EU approval for $19bn takeover of WhatsApp

Facebook gained European Union clearance for its proposed $19bn takeover of mobile messaging startup WhatsApp in a deal setting it against the telecoms industry.

The landmark deal is the largest in Facebook’s 10-year history and will give it a strong foothold in the fast-growing mobile messaging market.

WhatsApp is poised to become a potentially powerful rival to telecoms companies with its plan to add free voice-call services for its 450m customers later this year.