US publishing giant Electronic Arts is being taken private in a deal worth $55 billion. 

In a release to investors, the company said that it had been bought by a consortium of investors made up of the previously reported Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake and Affinity Partners. EA says that this deal will "accelerate innovation and growth" within the games industry. 

The deal is set to close in Q1 FY27 aka between March and June 2026. 

“Our creative and passionate teams at EA have delivered extraordinary experiences for hundreds of millions of fans, built some of the world’s most iconic IP, and created significant value for our business. This moment is a powerful recognition of their remarkable work,” EA CEO and chair Andrew Wilson said. 

“Looking ahead, we will continue to push the boundaries of entertainment, sports, and technology, unlocking new opportunities. Together with our partners, we will create transformative experiences to inspire generations to come. I am more energised than ever about the future we are building.”

the PIF's deputy governor and head of international investments Turqi Alnowaiser added: “PIF is uniquely positioned in the global gaming and esports sectors, building and supporting ecosystems that connect fans, developers, and IP creators. PIF has demonstrated a strong commitment to these sectors, and this partnership will help further drive EA’s long-term growth, while fuelling innovation within the industry on a global scale.”