Facebook wasn't just after Beluga's talent, as it seems the company is going to be using its group messaging technology as well. Beluga is a freely downloadable smartphone app which functions similar to an instant messaging program such as MSN or Skype.

A group of people can use the app to instantly communicate as a whole, with Beluga's website stating, “Use it to plan a night out or just share updates and photos. It's instant, intimate and simple.”

According to TechCrunch, the acquisition came at just the right time, as Beluga was in the process of fund raising on its own. It seems however that Facebook had made the small team of three an offer they couldn't refuse.

Facebook released the following statement in regards to the news. “We’re psyched to confirm that we’ve just acquired the talent and assets of Beluga, whose simple and elegant mobile apps blew us away as a solution to help groups of friends stay in touch on the move. We’re looking forward to welcoming co-founders Ben Davenport, Lucy Zhang and Jonathan Perlow, and we’re excited that the team will continue their vision for groups and mobile communication as part of Facebook.

There is no doubt that Beluga's innovative technology is in great demand in our ever more socially interconnected world. Time will tell how Facebook will make use of its new assets though; if Beluga will become part of Facebook Mobile or if the app will continue to function on its own.