Facebook has acquired the hugely popular WhatsApp cross-platform messaging application for a cool $16 billion. This includes $12 billion worth of Facebook shares and $4 billion in cash. Jan Koum, WhatsApp co-founder and CEO, will join Facebook’s Board of Directors.At the moment, WhatsApp has more than 450 million monthly users combined across Android, iOS, Windows Phone, BlackBerry and even select Asha and Symbian devices.
According to Facebook, the acquisition will boost its “ability to bring connectivity and utility to the world.” However Facebook made it clear that “WhatsApp's core messaging product and Facebook's existing Messenger app will continue to operate as standalone applications.”
"WhatsApp is on a path to connect 1 billion people. The services that reach that milestone are all incredibly valuable. I've known Jan for a long time and I'm excited to partner with him and his team to make the world more open and connected."
Mark Zuckerberg.As the old saying goes, if you can’t beat them, join them - or, in Facebook’s case, buy them.
source - Facebook
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