Electronic Arts, one of the largest game producers in the world, has been taken over as part of a 55 billion transaction. Investors’ consortium with Jared Kushner, Silver Lake and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) will pay $ 210. for EA, which was 25 % The bonus against the earlier stock market – says the “Financial Times”.
This is one of the largest Take-Private transactions in history. Its value is exceeded by the record purchase of the TXU Energy Company from 2007, worth $ 45 billion. According to the consortium declaration, financing includes $ 36 billion. own capital and a loan from JPMorgan in the amount of $ 20 billion.
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Electronic Arts based at Redwood City, California is responsible for one of the most popular brands in the gaming industry – including EA Sports FC (former FIFA), Madden NFL or The Sims. Andrew Wilson, the current president, will remain in the position and will manage the company as a private entity. The transaction finalization is planned for the beginning of 2027.
According to “FT”, investors openly focus on the development of artificial intelligence as tools to reduce operating costs. AI is to support, among others Programming process, automate games testing, and also replace some services, such as voice recordings or creating graphic elements. The expected savings are to allow you to manage high debt that EA will take over.
Jared Kushner, son -in -law of US President Donald Trump, played a key role in conducting transactions. After leaving the White House, he founded the Affinity Partners fund, in which PIF is a large investor. According to sources similar to conversations, its presence will facilitate the acceptance of the takeover by the Foreign Investment Committee in the USA.
The Public Investment Fund for Saudi Arabia has been investing in global technology and gaming companies for years. In addition to EA, he also has shares in Nintendo and Take-Two Interactive. PIF plans to spend up to $ 70 billion. Annually for strategic investments, financed from oil export income.
“Electronic Arts is an extraordinary company from a world -class management team and a bold vision of the future,” said Kushner, emphasizing the personal attachment of the company’s games. Investors believe that the combination of EA with the capital and technological capabilities of partners will allow for rapid development in the era of artificial intelligence.
Source: Financial Times
