Videogame publisher Electronic Arts said on Monday it has agreed to be taken private by a consortium in a $55 billion deal, marking one of the biggest acquisitions in the sector.

The deal for the maker of "Battlefield" underscores how deep-pocketed investors are betting on the enduring value of blockbuster game franchises as the industry recovers from a prolonged downturn.

The consortium consists of private equity firm Silver Lake, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and Affinity Partners.

Under the deal, the largest leveraged buyout in history, EA shareholders will receive $210 per share in cash, representing a premium of 25% as of the closing share price on September 25 before reports of a deal emerged.

The offer comes at a crucial time for Electronic Arts, which is gearing up to l

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