Electronic Arts says its proposed $55 billion takeover has secured all required regulatory approvals and is expected to complete on August 4, 2026.
EA merger cleared for closing
A filing dated July 30 stated that every regulatory approval needed for the merger had been obtained. EA currently expects the transaction to close on or around the end of trading on August 4.
As of July 30, 2026, all regulatory approvals required to complete the Merger have been obtained. Electronic Arts currently expects the Merger to close on or about the close of trading on August 4, 2026. Completion of the Merger remains subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the remaining customary closing conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement.
The deal still depends on the remaining customary closing conditions being satisfied or waived. While an unexpected obstacle could theoretically delay completion, EA’s announcement indicates that the company is highly likely to leave the public market next week.
Who is buying Electronic Arts?
EA is being acquired by a consortium comprising Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake Partners and Affinity Partners. Affinity Partners is a private equity firm owned by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of President Donald Trump.
The PIF has built a significant presence across the games industry, acquiring or investing in companies including EA, Nintendo, Activision Blizzard and Take-Two Interactive. It has also fully purchased Scopely, the studio behind Monopoly Go!, and the developer of Pokémon Go, Niantic.
For broader arcade and gaming news, the transaction is notable well beyond EA’s own franchises.
Gaming’s second-largest acquisition
At $55 billion, the purchase would rank as the second-largest acquisition in video-game history. It would sit behind Microsoft’s $75.4 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023.
EA would also become a private company. Once that happens, its financial results and other information about its business will no longer be available through public-company reporting, reducing the visibility of its performance and position.
CEO stays, employee impact remains uncertain
Andrew Wilson is expected to continue as EA’s chief executive after the deal closes, while the company’s headquarters will remain in California.
The effect on EA’s thousands of employees around the world is less clear. Staff have faced an unsettled period in recent years, with repeated layoffs affecting teams and projects connected to Apex Legends, BioWare, Skate and the highly successful Battlefield 6.
Wilson received an $8 million bonus for EA’s performance during the most recent financial year. The company’s ownership change will now be closely watched for its potential effect on future releases, studio operations and investment priorities.
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