Electronic Arts (EA) shareholders have officially approved a substantial takeover led by a consortium associated with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). The outcome of the vote signified overwhelming support, as detailed in a recent SEC filing, which revealed that over 201 million votes were cast in favor of the acquisition, while only 1.9 million votes were against it, with an additional 90,000 abstentions.
The acquisition, valued at an impressive $55 billion, will privatize EA, rewarding current shareholders with $210 per share— a 25% premium over the company’s closing price on September 25, 2025. This deal marks the largest leveraged buyout in history, although the $20 billion loan needed to finance the acquisition raises concerns about potential risks associated with the company’s future.
The growing influence of Saudi Arabia’s PIF in the gaming industry is noteworthy, as the fund has previously invested in various gaming companies, including Capcom, Embracer Group, and Take-Two Interactive, as well as sports organizations such as Newcastle United FC and the LIV Golf tour. Despite the shareholder vote being the first significant milestone in the acquisition process, the deal still awaits regulatory approval—an outcome that is generally expected to proceed smoothly.
At the helm of EA, CEO Andrew Wilson has reassured stakeholders that the company’s core values will remain intact under the anticipated ownership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. However, the Saudi prince’s controversial past, including alleged involvement in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, raises numerous ethical concerns surrounding the acquisition.
Overall, this landmark transaction could reshape the landscape of the gaming industry, further integrating Saudi Arabia’s influence into global entertainment—leaving industry experts and shareholders alike cautiously optimistic yet wary of the implications ahead.