Singapore-based dating app companies Paktor and Lunch Actually will be merging to expand the pool of potential matches and offer more personalised dating experiences, the agencies announced on Sep. 9.

Both dating apps will continue to operate independently under the new holding entity Lunch Actually Paktor Group, as stated in a press release.

Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lunch Actually Violet Lim will be taking on the role of Group CEO of Lunch Actually Paktor Group.

The entity will extend its operations across six key Asian markets—Singapore, Taiwan region, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Hong Kong SAR.

The merger comes after a steady decline in the use of online dating apps amid increased dating app fatigue.

To tackle this, the agencies said they have spotted "a growing need for a holistic suite of integrated online and offline dating services, to boost singles' chances of finding aligned partners".

The agencies added:

"To help singles overcome hurdles, including difficulty in putting themselves out on the dating scene, and desire to meet more eligible, quality singles, the agencies will offer enhanced personalised solutions blending traditional dating wisdom with technology such as relationship coaching."

Existing users can benefit from a wider range of services and a larger pool of potential matches, said the agencies.

Paktor Group’s CEO Alex Tam told The Business Times the merger will allow both agencies to cross-match clients and users across Lunch Actually Paktor Group’s different brands, creating more opportunities for users to find a potential match.

Lunch Actually and Paktor

Established in 2004, Lunch Actually is an offline matchmaking service that connects singles over lunch dates, with approximately 1.2 million members regionally.

Paktor Group was created nine years later in 2013, providing location-based online dating to its 20 million users across Singapore.

Paktor Group also expanded to create an offline dating service in Singapore called GaiGai in late 2013.

While the client demographic for Lunch Actually tends to skew more towards those in their early 30s to late 40s, Paktor's clients tend to be aged 25 to late 30s.

Top image via PR Newswire.