Capital A International, a global brand management platform, has finalized a business combination agreement with Aetherium Acquisition Corp to list Capital A International in the U.S. public markets. The deal will allow CAPI to expand, manage, and license the AirAsia brand, a popular brand in Southeast Asia. The transaction, valued at US$1.15 billion, will provide investors with a gateway to participate in the growth of the region’s 680-million-strong population. CAPI will also serve as a marketing catalyst for Asean brands, offering investors a chance to participate in a rapidly growing economic hub on track to become the world’s fourth largest economy by 2030.
CAPI will be led by Tony Fernandes, one of Asia’s most recognizable entrepreneurs – best known for acquiring AirAsia in 2001 and transforming it into a global airline, which democratized air travel in the region. He has led the airline’s remarkable growth from just two planes to its current fleet of 242 aircraft, making it Asia’s largest low-cost carrier and among the top three strongest airline brands in the world. Operating across Asean with hubs in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and soon Cambodia, AirAsia flies 278 routes to 131 global destinations, having flown over 776 million passengers since its inception.
Tony Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer of Capital A said, “Over more than two decades, AirAsia has become a prestigious brand synonymous with value, innovation and inclusivity.
AirAsia has transformed from a small Malaysian airline into a leading global aviation and travel brand valued at over $1 billion*, and enabled Capital A to build a diversified portfolio spanning aviation, aviation services, logistics, and digital companies in fintech, travel and hospitality. The evolution of the AirAsia brand has created a loyal global consumer base, positioning us favorably to expand our brand internationally through CAPI. This listing grants us access to the world’s most extensive and liquid capital markets, enhancing the company’s international credibility and presence while creating value for our shareholders.”
In addition to the AirAsia brand, CAPI holds the intellectual property rights for 14 other renowned brands and over 224 trademarks spanning 23 countries. CAPI’s platform integrates brand strategy, creative marketing and intellectual property development to strategically position its brands and cultivate cultural significance among consumers. The company intends to leverage the brand value of AirAsia through further licensing while implementing its successful strategy to propel and expedite the growth of its intellectual property portfolio.
Mr. Fernandes remarked, “We are the first Asean-based brand in the travel sector to adopt this strategy and expand through licensing, leveraging our strong ties to the Asean region.
Additionally, our growth strategy involves acquiring and developing more brands from this dynamic region. We are optimistic about the potential for our brand business to expand well beyond our origins, particularly in markets where intellectual property and brand value are highly esteemed by consumers and investors.
“The Asean region offers a thriving economic landscape with a 680 million population, surpassing the U.S. and closely trailing the European Union. Fueled by a growing middle-income population that is creating new consumer markets and economic opportunities, the region is poised for sustained growth. Moreover, the recent surge in popularity of Asia-based media, entertainment, and lifestyle brands underscores the escalating global demand for brands originating in Asia.”
Jonathan Chan, Chairman and CEO of Aetherium said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Tony and the CAPI team to capitalize on their proven track record and extend the brand beyond the world’s fastest-growing consumer-driven market, boasting a population twice the size of the United States. Under Tony’s exceptional leadership, AirAsia has evolved into an immensely successful and widely recognized brand in the region. With over 22 years of innovation in air travel and digital services, the company is strategically positioned to strengthen its leadership in Asean and pursue growth in international markets. This collaboration presents a distinctive opportunity for U.S. capital market investors to participate in the rapid expansion of Asean economies through a company that embodies the region’s diverse culture, energy, and emerging opportunities.”
CAPI, the owner and licensor of the AirAsia brand, is leveraging the growth resurgence of Asia’s largest low-cost carrier, Capital A, to expand its brand reach. The asset-light business model generates strong operating margins with minimal inventory and working capital requirements, supported by a stable revenue stream from royalty fees. CAPI benefits from access to Capital A’s ecosystem, which has over 50 million users, 22 million loyalty members, and 56 million social media followers.
Based in Asean, the company has a substantial addressable licensing global market of $341 billion, with the Asean market accounting for $5 billion and growing at an impressive 13% annually. Opportunities to develop the brand platform include expanding the AirAsia brand into new industries, developing new brands that capitalize on Asean markets, creating character intellectual property, and acquiring and growing other Asean-based brands. The company is guided by an experienced management team with a successful track record in brand management.
