Global Sources

Global Sources (Chinese: 環球資源) is a Hong Kong-based business-to-business (B2B) multichannel media company.[1] It facilitates trade from Greater China to the world using a wide range of English-language media, and facilitates trade from the world to Greater China using Chinese-language media. The company provides sourcing information[2][3] to volume buyers and integrated marketing services to suppliers. In addition, the media company verifies the quality of the manufacturer.

Global Sources Limited
Public
IndustryE-commerce, Publishing, Trade shows
Founded1971 (1971)
FounderMerle A. Hinrichs
Headquarters
Hong Kong
,
China
Key people
Hu Wei, CEO
OwnerBlackstone
ParentClarion Events
Websitewww.globalsources.com/ 

The company was founded in November 1970 by Merle A. Hinrichs[1][4] and C. Joseph Bendy as Trade Media Ltd.; its first publication, Asian Sources magazine, was launched three months later. In September 1974, the company's first spin-off publication—Asian Sources Electronics—appeared. More industry-specific titles were subsequently added.

In 1996 Global Sources launched the industry's first business-to-business website, Asian Sources Online, and its monthly CD-ROM. Both were designed to supplement and complement the company's trade publications.

The company launched its China Sourcing Fairs in 2003.

  • Global Sources Exhibitions, which bring international buyers face-to-face with suppliers. Specialized shows take place in Hong Kong,[5][6]
  • Private sourcing events, which create opportunities for pre-selected suppliers to meet privately with buyers representing retail chains.[7][8][9]
  • Global Sources online marketplaces (GlobalSources.com), which allow buyers to contact manufacturers directly for inquiries and purchases.[10]
  • Chief Executive China, which feature thousands of informative supplier advertisements. Each of the 16 industry titles provides reports on new products and trends in sourcing. Print, digital[11] and mobile app[12][13] editions are available.

In February 2018, UK-based Clarion Events (owned by The Blackstone Group) completed its acquisition of Global Sources supported by Blackstone.[14]

In July 2018, Hu Wei was appointed as the CEO of Global Sources.

Milestones
  • 1971 First issue of Asian Sources magazine
  • 1974 First issue of Asian Sources magazine spinoff, Asian Sources Electronics
  • 1995 Launches Asian Sources Online, first international trade marketplace
  • 2000 Lists on NASDAQ (Symbol: GSOL)
  • 2003 First China Sourcing Fairs in Shanghai
  • 2006 Global Sources trade shows move to Hong Kong
  • 2011 Verified Buyers initiative announced
  • 2013 Acquisition of SIMM
  • 2017 Global Sources announces its acquisition by Blackstone
  • 2018 Global Sources completes a merger with Clarion Events
  • 2018 Over 18,000 booths of the latest products at Global Sources trade show
  • 2019 First Global Sources Indonesia, Electronics in Jakarta
  • 2020 First Global Sourcing Fair South Africa

References
  1. So, Sherman; Westland, Christopher (2010). Red Wired: China's Internet revolution. Marshall Cavendish. pp. 84–92. ISBN 9780462099675.
  2. "Global Sources Top 20 Products". Globalsources.com. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  3. "Ask The Experts". Globalsources.com. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  4. "Merle Allan Hinrichs". Retrieved 25 November 2013.
  5. "Global Sources' electronics shows features 3,900+ booths". 19 April 2013. Retrieved 25 November 2013.
  6. "1,200 booths at Global Sources' spring fashion shows". 3 May 2013. Retrieved 25 November 2013.
  7. "Global Sources' Private Sourcing Events see strong buyer and supplier support in 2012 despite uncertain economic conditions". Retrieved 25 November 2013.
  8. "New Buyers at Private Sourcing Events Double in First Half of 2011". Retrieved 25 November 2013.
  9. "Global Sources to hold 15 Private Sourcing Events for world retailers with US$665 billion in annual sales". Bloomberg. Retrieved 25 November 2013.
  10. Cheng, Allen (31 May 2006). "Challenging Alibaba, Global Sources buys stake in rival BUSINESS ASIA". International Herald Tribune  – via HighBeam Research (subscription required) . Archived from the original on 10 June 2014. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  11. "Global Sources Introduces e-Magazines". Retrieved 26 November 2013.
  12. "Global Sources Magazines on Apple App Store". Retrieved 26 November 2013.
  13. "Global Sources Magazines on Google Play Store". Retrieved 26 November 2013.
  14. "Clarion Events completes merger with Global Sources".
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