EU Clears $55bn Takeover of Electronic Arts by Saudi Fund and Partners

Regulators in the European Union have signed off on the controversial $55bn acquisition of Electronic Arts by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), private equity company Silver Lake, and investment company Affinity Partners.

The European Commission cleared the deal. The decision, published in an official bulletin, followed the standard merger review process which concluded the transaction would not create competition issues.

Stakeholders approved the acquisition in December 2025. With this regulatory green light now in place, the deal appears to face no significant remaining national obstacles. Should it close, the $55bn leveraged buyout – an acquisition financed primarily through borrowed debt – would rank as the largest on record.

The deal has drawn criticism from human rights organisations. Observers have repeatedly condemned Saudi Arabia's aggressive investments across game studios, publishers and esports events, viewing them as "sportswashing" intended to rehabilitate the kingdom's image. Its documented human rights record and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi have triggered widespread condemnation, with many analysts arguing the overseas spending campaign aims to improve international perception and attract further capital.

Video game industry unions opposed the transaction. The takeover, which also includes involvement from Jared Kushner – son-in-law of US president Donald Trump and head of Affinity Partners – has drawn objections from organised labour in the sector. In October the Communications Workers of America voiced strong resistance and subsequently sent a formal letter to the US Federal Trade Commission urging it to block the move.