SINGAPORE – Global business services platform Ascentium has announced its acquisition of HR outsourcing and technology specialist Links International.

The deal expands Ascentium’s operational footprint into key markets, including Japan, Macau SAR, South Korea, and Thailand in a bid to reinforce its ambition to become a corporate services provider in Asia, the companies announced.

With a workforce of 1,600 professionals spanning 10 markets across Asia Pacific and the Middle East, Ascentium specialises in corporate secretarial, finance, payroll, HR administration, governance, risk and compliance, and foreign direct investment services.

Ascentium said the integration of Links International will further bolster its capabilities, particularly in HR and payroll solutions.

Links, which has been recognised as Asia’s Best Payroll Outsourcing Partner for consecutive years, operates across 15 markets, providing 100% in-country service delivery with award-winning payroll technology and highly integrative HR solutions.

As part of the acquisition, Links International will operate under the Ascentium umbrella, with its Managing Director, Scott Thomson, appointed to lead Ascentium’s HR solutions business globally.

“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,” said Lennard Yong, founding management and group CEO of Ascentium.

The combined entity will now serve over 30,000 active clients across 14 markets, supported by a workforce of more than 1,800 professionals in 37 cities.

Strategic expansion and synergies

The acquisition is a linchpin in Ascentium’s broader strategy to enhance its HR and payroll services, complementing its existing corporate services, accounting, and compliance offerings.

Ascentium aims to offer seamless, technology-driven solutions to businesses managing multi-jurisdictional operations, and to integrate Links’ expertise in Employer of Record, recruitment, and unified HR platforms.

“The addition of Links International marks a pivotal moment in our expansion strategy. Their technological capabilities and regional expertise perfectly complement our vision to deliver comprehensive business solutions throughout Asia Pacific,” Yong said.

“This acquisition significantly enhances our ability to serve clients across multiple jurisdictions.”

With Links’ presence spanning over 20 locations, the acquisition is expected to cement Ascentium’s dominance in the HR and payroll sector.

The move also supports Ascentium’s broader vision of offering a one-stop business services solution, empowering organisations to scale seamlessly across Asia Pacific’s complex regulatory landscapes.

A partnership poised for growth

For Links International, the acquisition unlocks significant growth opportunities. Thomson noted the synergy between the two firms.

“Links and Ascentium are 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,” Thomson said.

“Becoming part of Ascentium creates immediate opportunities to introduce our services to emerging markets like India and UAE.

“The team and I are very excited to add Ascentium’s ‘rocket fuel’ to rapidly grow both Links’ market reach and our team’s careers in the Year of the Snake.”

Links gains access to an extensive regional network, substantial investment in its technology roadmap, and a broader client base in its decision to join forces with Ascentium.

In turn, Ascentium will leverage Links’ deep expertise in payroll, in-country service delivery, and HR outsourcing to refine its corporate services offering.

The integration will be phased to ensure seamless service continuity for existing clients while gradually introducing enhanced solutions.

With its commitment to innovative, tech-driven services, Ascentium said it is investing heavily in Links’ expansion, ensuring that its HR and payroll capabilities evolve in line with the changing business environment across APAC.