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Electronic Arts is one step closer to a major ownership shake-up after shareholders formally approved the company’s proposed $55 billion sale. The vote marks a huge moment for one of the gaming industry’s biggest publishers and signals a possible shift in how EA operates in the years ahead.
The approval was confirmed by journalist Stephen Totilo, who reported that the shareholder vote concluded successfully on Tuesday afternoon. While the deal is not final yet, this clears one of the most important obstacles, allowing the acquisition to move forward into its next and most scrutinised phase.
Shareholders give the green light
Totilo reports that the voting concluded at 2.03pm Pacific Time, with shareholders supporting the deal. The move would see Electronic Arts bought by a group fronted by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which would bring one of gaming’s best-known publishers under new ownership.
Confirmed so far:
- Shareholders have officially approved the $55 billion deal
- The buyer group is led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund
- The transaction is not yet complete
- Regulatory approval is now required before anything is finalised
What happens next for the deal
The next step is now in front of regulators. Government agencies will review the deal according to national and international laws that cover things like competition and foreign investment.
They may approve the deal as is, or they may require changes.Totilo said the deal is now pending, which means regulators have yet to approve the sale. It’s unclear if there is a set date for completion, and the regulatory process can take months. In some cases, there can be additional strings attached or delays.
Why this deal matters for Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts is a leading publisher with a host of marquee franchises in sports, shooters, RPGs, and live-service games that have been around for years or even decades. It is also a public company, which means it has been beholden to quarterly earnings and investor expectations for years.
If the sale goes through:
- EA would transition away from public markets
- Ownership and long-term strategy could change significantly
- Financial pressure tied to quarterly results may be reduced
If it were to go through, this would be among the largest transactions in the history of the video game industry. Valued at $55 billion, the deal showcases EA’s ability to monetize, as well as the investment activity of larger groups to invest in gaming as a long-term play.
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