Saudi Arabia’s EA Takeover Reportedly Set To Clear EU Hurdle
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is on track to complete its $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts, with the European Union reportedly set to approve the deal. The announcement of the PIF’s purchase of EA came in September 2025, marking one of the largest acquisitions in gaming industry history. According to reporting from Reuters on July 17, sources familiar with the deal indicate that the PIF will secure EU approval under European Union subsidy rules. The regulatory process proceeds through the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR), with the EU expected to complete its preliminary review on July 22, 2026. Following this review completion, the acquisition is reportedly expected to be cleared by the end of July. The approval would represent a significant shift in EA’s ownership structure, transitioning the major gaming publisher from a publicly traded company to private ownership backed by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund. This deal reflects the broader trend of international investment in the gaming industry, particularly from sovereign wealth funds seeking stakes in major entertainment companies.