Electronic Arts nears $50 billion buyout by Saudi Arabia and Jared Kushner’s firm

Electronic Arts (EA), the video game giant behind franchises like Mad And Fifaan agreement to become private, The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.

The agreement, estimated at around 50 billion dollars, is said to be the largest lever redemption in history.

According to the Wall Street JournalInvestors involved in the acquisition include the investment capital company Silver Lake, the public investment fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF), and Affinity Partners, an investment company formed by the son-in-law of President Trump, Jared Kushner. The PIF of Saudi Arabia currently provides most of its funds to refined partners. In 2023, the Pif of Saudi Arabia also owns almost 10% of the EA.

EA’s acquisition would be the last of a series of game investments by Saudi Arabia, which is one of the country’s tactics to reduce economic dependence on oil. In 2021, the PIF launched Savvy Games Group, dedicated to investment in video and esports games. Saudi crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman is president of the Savvy Games group.

In addition to EA, the PIF is currently making challenges in Activision Blizzard, the company behind Call of duty And World of WarcraftAnd take interactive-two, the company behind Border districts And Grand Theft Auto. The PIF also has a participation in Nintendo, although in 2024, it reduced its actions.

Following the Wall Street JournalThe report, EA shares increased by 15% on Friday. EA has been listed on the stock market since 1990. EA could announce the takeover next week.