Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), in a landmark move, has announced a definitive agreement to acquire the global gaming powerhouse Electronic Arts (EA). The transaction, made in partnership with international investment firms Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, is valued at $55 billion, marking the largest leveraged buyout in history.
A Landmark Transaction in Gaming History
Under the terms of the agreement, EA will transition from a publicly traded entity to a private company, a significant shift after more than 35 years on the US stock exchange. The acquisition ensures leadership continuity, with CEO Andrew Wilson set to continue leading the company from its headquarters in California. This monumental deal reshapes the landscape of the global gaming industry, placing one of its most iconic publishers under new ownership.
Strategic Alignment with Vision 2030
This acquisition is a cornerstone of the PIF’s broader strategy to make significant investments in global entertainment and technology sectors. It directly aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s ambitious blueprint for economic diversification, which aims to develop and foster creative and digital industries. By securing a major player like EA, the PIF significantly strengthens its position in the rapidly growing digital entertainment market and accelerates its mission to build a more varied and sustainable economy.
About The Public Investment Fund (PIF)
The Public Investment Fund is the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia and one of the largest in the world. Established in 1971, the PIF is the primary investment arm of the Kingdom, driving its economic transformation as a key enabler of Saudi Vision 2030. The fund’s strategy focuses on investing in strategic sectors and building global partnerships to generate long-term sustainable returns and unlock new opportunities for the Saudi economy.
Source: Jawlah
