This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Video game publisher Electronic Arts (EA), one of the biggest video game companies in the world behind games such as The Sims and Battlefield, has been sold to a consortium of buyers for US$55 billion (about A$83 billion). It is potentially the largest-ever buyout funded by private equity firms ...

Robert W. Baird sets a price target of $210 for Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:EA), indicating a potential increase of 3.59%.The $55 billion all-cash deal led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners is the largest leveraged buyout on record.EA's stock surged by 4.9% following the buyout announcement, with a market capitalization increase to approximately $50.67 billion.On September 29, 2025, Robert W. Baird set a price target of $210 for Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ...

Setting a record: The $55 billion take-private of Electronic Arts is being hailed as the largest leveraged buyout ever, with JPMorgan Chase committing a record $20 billion in financing—the biggest debt pledge by a single bank for such a deal. The transaction is a major win for banks battling private credit’s $1.7 trillion rise. Read more from Bloomberg. A subscription may be required. Supporting ‘essential economy’: Ford CEO Jim Farley told Axios that the U.S. risks failure in high-tech manufacturing if it ...

Electronic Arts agreed to sell to a group of private investors that includes Silver Lake Management, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, and Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners. The deal values the company at $55 billion and is the largest leveraged buyout in history. Bloomberg's Jason Schreier discusses the deal with Caroline Hyde and Ed Ludlow on "Bloomberg Tech." ...

Electronic Arts has announced plans to go private in what will be the largest leveraged buyout in history. The $55 billion purchase of the entertainment giant behind franchises such as Madden NFL and Battlefield is set to close in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027. Most Read from Fast Company Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) will be, by far, the majority investor in EA, one of the largest third-party publishers of video games. Silver Lake and Affinity Partners (whose CEO is Donald Trump’s ...

ToplineElectronic Arts will go private in a $55 billion all cash buyout led by Saudy Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, the largest leveraged buyout on record and a high stakes wager that one of gaming’s most iconic publishers can scale faster off Wall Street.REDWOOD CITY, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: A sign is posted in front of Electronic Arts (EA) headquarters on March 30, 2023 in Redwood City, California.Getty ImagesKey FactsEA struck a definitive agreement tha ...

Video-game maker Electronic Arts said Monday it is going private in an all-cash deal worth $55 billion that will pay shareholders $210 a share – the largest leveraged buyout in Wall Street history.The company – known for games like The Sims, the Madden series of NFL games and FIFA – has agreed to be acquired by Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, private-equity firm Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, which is led by Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law.Shares in EA jumped 4.9% Monday. The stock j ...

Core Viewpoint - A proposed leveraged buyout of Electronic Arts Inc. by a group of investors, including the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, underscores the challenges facing the gaming industry, which has struggled to find new growth avenues in recent years [1] Group 1: Proposed Buyout - The buyout talks involve Silver Lake Management and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which already owns 10% of Electronic Arts [1] - The potential deal could value Electronic Arts at approximately $50 billion, marking it as one of the largest leveraged buyouts in history [1][3] Group 2: Industry Context - The gaming industry, valued at $178 billion, has experienced significant growth slowdowns after a period of high spending during the 2010s and a pandemic boost in 2020 [4] - Gamers have shown a tendency to stick with existing favorites rather than purchasing new titles, which can cost up to $80 [4] Group 3: Company Overview - Electronic Arts, founded in 1982, is one of the largest video-game publishers globally, known for hit franchises and popular yearly sports games [5] - The company has shifted focus towards "live-service" games that generate recurring revenue, such as the online shooter released in 2019, which continues to receive updates [5]

Core Viewpoint - A proposed leveraged buyout of Electronic Arts Inc. by a group of investors, including the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, underscores the challenges facing the gaming industry, which has struggled to find new growth avenues in recent years [1][4]. Group 1: Proposed Buyout - The buyout talks involve Silver Lake Management and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which already owns 10% of Electronic Arts [1]. - The potential deal could value Electronic Arts at approximately $50 billion, marking it as one of the largest leveraged buyouts in history [1][3]. - An announcement regarding the deal could occur as soon as this week, continuing the trend of consolidation in the gaming industry [3]. Group 2: Industry Context - The video game industry, valued at $178 billion, has experienced significant growth slowdown after a period of high spending during the 2010s and a boost from the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 [4]. - Gamers have shown a tendency to stick with existing favorites rather than purchasing new titles, which can cost up to $80 [4]. - Electronic Arts is set to release a new title in its shooter game franchise on October 10, with strong early buzz surrounding the game [4]. Group 3: Company Overview - Founded in 1982, Electronic Arts is one of the largest video game publishers globally, known for hit franchises and popular yearly sports games [5]. - In recent years, the company has focused on fewer title releases, emphasizing "live-service" games that generate recurring revenue, such as the online shooter released in 2019 [5].

Group 1 - Electronic Arts (EA) is in advanced talks to go private at a valuation of approximately $50 billion [1][2] - A consortium of investors, including Silver Lake, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, and Affinity Partners, may announce a deal soon, potentially marking the largest leveraged buyout in history [2][4] - The take-private offer comes at a critical time for EA, which is focusing on its sports portfolio and action shooter titles to navigate a challenging video game market [3] Group 2 - EA's future success heavily relies on the upcoming releases of "Battlefield 6" and "FC 26," which are expected to perform well in sales [3][4] - The deal would contribute to further consolidation in the video game industry, following acquisitions of other major companies like Activision Blizzard and Zynga [4] - Analysts note that EA is an attractive acquisition target due to its consistent cash flows and predictable revenue from annualized titles [4][5] Group 3 - The current environment for large-cap mergers and acquisitions is improving, with increased boardroom confidence and favorable conditions for pursuing strategic mergers [5] - The anticipated Fed rate cuts are expected to ease capital costs, facilitating mergers over organic growth strategies [5] - Affinity Partners, founded by Jared Kushner, has backing from funds in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, while Silver Lake is recognized for significant technology buyouts [6]