Saudi sovereign wealth fund buys Electronic Arts for $55 billion

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is pursuing its goal of dominating the global gaming industry by executing the largest leveraged buyout in history.

The kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, which manages assets of about $925 billion, is leading a consortium that agreed to pay $55 billion for Electronic Arts, the U.S. maker of such hit video games as “Battlefield” and “The Sims.”

The investor group also includes private equity firm Silver Lake Partners and Affinity Partners, the firm headed by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump. 

The PIF, which already owns 9.9% of EA, plans to roll over its stake into the new ownership structure. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2027, subject to regulatory and shareholder approval.

Kushner said he has admired EA’s “ability to create iconic, lasting experiences, and as someone who grew up playing their games – and now enjoys them with his kids – I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.”