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Congress Calls for FTC Review of EA's $55B Sale

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Before Electronic Arts goes private, 46 House Democrats from the Congressional Labor Caucus have asked the Federal Trade Commission to scrutinize the $55 billion acquisition by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, alongside private equity firms Silver Lake and Affinity Partners. The deal, slated to close in Q1 2027, would shift EA’s ownership dramatically.

The letter warns that the transaction could deepen an already fragile gaming industry, trigger additional layoffs, and cement EA’s market dominance. Lawmakers request data on wage‑setting power, geographic labor concentration, and cross‑ownership effects. Support arrives from the Communications Workers of America and the United Video Games union, amplifying pressure on regulators.

Regulators now face a test of antitrust and labor policy as the gaming sector consolidates. If the FTC finds cause, it could impose conditions or block the sale, reshaping how sovereign wealth funds invest in U.S. tech. Observers will watch the outcome for clues about future cross‑border deals.