EU Commission approves EA buyout by Saudi-led consortium
Hennadiy Chemеris
The European Commission has cleared Electronic Arts' $55 billion sale to a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, saying the takeover does not raise competition concerns.
The transaction was reviewed under the EU Merger Regulation, and the Commission said the consortium's limited overlap with EA's markets meant the deal did not threaten competition. The group also includes Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, and EA shareholders have already approved the acquisition.
After the announcement, Electronic Arts said it would keep creative control and creative freedom within the consortium led by the Public Investment Fund.
They're investing in the creativity that defines EA.
If the deal closes, Electronic Arts will take on about $20 billion in new debt.
Does EU approval make the $55 billion EA buyout feel like a done deal now?
