Electronic Arts has completed its privatization buyout, confirming that EA is now owned by Saudi Arabia's PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners following regulatory approvals in July. The transaction takes the publisher off the public market and brings an end to its time as a publicly-traded company on the NASDAQ.
Quick Facts
- Consortium Ownership: Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) owns 93.4% of EA, Silver Lake owns 5.5%, and Affinity Partners owns 1.1%.
- Stockholder Payout: EA stockholders received $210 in cash per share of EA common stock.
- Stock Status: EA stock has ceased trading and has been delisted from the NASDAQ.
Leadership Statements on the Buyout
EA Chairman and CEO Andrew Wilson addressed the completion of the deal by emphasizing a focus on future development. "We're entering this next chapter from a position of strength with partners who share our vision and ambition," Wilson stated. "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."
Turqi Alnowaiser, Deputy Governor and Head of International Investments at PIF, noted the fund's prior history with the publisher. "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," Alnowaiser said.
Egon Durban, CEO of Silver Lake, pointed to technological integration as a focal point for the partnership, highlighting "what AI can do to enhance game development and player experience." Jared Kushner, CEO of Affinity Partners—an investment firm established in 2021—stated that his firm is "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."
Broader Industry Context
The completion of the buyout follows the initial announcement of the deal in September 2025. Through various investment arms, Saudi Arabia's PIF has previously acquired stakes across the gaming industry, including investments in Nintendo, Capcom, Take-Two, SNK, and Scopely. These investments have frequently drawn scrutiny and criticism from organizations such as Amnesty regarding the region's human rights record.
