EA in $55B Record Deal: Saudi PIF Leads Consortium to Take Gaming Giant Private
Electronic Arts (EA), the gaming giant behind popular franchises like The Sims, Battlefield, and EA Sports titles, has agreed to a groundbreaking acquisition. A consortium led by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), including Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, will take EA private in an all-cash deal worth approximately $55 billion (€46.8 billion). This marks the largest leveraged buyout in history and a significant shift in the global gaming industry.
PIF, already owning 9.9% of EA shares, will roll over its stake and lead the consortium in acquiring the remaining 90.1%. Andrew Wilson, EA's Chairman & CEO, expressed excitement about the future, stating that the acquisition will drive long-term growth and innovation. Luis A. Ubiñas, Lead Independent Director of EA's Board, confirmed that the board concluded the acquisition delivers compelling value for stockholders and is in the best interests of all stakeholders.
The consortium's confidence in EA is bolstered by the company's impressive portfolio of gaming studios, including BioWare, Criterion Games, DICE, Motive Studio, and Respawn Entertainment. Jared Kushner, CEO of Affinity Partners, shared his enthusiasm about EA's vision for the future. Egon Durban, Co-CEO and Managing Partner of Silver Lake, also praised EA's leadership and expressed optimism for the company's growth.
The acquisition, valued at $55 billion, is set to be the largest all-cash sponsor take-private investment in history. With PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners at the helm, EA looks forward to a future driven by innovation and growth in the gaming industry.
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