of revenue growth and free cash flow generation. PIF emphasized its role in supporting the broader gaming and esports ecosystem, while Affinity Partners underlined the long-term vision to expand EA’s opportunities on a global scale.
Luis A. Ubiñas, Lead Independent Director of EA’s Board of Directors, noted that the transaction delivers immediate cash value to shareholders while providing the company with resources to strengthen its position in the entertainment sector.
Financing and Closing Timeline
The acquisition will be funded through $36 billion in equity contributions from PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, along with $20 billion in debt financing fully committed by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., of which $18 billion is expected to be drawn at closing.
The agreement has been unanimously approved by EA’s Board of Directors and is projected to close in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027, subject to shareholder approval and regulatory clearance. Following completion, EA will become a privately held company, and its stock will be delisted from public markets. The company will remain headquartered in Redwood City, California, with Andrew Wilson continuing as CEO.
Source: EA
