Facebook Buys WhatsApp for $16 Billion in Stocks and Cash

[Bec]

Facebook is purchasing messaging giant WhatsApp for $16B in cash and stock, according to a regulatory filing. The deal is being cut for $12B in Facebook shares, $4B in cash and an additional $3B in RSUs for employee retention.

A termination fee is attached to the deal that would cost Facebook $1B in cash and $1B in shares if the deal fails to pass regulatory muster.

Facebook has posted on its blog, detailing the reasoning behind the acquisition as well. The post notes that WhatsApp will continue to operate independently and retain its brand. In addition,. WhatsApp co-founder and CEO Jan Koum will join Facebook?s board.

Facebook notes that WhatsApp has over 450M MAUs, with 70% of those active each day. In a staggering comparison, Facebook also notes that the messaging volume of WhatsApp approaches the SMS volume of the entire global telecom industry and that it's adding 1M users a day. read more
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WhatsApp Messenger is a cross-platform mobile messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS. WhatsApp Messenger is available for iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone and Nokia and yes, those phones can all message each other! Because WhatsApp Messenger uses the same internet data plan that you use for email and web browsing, there is no cost to message and stay in touch with your friends.

In addition to basic messaging WhatsApp users can create groups, send each other unlimited images, video and audio media messages.

[_richard_]

heard its been upped to 19 billion?

[Dilbertdidporn]

We are ALL in the wrong biz there is NO WAY in HELL that Whats App is worth 19 billion not when Android and iphone have their own native apps

So Zuckerberg needs to buy a money losing cell phone company and make the Facebook phone

[Bec]

We are ALL in the wrong biz

Heck, I knew that when I got the bill from the plumber ...

but I know what you mean. How can a freebie like that be worth Billions ... that's millions with a B fer crissake.

[nickbaer]

OK, so I've been busy the past year selling eBooks and DVDs, getting my Teaching Certification, and writing some great PHP/Javascript programs, to do Signature Pad, Maps, office accounting, inventory control, marketing, migrating from Final Cut Pro, to Premiere Pro, and back to Apple with iMovie10 HD, soon iMovie11, etc.

What is the deal with WhatsApp?

Can I send txts to Cell Phones from my Desktop or Laptop?

I don't have Cell Phone service here in Las Vegas, because 1) My cable landline suits me fine, with local and free US calling, and 2) Reception in my Apt is lousy, and service outside always seems to fail when I'm on the bus. So I plan bus trips ahead of time on Google Maps. Although Las Vegas is fairly square and straightforward to navigate.

What little I really do with my iPhone I do via WiFi - like on Wednesdays depositing my CCBill checks, using my Bank's mobile App.

[_richard_]

We are ALL in the wrong biz there is NO WAY in HELL that Whats App is worth 19 billion not when Android and iphone have their own native apps

So Zuckerberg needs to buy a money losing cell phone company and make the Facebook phone

sure.. you just need to develop a product that allows 'facebook' to get even more data(personal info)