Facebook has bought messaging app WhatsApp in a deal worth a total of $19billion in cash and shares.
It is the social networking giant's biggest acquisition to date.
WhatsApp has more than 450 million monthly users and is popular with people looking to avoid text messaging charges.
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg described WhatsApp's services as "incredibly valuable".
WhatsApp allows users to send messages over internet connections, avoiding text messaging fees. The company claims it is currently registering one million new users a day.
It makes money by charging users a subscription fee of $1 per year, although it offers a free model as well.
The deal to buy it includes $4billion in cash and approximately $12billion-worth of Facebook shares, plus an additional $3billion in stock to WhatsApp's founders and employees at a later date.
On a conference call to discuss the deal, WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum said he planned to operate the firm "independently and autonomously". He will also become a member of Facebook's board of directors.
Mr Zuckerberg said the prospect of a deal was first floated just 11 days ago.
source:BBC
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