Kushner’s firm and Saudi Arabia in momentous $55 billion buyout

Video game giant Electronic Arts (EA) is set to become a privately held company in a landmark $55 billion deal led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, alongside investment firms Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, backed by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.  

The announcement was made on Monday, revealing that the consortium will be acquiring EA shares for $210 each, representing a substantial 25% premium over Friday’s closing price.

This transaction marks the largest buyout in history for the gaming industry, sending EA shares up approximately 5% in early trading.

In a press release, EA CEO Andrew Wilson highlighted the company’s achievements, stating, "Our creative and passionate teams at EA have delivered extraordinary experiences for hundreds of millions of fans, built some of the world’s most iconic IP, and created significant value for our business."

Kushner expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, saying, "I’ve admired EA’s ability to create iconic, lasting experiences. As someone who grew up playing their games and now enjoys them with my kids, I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead."

The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027, pending regulatory approval. Founded in 1982, EA boasts a diverse portfolio of beloved titles, including “Madden NFL,” “The Sims,” and the highly anticipated “Battlefield 6.”

Kushner established close ties with the Saudi royal family when Trump and he were in the White House for the first term and now they are profiting from the relationship with billions of Saudi dollars flowing into their businesses.

Persian Gulf states linked to Kushner's firm which funds illegal Israeli settlements

Jared Kushner

The Washington Post reported in 2023, quoting US administration sources that Trump and former White House senior adviser Kushner used their positions in government to ensure they profited when re-entering the private sector.

Democrats have launched congressional investigations into Trump’s and Kushner’s ties to Saudi Arabia. They argued there is no precedent for how the two men have relied so extensively on Saudi investments in their businesses after helping Saudi Arabia's then-deputy crown prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) while in office, the newspaper added.

The lawmakers said that such business ties could leave them indebted to the Saudi crown prince.

Former White House officials said that Trump and Kushner used their offices to set themselves up to profit from their relationship with the Saudi princes after leaving the White House.

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