EA Privatization and Gaming Industry Impact

EA in advanced talks to go private at roughly $50B, backed by Silver Lake, PIF and Affinity Partners; could be the largest LBO in history. Shares jumped about 15% on Sept 26.

WINNERS -

US video game publishers (M&A rerating and scarcity value)

Why: A marquee take-private compresses the public peer set, lifts comps, and stokes expectations for more deals and premium pricing power across franchises.

Examples: $TTWO, $RBLX

Wall Street deal makers and private equity platforms (fee and carry upside)

Why: A $50B LBO drives advisory, financing, and syndication fees now, and deal flow tailwinds if gaming consolidation accelerates.

Examples: $GS, $BX

Gaming tech suppliers (spend cycle on AAA, online services, and AI tooling)

Why: A well ...