According to documents filed with SEC today, Facebook has purchased WhatsApp for $16 billion in cash and stock. As with the Instagram buyout WhatsApp will operate independently post acquisition. It is Facebook's hope that the deal will "accelerate Facebook’s ability to bring connectivity and utility to the world."

WhatsApp is on a path to connect 1 billion people. The services that reach that milestone are all incredibly valuable. WhatsApp will complement our existing chat and messaging services to provide new tools for our community.Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg

The service has over 450 million users access it each month according to statistics in their latest press release. The CEO is hopeful this move will allow his company to move forward as fast as possible.

Doing this will give WhatsApp the flexibility to grow and expand, while giving me, Brian, and the rest of our team more time to focus on building a communications service that’s as fast, affordable and personal as possible.WhatsApp co-founder and CEO Jan Koum

Posted: Feb 19, 2014 6:30 pm
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