In an internal message to all employees, freshly released by the US Securities and Exchange Commission, EA tells staff worried about layoffs that there won't be "immediate" changes to any jobs or teams as a result of the deal.

Spotted by reporter Stephen Totilo, the SEC filing covers "an employee FAQ made available" to all EA staff on September 29, hot on the heels of the seal on the deal which will see EA go private with a $55 billion buyout that includes $20 billion in debt assuming it closes as planned. In the FAQ, EA leadership says it expects the deal "to close in the next six to nine months."

"Will private ownership lead to layoffs?" one heading asks. "There will be no immediate changes to your job, team, or daily work, as a result of this transaction," EA assures. "Our focus is on driving innovation, and expanding our global reach, all of which require world class teams, who are excited to shape the future of entertainment."