Meta pursued a number of deals, acquiring companies to improve its social sharing analytics alongside experiential services to enhance the amount of time users spend on its platforms.
As the company pivots toward building the metaverse, its deal targets are also changing. Meta acquired ImagineOptix Corp in 2021, which develops crystal lens polymers for VR equipment. In 2022, it bought Munich-based Presize GmbH, which creates body-scanning software.
Against the backdrop of its 20-year anniversary, here's a look at five of the company's notable acquisitions, which have boosted its growth over the years.
Instagram (2012)
Value: $1 billion
Meta purchased Instagram in 2012 for $1 billion in cash and stock, marking its largest acquisition at that time. Instagram had been founded only two years before but quickly rocketed to 30 million iOS users in 18 months and was named iPhone App of the Year in 2011.
Esta historia es de la edición April 2024 de Forbes Middle East - English.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición April 2024 de Forbes Middle East - English.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
TOP 20 ARAB WOMEN IN GOVERNMENT
Our first list of 20 Arab Women in Government recognizes the most impactful women in leading roles across government institutions, excluding ministerial and parliamentary positions.
SCENT OF SUCCESS
Mona Kattan, CEO and Founder of KAYALI, is redefining perfume as a form of self-love. Following a world tour of her signature collection, the beauty mogul is now launching scents that venture outside of her comfort zone, continuing to innovate while tapping into the Middle East's lucrative love of fragrance.
GUIDING THE NARRATIVE
Mona AI Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, and President of the Dubai Press Club, has been pivotal in shaping the emirate's media landscape. Now she's bringing Al, filming, and gaming into the spotlight.
MENA's Biggest M&A Deals
MENA continued to solidify its role as a global financial powerhouse in 2024, with major mergers and acquisitions (M&As) shaping industries from chemicals to renewables and retail. Here's a closer look at five of the largest deals of 2024.
World's Richest Women 2025
From pioneering philanthropy to managing family empires, the world's top wealthiest women are reshaping industries, preserving legacies, and redefining influence. Net worths are as of January 16, 2025, as per Forbes.
FUTURE PROOFING
Empowering women in business and nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs means offering community support where it's needed. Rym AI Falasy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, is championing initiatives in the U.A.E. to foster the well-being and advancement of mothers and children across different fields.
10 MENA Women Making Their Mark in Marketing
These 10 CMOs head the marketing function of some of the largest companies across the region, leading successful campaigns and initiatives, and helping boost business.
100 MOST POWERFUL BUSINESSWOMEN 2025
Women in MENA are leading some of the largest local and global companies and leaving an immense impact across industries, from banking powerhouses to technology visionaries. Once again, Hana AI Rostamani, Group CEO of the First Abu Dhabi Bank- the U.A.E.'s largest bank-leads the list for the third consecutive year. She was also recognized for the fourth time on Forbes' list of the World's Most Powerful Women 2024, ranking 60 globally.
10 Powerful Businesswomen Leading Family-Owned Businesses
Our list of the 10 powerful businesswomen leading some of the largest family-owned companies and groups in the region features women who have inherited family legacies and possess exceptional expertise. They're managing vast conglomerates across diverse sectors of the economy, including industry, technology, and education. The list includes three entries based in the U.A.E., two from Oman, and one from each of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Bahrain, and Lebanon.
The World's Most Powerful Women 2024
The 100 leaders on Forbes's 2024 list of the World's Most Powerful Women oversee a total of $33 trillion in GDP and influence the lives of over a billion people. Here's a look at the top ten who are breaking down barriers in politics, philanthropy, and business.
