European Commission says EA’s controversial $55 billion buyout “would not raise competition concerns” and clears it for Saudi-led ownership

The European Commission has approved Electronic Arts’ proposed $55 billion takeover by a Saudi-led investor group, concluding that the deal would not create competition concerns. The decision removes a significant regulatory obstacle for one of the largest proposed acquisitions in the video games industry, though the ownership arrangement has drawn controversy because of Saudi Arabia’s involvement.

The Commission’s assessment focused on whether the purchase could harm competition in relevant gaming markets and found no grounds to intervene. The deal would take EA, the publisher behind franchises including FIFA/EA Sports FC, The Sims and Battlefield, into private ownership under the Saudi-led group.