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Meta returns VR fitness app Within after $400M acquisition and FTC fight

Created at 3 Jun · 10:55 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Meta is returning the VR fitness app Supernatural to its creators, Within. The acquisition for approximately $400 million involved an eight-month antitrust battle with the FTC, during which CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified. The app is being handed back less than three years after the deal.

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Key Numbers

$400 millionacquisition value for Within
eight-monthduration of FTC antitrust battle
three yearstime between acquisition and return

Who's Involved

Meta
company returning VR fitness app Supernatural
Within
studio behind VR fitness app Supernatural
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
US government agency that fought the acquisition
Mark Zuckerberg
Meta CEO who testified in court for the acquisition

↳ Why This Matters

The return of Supernatural raises questions about Meta's strategy in the VR fitness market and the effectiveness of its large-scale acquisitions following significant regulatory scrutiny.

Key facts

  • Meta is returning the VR fitness app Supernatural.
  • Meta acquired Within, the studio behind Supernatural, for approximately $400 million.
  • The acquisition faced an eight-month antitrust battle with the FTC.
  • Mark Zuckerberg testified in court to finalize the deal.
  • The return of the app occurs less than three years after the acquisition.

Meta is returning the VR fitness app Supernatural to its creators, less than three years after acquiring its parent company, Within, for approximately $400 million. The acquisition process involved an eight-month antitrust battle with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Mark Zuckerberg himself testified in court to secure the deal. The decision to return the app comes after this significant legal and financial investment.

Frequently asked questions

Supernatural is a VR fitness app developed by the studio Within.

The acquisition was reportedly worth around $400 million.

Yes, Meta fought an eight-month antitrust battle with the FTC over the acquisition.

The article does not specify the exact reasons for Meta returning the app, only that they are doing so less than three years after the acquisition.

What Happens Next

01Within will take back control of the Supernatural app.

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Cadence

How It Developed

3 Jun · 8:22 PM
Meta spent $400 million and fought the FTC for a VR fitness app, only to return it less than three years later.
The Next Web via PiQSuite

Sources

T1
Meta spent $400 million and fought the US government to buy a VR fitness app, then let its creators take it backm.piqsuite.com

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