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 - Another OTA platform, Tongcheng Group's affiliate, eLong, has entered the payment sector by acquiring 100% equity of Newborn Payment Co., Ltd, thereby obtaining a payment license [1] Group 1: Company Developments - eLong has completed the acquisition of Newborn Payment, with changes in business registration already partially updated [1] - The acquisition will allow eLong to benefit directly from the development of Hainan Free Trade Port [1] Group 2: Strategic Opportunities - eLong aims to leverage payment services as a link to seize strategic opportunities in cross-border trade and cultural tourism consumption [1] - The company plans to support the digital upgrade of cultural tourism consumption scenarios through this acquisition [1]