Facebook buying messaging app WhatsApp
for $19 billion
NEW YORK — Facebook is buying mobile messaging service WhatsApp
for up to $19 billion in cash and stock, by far the company’s largest
acquisition.
The world’s biggest social networking company said Wednesday
that it is paying $12 billion in Facebook stock and $4 billion in cash for
WhatsApp. In addition, the app’s founders and employees will be granted $3
billion in restricted stock that will vest over four years after the deal
closes.