Core Viewpoint - The online travel agency (OTA) platform Tongcheng Travel's subsidiary, Yilong Network, is acquiring 100% of the shares of Newborn Payment to obtain a payment license, aiming to leverage opportunities in the Hainan Free Trade Port and enhance digital upgrades in cultural tourism consumption [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Yilong Network confirmed the acquisition of Newborn Payment, which is the only licensed payment institution in Hainan, providing a strategic advantage in accessing favorable policies [1][2]. - Newborn Payment, established in 2008 with a registered capital of 100 million RMB, holds a full payment license and has successfully renewed it twice [1][2]. - The acquisition is expected to facilitate deep integration of payment functions with the main business, enhancing user experience [2]. Group 2: Business Implications - Newborn Payment's license includes internet payment, card acquiring, prepaid card issuance, and cross-border RMB payment, with potential for future cross-border currency exchange qualifications [2]. - The acquisition aligns with industry trends where major internet platforms like JD, Meituan, and ByteDance have pursued payment licenses through acquisitions [2][3]. - The payment license will enable Yilong Network to issue various gift cards and prepaid products more compliantly and conveniently [2].

Group 1 - The core point of the news is that Tongcheng Group's subsidiary, Yilong Network Information Technology, has acquired 100% of Newborn Payment for approximately 300 million yuan, allowing the company to enter the payment sector indirectly through the acquisition of a payment license [1] - The acquisition is expected to benefit the company by leveraging opportunities in the Hainan Free Trade Port, focusing on cross-border trade and cultural tourism consumption, and aiding the digital upgrade of tourism consumption scenarios [1] - Newborn Payment, established in early 2008 and under HNA Group, is one of the first third-party payment companies in China to obtain a full payment license, with its license valid until May 2026 [1] Group 2 - After acquiring Newborn Payment, Tongcheng Travel can reduce payment costs and create synergies with its main business, which includes accommodation booking and transportation ticketing services [2] - The value of payment licenses has been increasing, with companies like JD.com, Meituan, and ByteDance acquiring licenses through similar means, while competitors like Ctrip have developed their own payment solutions [2] Group 3 - In the first half of 2025, Tongcheng Travel reported revenue of 9.05 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 11.5%, with adjusted EBITDA of 2.34 billion yuan, up 35.2%, and adjusted net profit of 1.56 billion yuan, an increase of 28.6% [3] - Revenue from transportation ticketing for the same period was 3.88 billion yuan, growing by 11.6%, while accommodation booking revenue reached 2.56 billion yuan, up 18.8% [3]

Group 1 - Tongcheng Group's subsidiary, Yilong Network, has acquired 100% equity of Newborn Payment for approximately 300 million yuan [1][2] - This acquisition allows Tongcheng Group to indirectly obtain a payment license and officially enter the payment sector [2][3] - Newborn Payment is one of the first third-party payment institutions to receive a payment business license from the People's Bank of China and is the only licensed payment entity in Hainan Province [3][4] Group 2 - The acquisition is expected to leverage opportunities from the development of Hainan Free Trade Port, enhancing cross-border trade and cultural tourism consumption [2][7] - Newborn Payment's business scope includes internet payment, prepaid card issuance, and acceptance, as well as cross-border RMB payment capabilities [4][7] - The recent changes in corporate structure indicate a shift towards aligning with Tongcheng Group's strategic interests, with new management closely linked to the group [5][6] Group 3 - The payment industry is entering a phase where acquiring licenses through acquisition is becoming a common strategy due to regulatory constraints [7][8] - Having a payment license will enable the platform to reduce costs associated with external partnerships and enhance user experience through integrated services [8]

Core Viewpoint - Tongcheng Group's acquisition of 100% equity in Newborn Payment marks its entry into the payment sector, allowing it to indirectly obtain a payment license and leverage opportunities in cross-border trade and digital tourism consumption [2][3]. Summary by Sections - **Acquisition Details** - Tongcheng Group's subsidiary, Yilong Network, acquired Newborn Payment for approximately 300 million yuan [2]. - Newborn Payment is one of the first third-party payment institutions to receive a payment business license from the People's Bank of China and is currently the only licensed payment institution in Hainan Province [5]. - **Business Opportunities** - The acquisition positions Tongcheng Group to benefit from the development opportunities presented by the Hainan Free Trade Port, particularly in cross-border commerce and digital upgrades in tourism consumption [3][8]. - Newborn Payment's business scope includes internet payment, prepaid card issuance, and cross-border RMB payment, with potential for future expansion into cross-border RMB exchange [8]. - **Management Changes** - Recent changes in management at Newborn Payment include the appointment of new executives closely associated with Tongcheng Group, indicating a strategic alignment post-acquisition [6][5]. - **Industry Context** - The payment industry is transitioning into a phase where acquiring licenses through acquisition is becoming a common strategy due to regulatory constraints on new licenses [8]. - Having a payment license allows platforms to reduce costs associated with external partnerships and enhances user experience through integrated payment solutions [9].

Core Viewpoint - The online travel agency (OTA) platform Tongcheng Travel's subsidiary, Yilong Network, is acquiring 100% of the shares of Newborn Payment to obtain a payment license, aiming to leverage opportunities in the Hainan Free Trade Port and enhance digital upgrades in cultural and tourism consumption [2][3]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Yilong Network confirmed the acquisition of Newborn Payment, which is the only licensed payment institution in Hainan, providing a strategic advantage to access favorable policies in the Free Trade Port [2][3]. - Newborn Payment, established in 2008 with a registered capital of 100 million RMB, is one of the first third-party payment companies to obtain a full payment business license from the People's Bank of China [2][3]. Group 2: Business Capabilities - Newborn Payment holds comprehensive payment qualifications, including internet payment, bank card acquiring, prepaid card issuance, and cross-border RMB payment, with potential for future cross-border RMB exchange qualifications [3]. - The acquisition is expected to enhance the synergy between payment functions and the main business, providing users with a smoother and safer payment experience [3]. Group 3: Market Context - The competition for payment licenses has intensified among major internet platforms, with companies like JD.com, Meituan, and ByteDance acquiring payment licenses through similar means [3]. - Ctrip, another major OTA, acquired a licensed payment institution in 2020, indicating a trend among OTAs to integrate payment capabilities into their services [4].