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EA Goes Private in $55 Billion Buyout Led by Saudi PIF

By saddling EA with roughly $18–20 billion of debt, the deal raises questions about planned cost cuts, reduced public disclosure and Saudi influence.

Overview

  • The investor consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund completed the $55 billion acquisition on August 4, 2026, and EA’s common stock has been delisted from NASDAQ.
  • PIF holds a super‑majority stake of about 93.4% while Silver Lake and Affinity Partners own roughly 5.5% and 1.1% respectively, and CEO Andrew Wilson will remain in place under the new ownership.
  • The transaction includes roughly $18–20 billion in debt financing funded at close, creating new annual interest costs that analysts say increase pressure to cut expenses and boost cash flow.
  • Reporting says EA told debt investors it will seek about $700 million in annual savings, including roughly $170 million labeled as "organizational efficiencies," a phrase widely read as meaning significant layoffs.
  • EA’s last public filings show the business is driven by live‑service revenue even as bookings missed expectations and Battlefield 6 engagement declined, and observers warn reduced disclosure plus PIF control could affect content, governance and employee protections.