EU Set to Approve Saudi-Led Consortium’s $55 Billion Acquisition of Electronic Arts

• July 19, 2026

A consortium that includes Saudi Arabia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund is expected to receive approval from the European Union for its proposed acquisition of Electronic Arts (EA) valued at approximately $55 billion. This development marks a significant step forward in the high-profile deal pending regulatory clearance under the European Union’s foreign subsidies framework.

Regulatory Green Light for Major Gaming Industry Deal

Sources familiar with the matter have indicated that the European Union’s antitrust and regulatory bodies are set to approve the transaction. The deal, which involves a group of investors headed by the Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund, is subject to scrutiny under the EU’s mechanisms designed to assess and regulate foreign subsidies and their impact on the internal market.

Electronic Arts, a major player in the global video game industry, would join a growing list of technology and entertainment companies undergoing increased regulatory evaluation amid heightened attention on foreign acquisitions within the European bloc. The approval is expected to clear a major regulatory hurdle for the consortium, paving the way for the completion of the $55 billion purchase.

The European Union’s foreign subsidies regulation aims to address situations where foreign government financial support may distort competition within EU markets. Given the involvement of a sovereign wealth fund from Saudi Arabia, the transaction has been under close examination to ensure compliance with these rules.

While terms of the agreement and further details surrounding the acquisition have not been formally disclosed, the approval from the European Union represents a key milestone in the consortium’s efforts to finalize the purchase of Electronic Arts. The deal underscores the increasing role of sovereign investment funds in shaping the competitive dynamics of the global tech and entertainment sectors.

The acquisition is expected to have notable implications for the video game market, as Electronic Arts holds significant assets and franchises that have a substantial consumer base worldwide. The integration of such a major publisher into the portfolio of a state-backed investment group could influence strategic directions and market competition within the industry.

As of now, no further information has been released regarding timelines for completion or potential changes in corporate governance following the acquisition. Market observers will be watching closely to see how the deal progresses through remaining regulatory channels and what impact it may have on Electronic Arts’ operations and leadership structure.

This anticipated approval by the EU reflects broader trends of increased scrutiny over large-scale foreign investments in technology companies, especially those linked to state-backed entities. It also highlights the balancing act regulators face in welcoming foreign investment while safeguarding fair competition within the European digital economy.

The European Union is poised to approve a $55 billion takeover of Electronic Arts by a Saudi-backed investor group, sources say.