The EU has launched an investigation into Facebook’s $19 billion proposed acquisition of the popular app WhatsApp for possible anti-trust violations. Facebook intends to pay a higher price for WhatsApp than it has for any other acquisition thus far. Questionnaires were sent to EU brands and telecom providers with questions such as, “Explain what kind of negative impact (the deal could have for you), ” “do you expect WhatsApp user to face great difficulties switching to another consumer communications service/app?”, “Do you expect it will be more difficult for WhatsApp competitors to expand their user base or to launch a new consumer communications service/app?”
The deal has been approve by U.S. regulators, but might face some opposition in Europe.
