FreeD Group acquires HK travel agency to enhance overall capabilities

Abel Zhao (pictured right), co-founder and CEO of a digital and smart merchandising solutions company FreeD Group, has acquired 75-year-old Connexus Travel from the parent company of Cathay Pacific, Swire Group.

With this acquisition, Connexus will become part of the FreeD Group family. Leveraging FreeD's DNA in the travel industry, the acquisition is set to create technological and strategic synergies that will further enhance Connexus' overall capabilities and drive long-term business growth.

Zhao said, “The positive outcomes we envisage include business opportunities spanning travel services, e-commerce, marketing services and brand loyalty programs, all of which will be underpinned by a comprehensive range of digitalised services and solutions. Ultimately, we anticipate Connexus Travel to follow in the footsteps of FreeD Group and transform into a global brand.”

Meanwhile, Eric Lau, general manager of Connexus Travel, said: “We will leverage our position as a market leader and the development plans with FreeD to expand our services not only in Hong Kong and China, but also to the markets where FreeD currently operates.”

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Since its inception in 2015, FreeD Group has been connecting platforms, brands, and service providers to its customers with enhanced digital capabilities through its proprietary SAAS solutions, as well as services like end-to-end artificial intelligence digital transformation, smart merchandising and smart marketing. FreeD has over 250 dedicated professionals, from 22 different regions around the world including Greater China, South Korea, Canada, Sweden, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Nepal, the United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, and the United States of America.

Its clients and partners include major names such as Google, BMW, FIFA World Cup, Samsung, China Mobile and LG. FreeD Group raised a US$15 million Series B in June 2022, and led by Daiwa ACA APAC Growth Fund and ACA Partners. Investors also included Hong Kong property developer Chinachem Group, Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks’ Corporate Venture Capital Fund, Radiant Tech Ventures and startup accelerator SOSV’s Select Fund.

The acquisition of Connexus Travel follows the startup’s strategy for targeting expansion in Seoul and Shanghai. Connexus Travel was the first travel agent registered in Hong Kong and now operates in Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai, specialising in corporate, leisure and MICE travel, offering a full range of travel services and digital booking applications to support seamless journeys.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to FreeD Group for further information.

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