The $411 million deal by Sabre to take full ownership of Asia-Pacific global distribution system Abacus was officially sealed today.
Sabre had a 35% stake in Abacus before the long-awaited agreement to buy out the remaining shares was finally announced in May this year.
The deal was always touted as a means for Sabre to gain a stronger foothold in APAC, with Sabre CEO and president Tom Klein today talking up the company's ability to push its existing air, hospitality and agency products into the market.
"It also makes us an ideal technology partner for global customers seeking to grow and expand in Asia-Pacific."
Two bits of additional news that have coincided with the closure of the deal have also been announced today.
Sabre has wasted no time bringing in its own to run the newly acquired company.
Abacus CEO Robert Bailey is leaving following confirmation that Sabre has installed its president of the Americas, Roshan Mendis, to become senior vice president for Sabre Travel Network for Asia-Pacific with immediate effect.
Bailey had been with Abacus as CEO since April 2008, following earlier stints with airport and airline technology supplier SITA and fellow GDS, Galileo.
Before running the Americas for Sabre, Mendis was a president at previously Sabre-owned Travelocity's APAC brand, Zuji.
Sabre says there are no other changes to the senior executive team at Abacus.
They will remain as Peter Gammon (CFO), Martin Symes (CMO), Brett Henry (VP of commercial) and Ho Hoong Mau (VP of airline distribution).
Separately, Sabre says it is entering into an agreement to buy Abacus Distribution Systems, a national distributor and marketing company in Hong Kong.
GDSs often create new entities or partner with local organisations to act as resellers of technology and services.
See Tnooz's earlier analysis of the deal.