Electronic Arts On Monday, it said it agreed that Saudi Arabia, Silver Lake and Affinity Partner’s public investment funds would be acquired in full speed transactions worth $55 billion.
Our shareholders receive cash per share.
EA shares rose 5% on Monday. The shares won around 15% on Friday, closing at $193.35 after the Wall Street Journal reported that the company was approaching a deal to make it private.
People close to the deal told CNBC’s David Faber, who is more than the company’s existing 9.9% stake, and who are the majority investors in the new structure.
President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Affinity CEO Jared Kushner, promoted EA’s “a bold vision for the future” and announced the deal.
“I admired their ability to create iconic and lasting experiences, and I’m having fun as someone who grew up playing the game and now with his kids.
The group of companies has a total of $36 billion in equity investments and $2 billion in debt financing jpmorganaccording to the release. JP Morgan was brought in a few weeks ago, people familiar with the deal told Faber.
Take private deals from manufacturers of popular games such as Battlefield, The Sims and The Madden series of NFL games are set to be the biggest leveraged buyout in Wall Street history.
EA CEO Andrew Wilson said in a note to employees that he is “excited to continue being CEO.”
“Our new partners bring deep experiences to sports, gaming and entertainment,” he writes. “They have a belief in EA. They believe in our people, our leadership and the long-term vision we are building together now.”
The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027.
There is a 45-day window that allows other proposals, people familiar with the terms of the transaction told Faber. People said the deal talks began in the spring.
Headed by Co-CEOS Egon Durban and Greg Mondre, Silver Lake is also one of the key investors in the push for Trump to bring Tiktok to US control.
CNBC is contacting EA for further comment and information regarding the transaction.
EA’s stock charts from the beginning of the year.