Electronic Arts Acquisition Receives Shareholder Approval

Shareholders of Electronic Arts, a leading US video game publisher, have given their approval for the company's acquisition by a consortium led by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund. According to Bloomberg, the deal, worth $55 billion, has received the green light from investors, who are set to receive $210 per share. Prior to the announcement, Electronic Arts' stock was trading at $174.04, but closed at $203.79 following the news. The acquisition, announced in September by a consortium comprising the PIF, Silver Lake Capital, and Affinity Partners, is the largest private investment in history and is expected to be completed by June 30th, 2026. "At EA, our talented teams have consistently delivered exceptional experiences for millions of fans, built iconic intellectual properties, and driven significant business growth," said EA CEO Andrew Wilson. "As we look to the future, we will continue to innovate and push the boundaries of entertainment, sports, and technology, unlocking new opportunities and creating transformative experiences that will inspire generations to come. I am more excited than ever about the future we are building." With shareholder approval secured, the deal will now undergo regulatory scrutiny. The involvement of Affinity Partners, founded by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump, may potentially expedite the approval process in the United States. Upon completion of the deal, the PIF will hold a 93.4% stake in Electronic Arts. However, the Saudi sovereign wealth fund also has significant stakes in Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, effectively giving it outright ownership of the US publisher. Andrew Wilson is set to remain as CEO and has assured staff that EA's values and mission will remain unchanged under new ownership. In a memo, Wilson emphasized that the company's "commitment to players and fans worldwide remains unwavering," and that EA will "retain creative control and continue to prioritize player-first values."