Jared Kushner, former White House adviser and founder of Affinity Partners, is once again making global headlines. His private equity firm has teamed up with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Silver Lake Partners to acquire Electronic Arts (EA) in a landmark $55 billion leveraged buyout.

The deal marks the largest private equity takeover in gaming history, signaling both the financial muscle of the investor group and the rising importance of the video game industry in global geopolitics.

A Record-Breaking Deal

Electronic Arts, known for blockbuster titles such as Madden NFL, The Sims, and Battlefield, is being acquired for $210 per share in cash, ending its 36-year run as a publicly traded company.

The acquisition far surpasses the $32 billion TXU buyout in 2007 and positions Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Gaming Group and Kushner’s Affinity Partners at the forefront of the gaming sector.

Why Jared Kushner Is Involved

Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, founded in 2021, has received substantial backing from Saudi investors. By participating in this deal, Kushner strengthens his role in bridging U.S. capital markets, Middle Eastern investment interests, and the tech-entertainment sector.

In a statement, Kushner expressed excitement:

“Electronic Arts is an extraordinary company with a world-class management team. I’ve admired their ability to create iconic, lasting experiences, and as someone who grew up playing their games, I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.”

Saudi Arabia’s Gaming Strategy

Saudi Arabia’s PIF has aggressively pursued investments in the gaming sector since 2022. It already holds minority stakes in Nintendo, Scopely, ESL, and FACEIT. The EA acquisition aligns with its ambition to make Saudi Arabia a global hub for digital entertainment.

Industry analysts note that gaming is not only a commercial investment but also a soft power tool that enhances Saudi Arabia’s global cultural influence.

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What Happens to Electronic Arts Now?

• EA will go private under the consortium ownership.
• CEO Andrew Wilson will remain in his role.
• EA’s headquarters will stay in Redwood City, California.
• With the financial backing of Kushner, Silver Lake, and PIF, the company can pursue riskier long-term projects without stock market pressure.

Some analysts remain skeptical, questioning whether the $210 per share undervalues EA’s growth potential, especially with new gaming titles and live-service revenues projected to boost earnings in coming years.

Broader Impact of the Deal

This buyout comes amid major consolidation in the gaming industry:

• Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023.
• Saudi Arabia’s earlier $4.9 billion purchase of Scopely.

With Kushner now at the center of a deal of this magnitude, his influence in global finance, gaming, and geopolitics continues to grow.

FAQ on Jared Kushner and the EA Buyout

Q1: Who is Jared Kushner?

Jared Kushner is a U.S. investor, former senior adviser to President Donald Trump, and founder of the private equity firm Affinity Partners.

Q2: What is Jared Kushner’s role in the Electronic Arts deal?

His firm, Affinity Partners, is part of the investor consortium with Saudi Arabia’s PIF and Silver Lake Partners to acquire Electronic Arts in a $55 billion buyout.

Q3: How much is the Electronic Arts buyout worth?

The deal is valued at $55 billion, making it the largest private equity-backed gaming acquisition in history.

Q4: Why is Saudi Arabia involved in the deal?

Saudi Arabia’s PIF is using gaming investments as part of its Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy and expand global influence in digital entertainment.

Q5: Will Jared Kushner control Electronic Arts?

While Kushner’s Affinity Partners is a key investor, EA will be jointly owned by PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. CEO Andrew Wilson will remain in charge of daily operations.

Q6: What happens to EA after going private?

EA will no longer trade publicly. It will focus on long-term growth strategies, new gaming titles, and innovation, backed by its new investors.

Q7: Why is this deal significant?

It is not only the largest buyout in gaming history but also highlights the growing connection between finance, geopolitics, and entertainment.

Q8: Does Jared Kushner have ties to Saudi Arabia?

Yes. His firm Affinity Partners has been significantly funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, strengthening U.S.-Saudi business ties.

Q9: How does this compare to Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard deal?

Microsoft’s $69 billion takeover of Activision Blizzard in 2023 remains the largest gaming acquisition ever, but the EA deal is the biggest private equity-led buyout.

Q10: What does this mean for the gaming industry?

The deal underscores intensifying consolidation in gaming, with major players and investors competing for dominance in a rapidly expanding global market.