EU clears the PIF-led $55bn Electronic Arts buyout

On 23 July 2026 the European Commission cleared the acquisition of Electronic Arts by a consortium of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake and Affinity Partners on competition grounds. A second clearance followed on 31 July under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation.

The deal is worth $55bn in all cash. Announced on 29 September 2025, it closed on 4 August 2026 — the largest all-cash sponsor take-private on record, ending Electronic Arts' 35 years as a publicly traded company.

The Commission said the transaction, covering the production and distribution of video games across mobile, PC and console platforms as well as the organisation and commercialisation of esports events, does not raise competition concerns.