EA Shareholders Approve $55 Billion Saudi Takeover: Stock Impact

Electronic Arts shareholders have approved a monumental $55 billion acquisition. The deal is led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. The vote concluded on December 22, 2025, securing the gaming giant’s future under new ownership.

This marks the largest acquisition in video game history requiring shareholder approval. Investors overwhelmingly backed the consortium’s offer of $210 per share in cash. The move immediately sent EA’s stock price soaring to a new peak.

Deal Structure and Unprecedented Ownership Shift

The shareholder vote was a decisive step. According to Bloomberg, investors cast ballots with overwhelming support for the Saudi-led bid. The consortium includes the PIF, private equity firm Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners.

Shareholders will receive a significant 25% premium on their investment. The PIF will emerge as the dominant owner with a 93.4% stake upon closing. Silver Lake will hold 5.5%, fundamentally transforming EA from a public company.

Market Reaction and Regulatory Pathway Ahead

Market enthusiasm was immediate and powerful. EA’s stock hit a 52-week high of $204.39 following the approval news. This surge reflects strong confidence in the deal’s financial terms and long-term value.

The transaction now faces its final major hurdle: regulatory approval. U.S. antitrust authorities must review the acquisition before it can close. The consortium anticipates completing the process by July 2026, pending government clearance.

This landmark deal redefines the global gaming landscape, placing a Western industry titan under majority Saudi ownership. The successful shareholder vote for Saudi Arabia’s purchase of EA sets the stage for a new era in interactive entertainment.

Info at your fingertips

Who exactly is buying Electronic Arts?

A consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is the primary buyer. Private equity firm Silver Lake and investment firm Affinity Partners are minority partners in the $55 billion deal.

What happens to EA stock now?

Shareholders approved the all-cash offer of $210 per share. The stock surged on the news and will eventually be delisted once the deal closes, as EA transitions to a privately held company.

When will the acquisition be finalized?

The deal is expected to close by July 2026. This timeline is dependent on receiving the necessary regulatory approvals from U.S. government authorities, which is the next step.

How will this affect EA games and operations?

Immediate changes to game development or studio operations are not expected. The long-term strategic direction may evolve under the new private ownership structure, free from quarterly public market pressures.

Why is Saudi Arabia investing so heavily in gaming?

The PIF is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy beyond oil. Acquiring a premier gaming publisher like EA represents a major strategic investment in the global entertainment sector.