Facebook Receives European Approval for $19 Billion WhatsApp Deal

Facebook is nearing the finish line of its $19 billion acquisition of the Internet messaging service WhatsApp. Europe’s competition authorities approved the deal despite vocal opposition from telecom companies, which voiced concerns that the deal would harm their messaging and voice businesses. The unanimous approval, which follows a similar green light from the American authorities in April, is the final step before the acquisition can be completed. The deal is now expected to close within the next couple of months, if not earlier.