Electronic Arts has completed its historic $55 billion leveraged buyout, officially transitioning the company to private ownership. The publisher enters this new phase backed by a consortium that includes the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, with $20 billion of the deal financed through debt organized by JP Morgan.
Quick Facts
- Deal Amount: $55 billion, the largest deal of its kind in history.
- Financing: $20 billion financed through debt organized by JP Morgan.
- Ownership: Transitioned to private status under a consortium including the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners.
- Leadership: Andrew Wilson remains in place as Chief Executive Officer.
CEO Andrew Wilson stated in a press release that the company is entering its next chapter from a position of strength alongside partners sharing a unified vision. Wilson noted that the move recognizes the staff whose work built EA into a major interactive entertainment company, pointing to future investments in innovation and game development for players.
While the business transaction is complete, the concrete effects on EA's workforce, future game schedules, and monetization strategies for key franchises like Battlefield, Madden, and EA Sports FC remain unknown as the ink dries on the record-breaking agreement.