Facebook's latest value tabbed at $10bn

Facebook's value has fluctuated dramatically in recent years

Social networking giant Facebook has landed a new investor, and set a new mark for its valuation.

The company said on Tuesday that it had finalised a deal with Russian investment firm Digital Sky Technologies (DST).

Under the deal, DST will pay $200m (£125m) in exchange for a 1.96 per cent stake. The deal values Facebook at roughly $10bn (£6.2bn).

"This investment demonstrates Facebook's ongoing success at creating a global network for people to share and connect," said Facebook founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg.

"A number of firms approached us, but DST stood out because of the global perspective they bring, backed up by the impressive growth and financial achievements of their internet investments."

Facebook's value has long been an issue of contention. When Microsoft took a 1.6 per cent stake in 2007 for $240m (£150m), the valuation was placed at roughly $15bn (£9.4bn).

While it has been widely accepted that the figure reflected an inflated value, there has been much debate over the true worth of Facebook. Zuckerberg acknowledged recently that the company has yet to become fully self-sustaining.