EA Buyout Closes as PIF-Led Group Takes Company Private

Electronic Arts' $55 billion acquisition has closed, taking the publisher private after its regulatory process concluded. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund holds the largest stake in the new ownership group, alongside Silver Lake and Affinity Partners. Andrew Wilson remains EA's chief executive, while the company has promoted Cam Weber to President and Chief Studios Officer and David Tinson to President and Chief Operating Officer. With EA leaving the public market, its future financial results will no longer be disclosed in the same way to shareholders and the public. The practical effect on studios and game plans is still unsettled: reporting and analysts have raised the prospect of cost reductions, but EA has not confirmed any new cancellations or layoffs. For players, the completed deal marks a major ownership change for one of gaming's largest publishers; the new owners' strategy will become clearer through EA's next decisions.