Ascentium, a leading global business services platform based in Singapore, has recently announced the acquisition of Links International (Links), Asia’s top HR Outsourcing Technology Partner. The strategic acquisition immediately increases Ascentium’s operating footprint in key areas such as Japan, Macau SAR, South Korea, and Thailand.
With this deal, Ascentium Group aims to become the top corporate services platform for its clients and business partners in the Asia Pacific. This acquisition expands the platform’s HR offerings, including Employer of Record (EOR), recruitment, and unified platforms for clients with an enterprise HR platform across 20 locations.
Links International will become part of the Ascentium group, with Scott Thomson leading Links and Ascentium’s worldwide HR solutions division. The buyout creates an upgraded service platform that will serve over 30,000 active clients in various industries, with a workforce of over 1,800 specialists operating from 37 cities in 14 regions.
Commenting on the acquisition, Lennard Yong, Founding Management and Group CEO of Ascentium, stated:
Scott is a well-regarded leader in the HR solutions space in Asia Pacific. We are delighted to welcome Scott and Links International to the Ascentium group. Adding Links International to the Ascentium group is pivotal in our expansion strategy. Their technological capabilities and regional expertise perfectly complement our vision to deliver comprehensive business solutions throughout the Asia Pacific. This acquisition significantly enhances our ability to serve clients across multiple jurisdictions.
Ascentium’s strategic move to acquire Links International highlights its commitment to expanding its platform across the Asia Pacific and offering a full range of corporate services, accounting, and payroll solutions. The merger is essential to Ascentium’s HR and payroll services strategy, allowing it to provide superior support to clients and business partners throughout the region. With Links’ presence in 15 markets supporting over 20 locations in the APAC region, this acquisition represents a significant step in completing the diversification of Ascentium’s overall business strategy. By integrating Links into the Ascentium group, there is a clear path to enhance HR services and deliver value-added solutions to businesses in Asia Pacific.
Scott Thomson, Managing Director of Links International, added:
Links and Ascentium is a perfect strategic fit which enables Ascentium to leverage our award-winning HR tech and services and Links to offer a one-stop corporate services solution to our clients through Ascentium’s best-in-class corporate service offering. Becoming part of Ascentium creates immediate opportunities to introduce our services to emerging markets like India and the UAE. The team and I are excited to add Ascentium’ rocket fuel’ to rapidly grow Links’ market reach and our team’s careers in the Year of the Snake.
The acquisition will occur in stages, focusing on ensuring service continuity for existing clients and gradually providing better services. Ascentium has significantly invested in supporting Links International’s technological roadmap and commercial expansion.
The deal boosts Ascentium’s position in the HR and payroll services market. Links International’s award-winning payroll system and in-country service delivery methodology will benefit from Ascentium’s resources and sizeable regional network. Links International, now owned by Ascentium, will continue to invest in creative solutions to meet the changing demands of businesses in Asia Pacific.
