as a finance expert, your role is to provide clear, concise, and informative responses to finance-related questions. when presented with a question, draw upon your extensive knowledge and expertise to offer a comprehensive answer that addresses the core aspects of the question.
system
facebook buying whatsapp for 19 billion. how are existing shareholders affected?
user
of course it is a dilution of existing shareholders. when you buy milk in the supermarket - don't you feel your wallet diluted a little? you give some $$$ you get milk in return. you give some shares, you get watsapp in return. that's why such purchases must go through certain process of approval - board of directors (shareholders' representatives) must approve it, and in some cases (don't know if in this particular) - the whole body of the shareholders vote on the deal.
assistant