epa04090102 The two logos of Facebook (L) and Whatsapp pictured on the screen of a smartphone in Sieversdorf, Germany, 19 February 2014. Facebook announced on 19 February that it acquired the globally popular messaging system WhatsApp for 19 billion US dollar. Facebook paid 12 billion US dollar in shares and four billion US dollar in cash. The deal includes an additional three billion US dollar in Facebook stock for WhatsApp founders and employees. The deal should close later in 2014 and is still subject to regulatory approval, according to Facebook founder and Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg, who said in the conference call that he did not expect any issues. Additionally, WhatsApp co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Jan Koum will join the Facebook Board of Directors.  EPA/PATRICK PLEUL
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