Zuckerberg says Snapchat could’ve Grown with $6B Deal
This week, during a high-profile antitrust trial, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared his view on a failed acquisition attempt that dates back over a decade. He stated that Snapchat would have grown faster had it accepted Meta’s offer in 2013. Business Insider reported the remarks as part of the ongoing legal battle involving the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Meta’s Offer and Zuckerberg’s Speculation
Court documents show that Meta, then operating as Facebook, offered $6 billion to acquire Snapchat. At the time, some media reports placed the figure at $3 billion. Under questioning by an FTC attorney, Zuckerberg said Snapchat wasn’t reaching its full potential during that period. He suggested that Meta could have helped the app grow more rapidly through its resources and expertise.
“For what it’s worth,” he testified, “I think if we would have bought them, we would have accelerated their growth, but that’s just speculation.” His comments suggested that while Meta believed in Snapchat’s potential, the missed opportunity didn’t deter its broader strategy. Still, the moment revealed how Meta viewed acquisition as a path to expansion and influence.
Antitrust Concerns and Government Pressure
The FTC raised the failed Snapchat deal to strengthen its case against Meta. According to the agency, Meta has repeatedly tried to preserve dominance by acquiring rivals rather than outcompeting them. As a result, the government now seeks structural changes at the company.
Specifically, the FTC aims to force Meta to divest Instagram and WhatsApp. These platforms, acquired for billions, were allegedly purchased to neutralize emerging threats. Critics argue this approach stifled innovation and competition. Meta, on the other hand, maintains that its acquisitions helped scale these apps and provide value to users.
While the outcome of the trial remains uncertain, the revelations offer a glimpse into how Meta has navigated its growth. As court proceedings continue, more insights into its acquisition tactics and strategic goals may surface.
