EA shareholders approve $55 billion buyout that'll reportedly leave the Battlefield 6 and EA Sports FC developer and publisher in $20 billion debt

News
By published

EA expects the deal to go through in Q1 of FY27

FC 26
(Image credit: EA)

EA's shareholders have reportedly approved the $55 billion buyout from the group of investors led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

Earlier this year, it was confirmed that EA is going private following a buyout by a consortium of investors: Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners (founded by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of the current US President, Donald Trump). The Saudi Arabia PIF is expected to own a vast majority of the company, more specifically 93.4%, while Silver Lake and Affinity Partners would own 5.5% and 1.1%, respectively. EA has previously mentioned it expects the deal to close during Q1 of FY27 and has just passed its first hurdle.

Given that the buyout will result in $20 billion being absorbed as debt for EA, many within the company are worried for its future, as one anonymous developer previously said, "We know, when the deal closes, it’s going to get worse before it gets better, if better is even possible," adding that "I’m nervous about what this means in terms of workforce once the deal is closed, as layoffs usually follow those type of acquisitions."

TOPICS
Scott McCrae
Scott McCrae
Contributor

Scott has been freelancing for over three years across a number of different gaming publications, first appearing on GamesRadar+ in 2024. He has also written for the likes of PC Gamer, Eurogamer, VG247, Play, TechRadar, and others. He's typically rambling about Metal Gear Solid, God Hand, or any other PS2-era titles that rarely (if ever) get sequels.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.