Group 1 - Tongcheng Travel (0780.HK) has completed the acquisition of 100% equity in Newborn Payment through its subsidiary, eLong, enhancing its financial services by adding a payment segment [1][2] - Newborn Payment, originally established in 2008, is a licensed third-party payment platform in China, recognized as the only legal payment institution in Hainan Free Trade Port, and has a comprehensive payment service structure [1][2] - The acquisition is strategically significant for Tongcheng Travel, as it allows for improved fund flow management, reduced transaction costs, and enhanced settlement efficiency, while also providing compliant funding channels for its financial services [3][5] Group 2 - The financial layout of Tongcheng Travel began in 2015 with the establishment of Tongcheng Jinfu, which aimed to invest 1.5 billion RMB to optimize its financial ecosystem [2] - The acquisition aligns with industry trends where competitors like Meituan and Ctrip have also entered the payment sector, indicating a shift towards integrated financial services within the travel industry [3][5] - The strategic value of obtaining a payment license is emphasized, as it allows for a closed-loop financial ecosystem, which is crucial for online travel agencies (OTAs) to meet regulatory requirements and enhance their competitive edge [6]