adminThe Electronic Arts acquisition valued at $55 billion is complete, making the video game company privately held. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is now the majority owner, while EA CEO Andrew Wilson has announced two senior leadership appointments as the company enters its next phase.
Image credit: Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts acquisition: ownership and shareholder payout
The deal was structured as a leveraged buyout led by a consortium that includes PIF, Silver Lake and Affinity Partners. With the transaction completed, EA shares will be delisted from NASDAQ. Stockholders are set to receive $210 per share in cash.
For former shareholders, the stated cash payment is the key financial outcome of the transaction. EA’s move to private ownership also means its shares will no longer trade publicly on NASDAQ.
Leadership changes at EA
Wilson appointed Cam Weber as chief studios officer and David Tinson as chief operating officer. Both executives have also been named company presidents.
In a message to employees, Wilson described the appointments as part of preparing EA for its next phase. He pointed to the leaders’ experience and their work through major periods of change at the company, and said he would work with them on EA’s games, communities and creative culture.
For players and staff, the appointments establish who will share responsibility for leading the company alongside Wilson. The announcement does not provide further details about changes to individual studios or game projects.
Investor approvals and earlier PIF investment
The acquisition was announced on September 29. EA stockholders approved it in December, and regulatory approvals were granted on July 31, according to the announcement.
PIF deputy governor and head of international investments Turqi Alnowaiser said the fund had been a minority investor in EA for more than five years. He cited the company’s global sports and gaming franchises and intellectual property, and described entertainment and sports as strategic areas for PIF.
PIF purchased more than $3 billion in EA stock in 2021 and increased its stake by 55% in 2023. Silver Lake CEO and managing partner Egon Durban said the consortium plans to invest in EA’s growth, including exploring how AI can support game development and player experiences. Affinity Partners CEO Jared Kushner said the firm aims to support EA as it reaches new audiences and expands how people connect through play.
What the Electronic Arts acquisition means next
The completed Electronic Arts acquisition combines a change in ownership with new leadership roles. EA will operate as a private company, its stockholders will receive the announced cash payment, and the company’s shares will leave NASDAQ. Wilson and the newly appointed presidents will lead the business as it continues developing games and services for players worldwide.
Practical note: The announcement gives key transaction and leadership details, but does not specify how private ownership will affect future releases, studio operations or player services.
