Reuters: Electronic Arts prepares for largest buyout in history for $50 billion
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American video game developer Electronic Arts (EA), the creator of the FIFA and Battlefield series, is negotiating to go private with an estimated value of about $50 billion. About this writes Reuters, citing informed sources.

The group of potential investors includes private equity firm Silver Lake, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Affinity Partners, founded by Jared Kushner.

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According to the publication's sources, the deal may be announced as early as next week. If it happens, it will be the largest leveraged buyout in history.

EA shares are already up more than 15% in afternoon trading.

As a result, EA will leave the stock exchange, and current shareholders, including small investors, will receive a payment for their shares.

Despite rising video game development costs and fierce competition in the industry, EA is trying to meet high fan expectations amid a general decline in consumer spending. In July, the company forecast quarterly revenues below analysts' expectations.

Silver Lake is known for large technology buyouts and recently acquired a majority stake in Altera (Intel) for $4.46 billion. PIF is investing in gaming and sports as part of its Vision 2030 strategy, while Affinity Partners is raising money from funds in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.