Electronic Arts has stopped trading on the Nasdaq, and shareholders will receive $210 per share in cash|Paul Downey|CC BY 2.0
A Saudi Arabia-led investment group has completed its $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts (EA), making it one of the biggest buyouts in corporate history.
The consortium includes Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), private equity firm Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, led by Jared Kushner, who is President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
Following the deal, EA has stopped trading on the Nasdaq, and shareholders will receive $210 per share in cash.
The acquisition strengthens Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in the global gaming and sports industries.
However, analysts warn that the massive debt used to finance the deal could reshape EA’s future. PIF has reportedly borrowed $20 billion from JPMorgan.
Experts believe the company may focus on its biggest franchises, including The Sims, Battlefield, and its sports titles, instead of creating new games.
Some analysts also fear the debt could lead to layoffs, studio closures, or the sale of valuable gaming franchises.