Fitch Withdraws EA Bond Rating Amid $55 Billion Buyout Dispute

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3▲2 ▼1Impact / 5
Summary · why it matters

Fitch has withdrawn its investment-grade rating on Electronic Arts bonds tied to a planned $55 billion all-cash leveraged buyout, a move bondholders argue could trigger a premium payout under change-of-control covenants. The buyout is backed by Silver Lake, Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, with JPMorgan Chase advising the buyers. Bondholders, advised by Akin Gump and Houlihan Lokey, reportedly control 75% of the 2031 notes and 90% of the 2051 notes, giving them a strong position in the months-long dispute. The consortium views the investment-grade rating as helpful but not required, arguing that defeasance could invalidate the covenants because the notes would be prepaid. The consent deadline has been extended multiple times as the deal awaits regulatory approval, with no engagement between the parties reported so far.

Impact on assets 3

Communication Services▼
Electronic Arts Inc
EA
▼ NegativeCapitalrelevance

Fitch withdraws investment-grade rating on EA bonds amid buyout dispute, potentially triggering premium payout and increasing financial uncertainty.

Financials▲
Houlihan Lokey Inc
HLI
▲ PositiveCapitalrelevance

Houlihan Lokey is advising bondholders in the dispute, likely generating advisory fees.

Digital Finance & Tokenization▲
JPMorgan Chase & Co
JPM
▲ PositiveCapitalrelevance

JPMorgan Chase is advising the buyers in the $55 billion buyout, earning advisory fees.

Off-coverage companies 4

Silver Lakei
Private▲ PositiveCapitalrelevance

Silver Lake is a lead backer of the $55 billion buyout, potentially benefiting from the deal's completion.

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feldi
Private▲ PositiveCapitalrelevance

Akin Gump is advising bondholders in the dispute, likely generating legal fees.

Affinity Partnersi
Private± Mixedrelevance

Public Investment Fundi
Private± Mixedrelevance