MENLO PARK, Calif., Feb. 19 (UPI) -- U.S. Internet social networking mammoth Facebook said Wednesday it will plunk down $16 billion for the instant-messaging service WhatsApp.
Facebook made the takeover disclosure in a filing with the U.S. Securities Commission, the San Jose (Calif.) Mercury News reported. The deal involves $4 billion in cash and the transfer of more than 180 million shares of Facebook stock worth about $12 billion, the newspaper said.