Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerburg today announced on its Facebook page that the social network has acquired Whatsapp, the popular mobile massaging app. Whatsapp is one of the most popular real time massaging mobile applications that let users connect with all the contacts in their smartphone.
According to the facts posted by Facebook Whatsapp currently has 450 million users who use the service every month. The messaging app claims to add around 1 million new users every day.
“WhatsApp is on a path to connect 1 billion people. The services that reach that milestone are all incredibly valuable,” said Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook founder and CEO.
Jan Koum, WhatsApp co-founder and CEO, said, “WhatsApp’s extremely high user engagement and rapid growth are driven by the simple, powerful and instantaneous messaging capabilities we provide. We’re excited and honored to partner with Mark and Facebook as we continue to bring our product to more people around the world.”
The social network has confirmed that Whatsapp will continue to work as a separate unit even after the acquisition. Facebook will follow the same approach as it did with Instagram that is functioning separately but it is actually a Facebookbrand now.
WhatsApp’s brand will be maintained; its headquarters will remain in Mountain View, CA; Jan Koum will join Facebook’s Board of Directors; and WhatsApp’s core messaging product and Facebook’s existing Messenger app will continue to operate as standalone applications. Read the statement released by The Social Network.
In case you are wondering if Facebook has any plans to merge its own newly developed messenger with Whatsapp Zuckerburg clear the air by stating that “WhatsApp’s core messaging product and Facebook’s existing Messenger app will continue to operate as standalone applications”.
