Saudi-Led Consortium's $55B EA Acquisition: EU Approval Imminent, Deal Closing in Q1 FY2027

Under the agreement, the consortium will acquire 100% of EA. PIF is rolling over its existing 9.87% stake in EA into the new private entity rather than cashing it out . According to a Brazilian antitrust filing reported by the Wall Street Journal, PIF is set to own approximately 93.4% of EA after the buyout, with Silver Lake and Affinity Partners holding the remainder .

Financing Breakdown

The transaction is an all-cash deal valued at an enterprise value of approximately $55 billion, priced at $210 per share — a roughly 25% premium to EA's pre-announcement trading price .

The financing structure breaks down as follows:

• ~$36 billion in equity — contributed by the consortium members (primarily PIF, with Silver Lake and Affinity Partners as co-investors)
• ~$20 billion in debt financing — underwritten by a syndicate of banks. EA itself will incur approximately $20 billion in new debt as part of the leveraged buyout

Reuters noted that EA's "minimal net debt" prior to the deal positioned it well to support the debt load .

Shareholder Approval

EA shareholders voted to approve the sale at a virtual special meeting on December 22, 2025 . Bloomberg reported that investors in the Redwood City-based gaming giant backed the $210-per-share all-cash offer, clearing a key milestone for what was at the time the largest-ever take-private transaction .

Timeline — Closing in Fiscal Q1 2027

EA's Fiscal Year 2027 began on July 1, 2026, and the deal has been targeted to close during Q1 of FY2027 (July–September 2026) . With EU approval expected imminently (decision due July 30), the closing is on track for this window, though it is not yet formally finalized as of July 18, 2026 .

Post-Acquisition Plans — HQ and CEO

EA has publicly committed to:

• Remaining headquartered in Redwood City, California — confirmed in the company's SEC filings and staff Q&A
• Andrew Wilson continuing as CEO — Wilson stated he is "excited to continue as CEO," and EA's communications confirmed "no immediate personnel changes" and that he will lead the company post-close

EA's official press release described the transaction as entering "an exciting next chapter" while keeping the current leadership and Bay Area headquarters in place .