airasia Digital to bolster ‘Super App’ with acquisition of Gojek’s operations in Thailand

MALAYSIA/INDONESIA/THAILAND. Airasia Digital – the digital arm of airasia Group – is acquiring the Thailand operations of Gojek, the Southeast Asia mobile on-demand services and payments platform.

As part of the deal, Jakarta-headquartered Gojek will receive a shareholding in the airasia ‘Super App’, whose market value is about US$1 billion, according to its owner. The parties say the agreement provides them with a foundation to explore additional opportunities for collaboration and synergies in the Southeast Asia region.

The airasia Super App aims to continue to leverage the existing ecosystem services for riders, merchants and customers while adding offerings such as groceries and beauty items. It will also seek regional expansion into new markets such as Chiang Mai and Phuket.

Airasia said that the Gojek app will continue to operate for existing users in Bangkok until 31 July to provide stability for Gojek drivers and merchants, who will be invited to join up with the airasia Super App in the coming weeks.

In a realignment of its international strategy, Gojek is increasing investment in its Vietnam and Singapore operations, having identified these markets as strong sources of growth for the business. This includes increased driver and merchant acquisition initiatives, enhancements to user experience as well as launching new products and services.

Tony Fernandes: “All of our digital businesses are going from strength to strength”

Airasia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said: “By taking on Gojek’s well-established Thai business, we’ll be able to turbo charge our ambitions in this space to become a leading Asean challenger super app.

“We already have a complete digital economy ecosystem. We have successfully established over 15 different non-airline products and lifestyle services on our digital ecommerce platform in Malaysia. Now it’s time to take it to the next level.”

He added: “In response to overwhelming regional demand, we are setting our sights on bringing our Super App offerings to all of our key markets, following the successful roll-out in Thailand.

“All of our digital businesses are going from strength to strength and through this alliance, our goal of becoming the Asian Super App of choice is fast becoming a reality.”

Gojek CEO Kevin Aluwi said: “This deal is a testament to the accomplishments of our team in Thailand, who grew the business from nothing to an on-demand service provider that has made a difference to hundreds of thousands of people throughout the country.

“Airasia Digital and the airasia Super App will become a highly valued partner for us as we share the same goal to provide users with better services, while enhancing the livelihoods of drivers and merchants.

“At the same time, the deal will enable us to pivot our focus in international markets towards Vietnam and Singapore – markets providing us with the best return on investment and strategic growth opportunities.”

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