What company owns the WhatsApp messenger - briefly?
Facebook owns the WhatsApp messenger. The acquisition occurred in 2014 for a reported $19 billion.
What company owns the WhatsApp messenger - in detail?
The ownership of WhatsApp Messenger, a globally popular instant messaging service, has seen significant changes since its inception in 2009. Initially developed by Brian Acton and Jan Koum, two former employees of Yahoo!, WhatsApp Inc. was an independent company focused on providing a reliable and user-friendly messaging platform. The application quickly gained traction, particularly among smartphone users, due to its simplicity and efficiency in sending messages without the need for traditional SMS charges.
In February 2014, Facebook, Inc., one of the world's leading social media companies, announced its acquisition of WhatsApp Inc. for a staggering $19 billion. This move represented one of the largest acquisitions in the technology sector at that time and marked a significant expansion of Facebook's portfolio into mobile messaging. The acquisition was seen as a strategic step by Facebook to strengthen its position in the mobile communications market and tap into WhatsApp's extensive user base, which at the time exceeded 450 million active users worldwide.
Following the acquisition, WhatsApp continued to operate independently under the leadership of Jan Koum, who served as the CEO until September 2018. During this period, WhatsApp introduced several new features and enhancements, including end-to-end encryption for messages, voice and video calling capabilities, and expanded support for various platforms beyond just mobile devices.
In summary, while WhatsApp Messenger was originally developed and owned by WhatsApp Inc., it is now a subsidiary of Facebook, Inc., following the latter's acquisition in 2014. This ownership structure has allowed WhatsApp to leverage Facebook's resources and expertise to continue evolving and meeting the needs of its global user base.