Logo of WhatsApp, the popular messaging service bought by Facebook for USD $19 billion, seen on a smartphone February 20, 2014 in New York. Facebook’s deal for the red-hot mobile messaging service WhatsApp is a savvy strategic move for the world’s biggest social network, even if the price tag is staggeringly high, analysts say. AFP […]
Credit: AFP/Getty Images
Facebook’s acquisition of mobile messaging giant WhatsApp is complete. After getting the green light from Europe’s antitrust regulator on Friday, the $19 billion deal has formally closed in the US.
Today’s filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also revealed that WhatsApp co-founder and CEO Jan Koum is now a board member at Facebook. While few expected the buyout to be derailed by either the European or US authorities, these formalities do mark a milestone for the tech industry.
In short, there’s no turning back for Facebook or WhatsApp. The hugely popular messaging app is now owned by Zuck’s empire and it’ll be interesting to see how, if at all, WhatsApp’s new owner influences the product.
➤ SEC filing (via Engadget)
Thumbnail image credit: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images
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