Global Sources

In 1971, Merle A. Hinrich and his partner Joe Bendy launched a trade magazine in Hong Kong called Asian Sources. Their goal was to connect buyers in the West with suppliers in Asia, believing that facilitating trade could foster peace. The business began by publishing print magazines that provided sourcing information for various products. As the business grew, it evolved beyond print. In 1995, the company launched GlobalSources.com, one of the first online B2B marketplaces, marking a significant shift in its strategy. This digital platform allowed buyers to connect directly with manufacturers. To reflect its expanded international reach, the company officially rebranded from Asian Sources to Global Sources. The next major step came in April 2000, when Global Sources Ltd. went public on the NASDAQ stock exchange. The company continued to operate as a public entity for over a decade and a half, facilitating global trade through its online platform, trade shows, and magazines. In 2017, a new chapter began when Global Sources was acquired by funds affiliated with The Blackstone Group in a deal that took the company private once again. The acquisition was completed in August 2017, marking a significant transition in the company's long history of connecting global buyers and suppliers.