Electronic Arts, the company behind EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA) and one of the gaming industry’s biggest publishers, is reportedly nearing a historic $50 billion deal to go private.
According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, the new ownership group would include Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has been steadily increasing its presence in the gaming sector in recent years. The $50 billion buyout is being financed by Silver Lake and the Saudi Public Investment Fund, and could be finalized as soon as next week.
If completed, this deal would mark the largest leveraged buyout in history. It would also represent the latest and largest move by Saudi Arabia to establish a strong foothold in the video game industry. Earlier this year, Niantic sold Pokémon Go and other assets to Scopely, a company backed by Saudi investors. Additionally, the Public Investment Fund has held a stake in Nintendo, though it reduced its position last year.
At this time, there has been no official announcement from Electronic Arts or the reported investors. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146128/electronic-arts-ea-50-billion-private-sale
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