EA Completes $55 Billion Buyout and Becomes a Private Company

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EA Completes $55 Billion Buyout and Becomes a Private Company

EA has officially become a privately owned company after investors completed a $55 billion acquisition. The transaction was finalized on Tuesday after receiving all required regulatory approvals. The deal marks one of the biggest changes in the company’s history and ends its time as a publicly traded business.

The acquisition was first announced in September 2025. Later that year, EA shareholders approved the proposal during a special meeting held in December. Although the process took longer than expected, the transaction has now been completed successfully.

Following the completion of the deal, EA shares have stopped trading. The company’s stock will also be removed from the Nasdaq stock exchange. This officially ends Electronic Arts’ status as a publicly listed company.

The investor group behind the acquisition includes Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, technology investment firm Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. According to the announcement, the Public Investment Fund now owns more than 93 percent of the company, giving it a controlling stake.

Despite the ownership change, Andrew Wilson will continue serving as the company’s chief executive officer. He will remain responsible for leading the publisher’s global operations and long-term strategy. The company’s headquarters will also stay in Redwood City, California.

The transaction is being described as the largest leveraged buyout in history. To finance the acquisition, the investor group secured around $20 billion in debt. As a result, the newly private company will carry a significant financial obligation and will need to repay that borrowing over time.

Even with the new ownership structure, the company recently reported solid financial performance. For the fiscal quarter ending June 30, it posted a profit of $387 million after operating expenses and taxes. The results show that the publisher continues to generate strong earnings from its gaming business.

In a letter shared with employees after the transaction closed, Andrew Wilson said the company was entering a new chapter as a private business. He emphasized that its long-term mission remains unchanged despite the ownership transition.

Wilson said the company will continue creating high-quality games while supporting its global gaming communities. He also highlighted the importance of creativity, innovation, and strong execution as the company moves forward.

The leadership believes becoming a private company could provide greater flexibility for long-term planning. Without the pressure of quarterly stock market performance, the business may be able to focus more on future growth and investment.

In other related news also read EU Begins Enforcing Strict AI Rules With Fines Up to €35 Million

The completion of this acquisition represents a major milestone for EA and the global gaming industry. It reshapes the ownership of one of the world’s largest video game publishers while keeping its leadership team and headquarters unchanged. Industry observers will now watch closely to see how EA develops under its new private ownership and how the company manages its long-term financial commitments.

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