Facebook
(FB.O), the world's leading social network, will win unconditional EU approval
for its $19 billion offer for mobile messaging startup WhatsApp in a deal
pitting it against telecoms operators, two people familiar with the matter said
on Thursday.
The
landmark acquisition, the largest in Facebook's 10-year history, will give the
company a firm foothold in the fast-growing mobile messaging market.
A
plan by WhatsApp to add free voice-call services for its 450 million customers
later this year, however, makes it a potentially powerful competitor to
companies such as Deutsche Telekom (DTEGn.DE), Telecom Italia (TLIT.MI) and
Telefonica (TEF.MC).
Analysts
said the move is likely to hit
