Electronic Arts (EA.US) shareholders approve a “sell-by” plan Saudi Sovereign Fund to lead a $55 billion acquisition

The Zhitong Finance App learned that shareholders of video game company Electronic Arts (EA.US) voted to approve a deal to sell the company for 55 billion US dollars, led by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF). The Redwood City-based gaming giant owns games such as “EA SPORTS Soccer World” and “Battlefield”, and its investors voted to approve the $210 per share acquisition plan on Monday.

The acquisition marks a turning point for the leading video game publisher with a 40-year history. Saudi Arabia's public investment fund is making major investments in interactive media to diversify the business and get rid of dependence on oil. Once Electronic Arts is privatized, developers will be able to focus on making quality games without the pressure of quarterly results from public investors.

Previously, Electronic Arts estimated net orders for the 2026 fiscal year to be about US$7.85 billion, lower than analysts' average expectations of US$8.06 billion. Electronic Arts also expects an adjusted EBITDA of US$2.76 billion for the full year, which is lower than the general market estimate of US$2.93 billion, mainly due to weak consumer spending and high game console prices suppressing market demand.