Canadian Union Seeks Government Review of $55 Billion Electronic Arts Takeover

A Canadian union has called on the federal government to review the proposed $55 billion takeover of Electronic Arts under national security and competition laws. The Communications Workers of America Canada said the transaction involving Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Affinity Partners and Silver Lake could put jobs at risk and undermine competition in the video game sector.

The union submitted a letter to Industry Minister officials on Tuesday and contacted the Competition Bureau in December requesting scrutiny under the Investment Canada Act and the Competition Act. The company maintains five offices in the country that have contributed to its soccer and hockey game franchises as well as the national video game industry valued at $5.1 billion.

The union represents hundreds of video game workers in Canada, though none at Electronic Arts. Its president said the deal threatens the broader industry at a time when rivals have already conducted layoffs and undergone consolidation. "Our concern is for the industry, because what happens here is going to affect everybody in that industry," the union president stated.

The union also expressed worry that the involvement of a foreign state could lead to the handling of sensitive personal data from millions of Canadian game users without their knowledge or consent. Electronic Arts reported about $7.5 billion in revenue last year with major titles including EA Sports FC, Madden NFL and The Sims.

The company did not respond to a request for comment. An internal FAQ provided to staff last year stated there would be no immediate changes to jobs, teams or daily work as a result of the transaction.

The buyer consortium, which already holds a minority stake in Electronic Arts and rival Nintendo, announced the agreement last September. The deal received approval from the company's board but still requires shareholder and regulatory approvals. It is not expected to close until the first quarter of the company's fiscal 2027, which ends in June 2026.

The Competition Bureau began its review in November 2025 and completed the process at the end of March. Its website lists the outcome as "other," which a bureau spokesperson said means none of the standard conclusions apply. Officials cited confidentiality rules that prevent further comment on the review.

The union warned that the acquisition, financed in part with $20 billion in debt, could lead to cost-cutting measures including studio reductions or layoffs in Canada. It raised particular concern that operations might expand in Saudi Arabia while contracting domestically, citing differences in regulation, accountability and transparency.

The union president added that integration with a foreign state could result in the sharing of financial, health and other user data without consent. The letter to officials highlighted potential harm to Canada's economic security from such data practices.