Electronic Arts Inc. announced Monday it will be acquired by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners in a staggering $55 billion all-cash transaction—marking the largest sponsor-led take-private deal ever. Six powerhouse firms are orchestrating the landmark deal, sending shockwaves across both Wall Street and Silicon Valley.

Under the agreement, the consortium will purchase 100% of EA, with PIF rolling over its current 9.9% stake. EA shareholders will pocket $210 per share in cash—a 25% premium above last Thursday’s trading price.

The Legal Titans Behind the Deal

The complexity of the EA $55B Deal has called in an army of elite law firms. Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz is steering EA’s legal strategy, while Kirkland & Ellis LLP advises the buying group. Kirkland is also the lead counsel for PIF, supported by Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP. Silver Lake is represented by Latham & Watkins LLP and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, while Affinity Partners tapped Sidley Austin LLP.

These firms have deployed star-studded teams: Kirkland’s Maggie Flores and Sarkis Jebejian, Wachtell’s Edward D. Herlihy and David K. Lam, Sidley’s Perry Shwachman, Latham’s Michael Anastasio, and Gibson Dunn’s Richard Birns, among others.

A New Chapter for EA

Despite the massive change in ownership, EA will remain headquartered in Redwood City, California, under the continued leadership of CEO Andrew Wilson.

“Our creative and passionate teams at EA have delivered extraordinary experiences for hundreds of millions of fans,” Wilson said. “Looking ahead, we will continue to push the boundaries of entertainment, sports, and technology, unlocking new opportunities.”

The buyer consortium echoed this optimism. PIF’s Turqi Alnowaiser said the deal would fuel EA’s long-term growth globally. Silver Lake’s Egon Durban pledged heavy investment to accelerate innovation, while Affinity Partners’ Jared Kushner highlighted EA’s cultural impact, calling the company’s games “iconic, lasting experiences.”

Financing the Future of Gaming

The $55 billion package is powered by roughly $36 billion in equity investment and $20 billion in debt financing, with JPMorgan Chase Bank NA providing the credit muscle. The transaction has already won approval from EA’s board and now awaits regulatory and shareholder green lights, with closing expected in the first quarter of fiscal 2027.

Known for blockbuster franchises like FIFA, Madden NFL, Battlefield, The Sims, and Dragon Age, EA stands at the crossroads of entertainment and technology. With billions in backing and heavyweight investors at the wheel, the EA $55B Deal may redefine the future of gaming on a global scale.