It is now official that Whatsapp is acquired by Facebook, legally. Earlier this year Facebook acquired Whatsapp for $19 Billion and the deal is now final after green light from European Union Regulators. As part of the deal, WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum has been appointed to Facebook’s board. Mr. Koum will remain chief executive of WhatsApp, receiving $1 in annual base salary and restricted stock units worth nearly $2 billion.
WhatsApp is a cross-platform messaging service that many use an alternative to traditional, carrier-based SMS services. After getting the approval from the Federal Trade Commission this past April, yesterday EU also authorizes the takeover of Whatsapp.
This merger will boslter the image of the social network’s position internationally and give the company a strong presence in mobile messaging.
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