'Battlefield' maker Electronic Arts to go private in record-setting $55 billion LBO

Core Insights - Electronic Arts (EA) has agreed to be taken private by a consortium in a $55 billion deal, marking one of the largest acquisitions in the video game sector [1][2] - The acquisition highlights the confidence of investors in the long-term value of popular game franchises as the industry recovers from a downturn [1] - The consortium includes private equity firm Silver Lake, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, and Affinity Partners [1] Financial Details - EA shareholders will receive $210 per share in cash, which represents a 25% premium based on the closing share price on September 25, prior to deal reports [2] - This transaction is noted as the largest leveraged buyout in history [2] - The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027, funded by cash from the consortium and a roll-over of the Public Investment Fund's existing stake in EA [3]