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EA Pledges to Keep Creative Control as $55 Billion Saudi‑Backed Takeover Advances

The assurance follows a fresh SEC filing that warns the pending deal could strain talent retention and business relationships.

Overview

  • An updated employee FAQ says EA will maintain creative control and its creative freedom, with no immediate changes to jobs or daily work and Andrew Wilson remaining CEO.
  • EA also tells staff its headquarters will stay in Redwood City and says it will keep a thoughtful, steady approach to AI under the prospective new owners.
  • In its latest 10‑Q, EA discloses merger‑related risks including potential challenges attracting and retaining key personnel, possible shifts in customer and supplier ties, significant transaction costs, and up to a $1 billion termination fee if the deal collapses.
  • The all‑cash transaction is a leveraged buyout expected to close in 2026, leaving EA with roughly $20 billion in new debt pending shareholder and regulatory approvals.
  • Unions, creators, and some lawmakers have called for thorough review by CFIUS and the FTC, as employees and Sims community members voice concerns over potential investor influence on content and inclusivity.