Electronic Arts, the company behind EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA) and one of the gaming industry’s largest publishers, is reportedly nearing a historic $50 billion deal to go private.
According to a Wall Street Journal report, the buyout is being funded by Silver Lake and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has been steadily increasing its presence in the gaming sector in recent years. The deal could be finalized as soon as next week.
If completed, this transaction would mark the largest leveraged buyout in history. It also represents a significant move for Saudi Arabia, which has been aggressively expanding its footprint within 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 holds a stake in Nintendo, although it reduced its position last year.
There has been no official announcement from Electronic Arts or the reported investors at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146128/electronic-arts-ea-50-billion-private-sale
