A consortium of Saudi Public Investment Funds (PIF) and others has recently been approved by the American game giant EA investors. According to Bloomberg, the deal, valued at $55 billion, had been approved by the shareholders and the shareholders would receive $210 per share. Until the consortium announced its intention to acquire, the EEA share price was $174.04 and the collection had increased to $203.79 as of yesterday.
In September this year, an investment consortium consisting of PIF, Silver Lake Capital and Afiniti Associates announced the acquisition plan. This will be the largest privatization acquisition in history and is expected to be completed by 30 June 2026 (i.e. the first quarter of EA2027).
“EEA ‘ s creative and passionate team of hundreds of millions of players has provided extraordinary experience, built the most iconic IP in the world, and created great value for companies.” “EEA CEO Andrew Wilson, in his trade announcement, said, “Looking ahead, we will continue to break the boundaries of entertainment, sport and technology and open new opportunities. Working with partners, we will create a transformative experience to inspire future generations. I am more confident than ever in the future that we have built together.”
Transactions are subject to regulatory review after they have been approved by shareholders. It is a matter of concern that the Afiniti Partnership was founded by Jared Kouchner, son-in-law of former United States President Trump, a context that could speed up its approval process on the mainland of the United States. Upon completion of the transaction, PIF will have direct ownership of EA 93.4 per cent. Since the Saudi sovereign wealth fund holds both silver lake capital and the “significant” shares of Afiniti Associates, it will actually have full ownership of the American game distributor.
Andrew Wilson will continue to be the CEO of the company, emphasizing that the core values of EA will not be altered by changes in ownership. In his internal memorandum to the staff, he made it clear that “the mission of the company, its values and its commitment to global players and fans remain unchanged” and promised that “EA will maintain its creative autonomy and that our consistent freedom of creation and the concept of the top player will continue.”
