Affinity Partners, the investment firm led by Jared Kushner, is among investors seeking to take Electronic Arts private in a deal that pushed the company’s market value to about $55 billion on Friday, according to the information provided.
Investors are buying up shares and offering roughly a 25 percent premium per share to acquire remaining holders, the information said, sending the stock higher.
EA is known for games including the EA Sports FC soccer series (formerly FIFA) and The Sims. The company plans to release the latest installment of its shooter series, Battlefield 6, in October. EA is listed on U.S. stock exchanges and was founded in 1982.
The information described EA as one of the world’s largest independent video game publishers and said the company wants to remain independent.
In recent years, EA has conducted several rounds of layoffs and has struggled to grow as more consumers play free-to-play games with in-app purchases, while EA’s catalog largely focuses on full-price titles sold at about 80 euros, the information said.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund is also helping to fund the deal, the information said. The fund that manages Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s oil wealth has been increasing investments in the video game industry and holds stakes in Nintendo and Take-Two, the information added.
