Global Sources IR Reports Q2 2009 Results

Posted GAAP EPS of $0.11 and Non-GAAP EPS of $0.15
Increased cash and securities to $143.7 million with no debt

NEW YORK, Aug. 17 Global Sources Ltd., one of the largest b2b marketplaces reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2009.

Chairman and CEO for Global Sources, Merle A. Hinrichs, said: "As anticipated, during the quarter 2 Global Sources business continued to be affected by the slowdown in exports from mainland China and the rest of Asia. As such, we managed the business prudently, delivering profit of $5.1 million on revenue of $54.2 million as well as improving our already robust balance sheet.

"We continue to focus on addressing our customers' core needs by providing a complete product offering of online, trade shows and print that addresses all stages of the buying process. Although we are carefully managing our costs, we are also focused on enhancing our overall market position to achieve top and bottom line growth when the economic environment improves," concluded Hinrichs.
 
Global Sources Q2: Financial highlights

• Second quarter: 2009 compared to 2008
• Revenue was $54.2 million, compared to $63.7 million
• Online revenue was $22.0 million, compared to $24.1 million
• Exhibitions revenue was $24.0 million, compared to $25.3 million
• Print revenue was $7.1 million, compared to $12.8 million
• Revenue from mainland China was $39.3 million, compared to $42.0 million
• GAAP net income was $5.1 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, which included a non-cash stock based compensation (SBC) expense of $1.7 million based on the June 30, 2009 stock price of $7.21. For the second quarter of 2008, GAAP net income was $8.4 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, which included a $1.5 million in non-cash SBC expense based on the June 30, 2008 stock price of $15.18
• Non-GAAP net income was $6.8 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, compared to $9.9 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2008
• Total deferred income and customer prepayments were $72.8 million as at June 30, 2009, compared to $86.8 million as at June 30, 2008.    Global Sources' non-GAAP metrics

Management believes non-GAAP metrics are useful measures of operations and provides GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation tables at the end of this press release. Global Sources defines non-GAAP net income as net income excluding non-cash, stock-based compensation (SBC) expense or credit, gains or losses on acquisitions and investments, and/or impairment charges, for all historical and future references to non-GAAP metrics. Non-GAAP EPS is defined as non-GAAP net income divided by the weighted average of diluted common shares outstanding.

Global Sources Q2: Financial highlights

• Six Months Ended June 30: 2009 compared to 2008
• Revenue was $89.0 million, compared to $104.3 million
• GAAP net income was $6.3 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, compared to $16.6 million, or $0.32 per diluted share
• Non-GAAP net income was $8.5 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, compared to $16.5 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2008

Global Sources' CFO, David Gillan, said: "Although revenue continues to be challenged, we are managing the business through this cycle with the objective of continued profitability. Regarding costs, we reduced discretionary spending and delayed infrastructure investments. As a result, total operating expenses declined by 9% in the second quarter, as compared to the same period last year.

"In the second quarter, we grew our cash position to $143.7 million and continued to benefit from a strong balance sheet that includes no short-term or long-term bank debt. In the third quarter of 2009, we anticipate revenue and earnings to continue to be impacted by the difficult economic situation, and those results will be compared to a very strong third quarter in 2008."

Global Sources Q2: Recent Corporate Highlights

• GlobalSources held China Sourcing Fairs in Dubai in June. The event featured over 1,100 booths, representing 40% growth compared to last year
• Held six China Sourcing Fairs and an India Sourcing Fair in April and early May at the AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong. Many of the world's top buying organizations attended including Carrefour, Coles Group, Dollar General, LG Sourcing, Li & Fung, Marks & Spencer, Otto International, Samsung, Sears, Staples and The Home Depot.
• Twenty-four group and custom Private Sourcing Events were held in June and July in mainland China, India, Russia and Vietnam. Participating buyers included A.R.E.N.A., Atico, Auto Audio Center, BTK, Casino, Groupe Adeo, El Corte Ingles, ICA, M. Video, LPP, Lowe's, Pacific Brands, RadioShack, Rolsen, Sears, Test Rite, The Home Depot and ThreeSixty Sourcing.
• Appointed David Gillan as Chief Financial Officer effective July 1, following the retirement of Eddie Heng. Mr. Heng remains on the board as a director.

 Achieved record lead generation, which is measured as requests for information (RFIs) from buyers to suppliers through Global Sources Online. There were more than 81 million RFIs during the 12 months ended June 30, 2009, up by 124% compared to the same period last year.

Increased independently certified community of Global Sources activebuyers to more than 829,000 at the end of the second quarter, 14% higher than the same time last year. Conference call for Global Sources second quarter 2009 earnings

Global Sources to participate with Pacific Brands in Private Sourcing Event

Jun 01, 2009 - Global Sources (Nasdaq:GSOL), a business-to-business media company and a primary facilitator of trade with Greater China, has announced that Pacific Brands (Australia:PBG), Australia based marketer and importer of consumer goods, met pre-screened mainland China suppliers at the company's Custom Private Sourcing Event in Xiamen held on 19 May 2009. Private Sourcing Events are part of the company's portfolio of brands for sourcing and product information services, which include Global Sources Online, China Sourcing Fairs and Global Sources monthly magazines.

Pacific Brands, which represents brands in Australia, including Berlei, Bonds, Clarks (children's), Dunlop, Everlast, Grosby, Holeproof, Hush Puppies, King Gee, Mooks, Mossimo, Sheridan, Slazenger, Sleepmaker, Tontine and Yakka, had sales of over USD1.63bn in 2008.

According to Adrian Barratt, general manager of Pacific Brands (Asia), the sourcing event was useful as the company was able to meet suppliers with different backgrounds in an organised manner, and this supported its sourcing strategy.

With the participation in the Private Sourcing event, Pacific Brands has reportedly opened trade opportunities to suppliers of baby wear, work wear and men's and women's underwear.

Global Sources said that over 100 Private Sourcing Events are planned for 2009, with buyers including Carrefour, Tesco (LSE:TSCO), Metro and The Home Depot (NYSE:HD) scheduled to participate.

All Private Sourcing Events are complimentary for buyers and only Global Sources suppliers are eligible to participate.

Global Sources to Expand Dubai Shows in 2009

Global Sources expands 2009 Dubai shows 40% to include Greater China manufacturers of gifts, premiums, home products, electronics and fashion accessories DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 21

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 21 - Global Sources (Nasdaq: GSOL) announced that its four upcoming China Sourcing Fairs in Dubai have sold out, growing 40% this year to reach over 1,100 booths. The China Sourcing Fairs: Electronics, Fashion Accessories, Gifts & Premiums, and Home Products will feature manufacturers from Greater China (mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan). The events will be held June 14 - 16, 2009, at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre.

47% of China suppliers expect double-digit growth in 2009

HONG KONG, Feb. 18 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- China's suppliers remain optimistic about sales growth prospects in 2009, with 47% of executives expecting sales growth of 10% or more in 2009. This is according to a survey conducted by Global Sources' (Nasdaq: GSOL) Chief Executive China magazine ( ceconline.com ) early this month.

Among suppliers selling within China, 57% expect double digit sales growth, while 36% of export-focused companies project growth greater than 10%.

Results are from senior executives of 191 companies engaged primarily in domestic sales and 202 companies focused mainly on exporting.

Enterprises outline key strategies to overcome challenges

Chief Executive China conducted a separate poll to gauge China enterprises' primary strategic responses to the current global economic crisis. As of Feb. 18, more than 8,900 readers responded:

• 43% said they will build brands and/or increase efficiency and product quality;
• 21% indicated they will cut costs;
• 20% said they will focus on the domestic market and/or emerging markets; and,
• 16% indicated they will expand their online channels.

Global Sources' COO, Craig Pepples, said: "With China's retail sales still strong, it's no surprise that companies focused on the domestic market remain optimistic. What's surprising is that, despite the global economic downturn, China's exporters are generally projecting much higher sales ahead.

"This optimism is, in part, due to the fact that many have already adapted to the current global economic situation and have evolved new strategies to deal with the crisis.

"Given China's increasing cost base, cost cutting is less of an option than previously. To justify higher prices, suppliers are now looking to improve quality and production efficiency while, at the same time, building their brands.

"We see this as a natural evolution, and one that is not without precedent. Japan, Korea and other Asian economies also moved up market at about the same stage in their development when faced with economic and competitive pressures."

Detailed results of the Chief Executive China 2009 Supplier Outlook & Expectations Survey are available for download at ceconline.com/survey/CECSurvey_Feb09-Combine-Eng-Final.ppt .

Global Sources Introduces e-Magazines

Singapore (PRWEB) February 24, 2009 -- Free samples of 13 Global Sources (NASDAQ: GSOL) industry-specific trade magazines are now available in both print and electronic versions. Qualified buyers can now choose a downloadable, electronic issue instead of a print issue when they request free sample copies.

Global Sources trade e-magazines

Global Sources trade e-magazines can be downloaded at Globalsources.com/mag/trade. Each e-magazine includes the same content as the corresponding print version, with supplier contacts, product galleries, industry insights, featured products and trade articles.

The e-magazine option does not currently affect print subscription terms or print circulation, and monthly print subscribers may currently only receive print versions of each magazine. Both e-magazine and print samples are offered to attract new buyers to Global Sources trade magazines.

Global Sources trade magazines (once known as Asian Sources magazines) have been published since 1971. Among the most popular titles are Electronics, Electronic Components, Telecom Products, Fashion Accessories, Gifts & Premiums, and Hardware & DIY. Prospective buyers are provided one-time free sample copies to provide them with a better idea of each magazine's content before choosing to subscribe.

You can get more information about Global Sources products and services to connect quality buyers and quality suppliers at corporate.globalsources.com

For free e-magazine request form visit GlobalSources.com/mag/trade

Global Sources announces bonus share issue

NEW YORK, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Global Sources Ltd. (Nasdaq: GSOL) today announced a one for ten bonus share issue on Global Sources' outstanding common shares. Shareholders of record on February 27, 2009 will receive one additional common share for every ten common shares held, of face value of $0.01 each. The bonus share issue will be distributed on or about March 31, 2009

Global Sources appoints Deputy CFO and announces June 2009 retirement for long-time CFO Eddie Heng

David Gillan, corporate finance expert, to assume CFO role

HONG KONG, Nov. 6 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Global Sources has hired David Gillan as Deputy CFO, with a view to Gillan assuming CFO responsibilities upon current CFO Eddie Heng's retirement, which is scheduled to be on June 30, 2009. Heng intends to continue to provide counsel as a consultant.

Global Sources' Chairman and CEO, Merle A. Hinrichs, said: "We are delighted to welcome David to our team. His deep understanding of corporate finance and China tax law is an invaluable asset to the company as we strengthen our leadership role in Asia's B2B trade. We thank Eddie for his 15 years of service and his contribution in helping the company maintain a strong balance sheet while we expanded our products and services across Asia. We wish him the best during his retirement."

From 2003 through 2008, Gillan, 44, was based in Shanghai as China Managing Director and CEO for the Dennis Family Corporation Pty. Ltd., a private Australian real estate investment and development fund. From 2000 to 2003, Gillan was Finance Director, Tax & Treasury and Director of Project Development for the Intercontinental Hotels Group - Asia Pacific. Gillan has also held senior financial positions in various joint ventures in China from 1994-2000, including Finance Director China for Bass Ginsber Beer Company Ltd., a Sino-British JV, and Finance Controller and General Manager for Zumtobel Coffee and Foods Co, a private Sino-Austrian JV.

Gillan holds an MBA in International Management, Marketing and Finance from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada and a BBA in Finance from the University of Prince Edward Island, Canada.

SMEs in China: Winter or spring?

shenzhen, guangdong, China - For many SMEs in China, 2008 has proven a disastrous year. Thousands upon thousands closed for soaring costs of production, mainly in materials and labor. The declining needs of overseas market are accompanied by the continuous rise in RMB. All signs seem to tell one fact - winter is coming.

What to do to help the remaining SMEs survive the winter becomes high on the agendas of many local governments, especially in Guangdong, Zhejiang and Fujian, three southern coastal provinces now contributing the largest share of export volume. On the table, e–commerce is recognized as an effective vehicle for SMEs to migrate competitiveness to the Internet.

While e-commerce as a way to help explore overseas market is yet to be used by a fare portion of SMEs, domestic renowned business-to-business (B2B) companies Alibaba, GlobalSources and ECVV(www.ecvv.com) all say they will go through the winter with stuck SMEs.

On July 23, Jack Ma, CEO of Alibaba Group, composed an internal e-mail titled The Mission of Winter, calling up all his staff to get prepared for the winter. He opined that it was merely the start of an extremely long hard time.

Being cautious can’t be mistaken, but seeing a chance encourages more. ECVV,an innovative B2B company prominent in the South China market, eyes opportunities. “ECVV is not alone out there. Like Alibaba, its future hinges on that of SMEs. The problem most SMEs are facing, that is, how to fit into the new demands of global market, is also our main concern when we’re building marketing strategy. We will guide enterprises via our e-commerce platform and bring them more value with innovation, which is also our corporate culture.” Steven Chen, CEO of ECVV, said.

According to a government report, during the first half year of 2008, 67,000 SMEs collapsed, most of which are export-oriented enterprises in Zhujiang and Yangtze River Delta areas. The growing costs of production (materials and labor), the declining needs of overseas market and the fast appreciation of RMB are the main causes. As these factors are escalating, local governments have to consider post-Olympic development and many choose e-commerce as a breakthrough.

Compared to traditional channels to promote products in overseas markets, e-commerce features lower costs, easier application and quicker return. Plugged to Internet, SMEs become unlimited to geography or demography. Recently, coordinated by Zhejiang government, its enterprises have been promised to gain full promotion across the Alibaba website, considered the global leader in e-commerce.

Four years younger than Alibaba, by the end of 2007, ECVV had already garnered one million registered companies and two million products. This June, the mayor of Shenzhen found ECVV and decided to offer operation guidance and special funds, hoping local enterprises could benefit form it eventually.

For ECVV, there is more than one way to do e-commerce. It has launched three other websites: jobs, trade shows, and industry news. The job website will fuel SMEs with trade professionals. Trade shows combine online and offline marketing into one. And industry news reflects the latest markets. Besides, ECVV’s retailing B2C website ECVV(www.ecvvshopping.com has gone to market successfully, backed up by its main B2B site. Its aim is clear: the whole chain.

“I disagree it’s a winter for ECVV. Though our growth slows down, compared to the rate of 300% two years ago, now 70%-100% for this half year, the market is still large. Only a fraction of SMEs are using e-commerce to explore overseas market. So challenges and opportunities coexist. Now we’re ready.” Steven said confidently.

Alibaba's Sales Restructure

TradeMediaBlog: Global Sources was offering for the very first time a low cost entry package for their export marketing services which was a concern for Alibaba.com. It now seems that these new packages are starting to gain traction.

South China Morning Post reported today that Global Sources’ new pricing plan is being so well received that its largest competitor, Alibaba.com, is making some changes of their own:

1. Restructuring Sales Force - One team will now manage new accounts and another existing accounts/renewals.
2. Updated Commission Structure.
3. Discounts - Rumors of price reductions for its Gold Supplier service.

This news is being seen overall as negative in the near term with Analysts reducing sales forecasts and downgrading the stock. It is hard to say how this new sales structure will work in the long run but it is good to see Alibaba.com taking a serious look at competitive threats and improving after sales service.

We at TradeMediaBlog think these Analysts may be overreacting because:

1. Alibaba.com enjoys an estimated 70% renewal rate.
2. Most suppliers, who pay for the Gold Supplier service, have been clients of Alibaba.com for many years so there is brand loyalty in place.
3. Suppliers who list on one B2B global trade marketplace typically will list across multiple sites.

Thus, we believe that if this does negatively impact Alibaba.com’s overall sales figures for the year that they will be less than expected by these investment banks.

Global Sources Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2007 Results

2007 Annual Revenue of $182.1 Million and Fourth Quarter Revenue of $60.8 Million, Both Up 16% Compared to Respective Periods in 2006, Reported 2007 GAAP EPS of $0.51 and Non-GAAP EPS of $0.73,

Global Sources Ltd. (Nasdaq: GSOL) ( http://www.globalsources.com ) reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended Dec. 31, 2007.

Global Sources' chairman and CEO, Merle A. Hinrichs, said: "We had a very good year in 2007 financially, and in making investments to establish the foundation for continued success. In 2008 we plan to invest even more heavily in our online and trade show businesses.

"For our export-focused online business, last October we launched Global Sources Online 2.0, offering what we believe is the premier search experience in our industry. In January 2008, we introduced significant additional enhancements with the Six Star ranking system that provides buyers with third party credit check information on all verified suppliers. In January we also rolled out an end-to-end repackaging and repricing of our marketing programs for suppliers.

"We also continue to build on the outstanding success of our China Sourcing Fairs. They address the essential, face-to-face stage of the buying process. Ten new shows are scheduled to be added in 2008 in mainland China, Dubai, Hong Kong and India. To support the investment in our products, we anticipate a substantial increase in our sales representation.

"As we begin 2008, we are extremely pleased with our position in the market, with our products, and with our growth prospects. Our supplier customers typically have three primary objectives: lead generation, branding and differentiation, and opportunities to meet face-to-face with buyers. With our integrated offering of online marketplaces, trade shows and magazines, we address all three objectives, a clear and powerful differentiation from our online competitors who only address the lead generation objective."

Global Sources Launches Comprehensive Repackaging of Services for Export Suppliers

HONG KONG, Jan. 30 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Global Sources has launched a comprehensive range of new marketing packages for export suppliers. The program is based on a system that ranks suppliers according to the depth of verified product and company information that they provide.

At the high-end, the Six-Star Package is designed to provide suppliers with an integrated lead generation and brand building campaign that includes two forms of third-party verification data for an annual price of RMB615,000 (approximately US$85,400). With the One-Star Package, suppliers can take advantage of an introductory twelve-month offer for RMB38,880 (approximately US$5,400). At a minimum, all verified suppliers would have been visited at least three times and their content would have been checked by Global Sources.

Global Sources' chairman and CEO, Merle A. Hinrichs, said: "The buyers that we focus on want export-capable suppliers. This new format gives these buyers the ability to more effectively screen and filter potential suppliers - - and it gives suppliers a powerful new way to differentiate from their competitors. The entry level One-Star Package we are introducing was created to give new suppliers the chance to experience the quality of our services, and what we believe is the highest quality buyer community available in the market."

Hinrichs continued: "To support the new services, the company is in the process of significantly expanding its sales representation. In mainland China, the company projects the number of sales representative team members to increase by approximately 40% to a total of 1,080 by the end of June."

The new "Six Star" system is now live on Global Sources Online ( http://www.globalsources.com ) and is the latest addition to the vertical search engine launched in October 2007. Unique in the market, the site offers buyers comprehensive search results from the Internet and the ability to search for "verified" and "unverified" suppliers.
More information about Global Sources' new Six-Star structure is available at Global Sources Online ( http://www.globalsources.com/SITE/QUALITY.HTM ). Suppliers interested in signing up for Global Sources export marketing services should visit: http://www.sellproducts.globalsources.com .

Global Sources Launches Verification Service for Export Suppliers in China

Hong Kong — February 1, 2008 — Asia supply specialist Global Sources has launched a new program offering export suppliers in China a way to have their products and company information verified and providing buyers with a way to screen and filter potential suppliers.

The program is based on a system that ranks suppliers according to the depth of verified product and company information that they provide. At the high-end, the "Six-star Package" provides suppliers with two forms of third-party verification data for an annual price of approximately $85,400.

On the low end, the "One-star Package" provides suppliers with an introductory 12-month offer for approximately $5,400. At a minimum, all verified suppliers would have been visited at least three times and their content would have been checked by Global Sources, the company said.

"The buyers that we focus on want export-capable suppliers," said Merle A. Hinrichs, Global Sources' chairman and CEO. "This new format gives these buyers the ability to more effectively screen and filter potential suppliers, and it gives suppliers a powerful new way to differentiate from their competitors."

Hinrichs said that the entry-level package was created to give new suppliers the chance to experience Global Sources' services and to test the waters with his company's buyer community. Global Sources is positioning the new offering as a lead-generation and brand-building program for export suppliers.

Global Sources said that the company is in the process of expanding its sales representation to support the new services. "In mainland China, the company projects the number of sales representative team members to increase by approximately 40 percent to a total of 1,080 by the end of June," Hinrichs said.

The new "Six Star" system is now live at www.globalsources.com, the vertical search engine launched in October 2007. The site offers buyers search results from the Internet and the ability to search for "verified" and "unverified" suppliers.

More information about the program is available at www.globalsources.com/SITE/QUALITY.HTM. Suppliers interested in signing up for Global Sources export marketing services can get more information at www.sellproducts.globalsources.com.

Over 10,000 Buyers Pre-registered for New China Sourcing Fairs: Baby & Children's Products and Fashion Accessories in Shanghai

Product Safety First: Fairs to Feature Free Seminars on Quality Control and Design Requirements of Children's Products
December 12, 2007: 01:00 AM EST

SHANGHAI, China, Dec. 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Over 10,000 buyers, including global players such as Coles Myer, Gap, H & M, Li & Fung, Sears, Target and Tommy Hilfiger, have pre-registered to attend Global Sources' first China Sourcing Fairs: Baby & Children's Products and Fashion Accessories in Shanghai ( http://www.chinasourcingfair.com ). Domestic buyers including Hua Lian GMS Shopping Centre, Ren Ren Le Group and TVSN have also signed up to attend the inaugural shows, set for Dec. 12-14, 2007 at Shanghai New International Expo Centre, China. Visitors will be able to see 440 booths from various countries and regions including mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines and India.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030303/LNM011LOGO-b )
Global Sources' Executive Director, Sarah Benecke, said: "We're returning to Shanghai after two years to meet the growing demand for China suppliers, from both international and domestic buyers. The Fairs will provide a focus for quality suppliers to meet directly with local buyers, as well as the hundreds of international buying organizations, which have offices in this dynamic city. Suppliers can also sell direct to global visitors who come to Shanghai to source from Asia."
As well as providing a face-to-face business platform for buyers and suppliers, the Shanghai Fairs will feature free seminars on quality control.

Benecke said: "We have invited quality control experts Bureau Veritas to provide critical information for both manufacturers and buyers who make decisions on the design of children's products. This is part of Global Sources' objective to provide the most relevant and topical information on quality issues to our customers, so that we continue to attract the best buyers and suppliers in the business."

With a growing customer focus on the health and safety of imported products, Bureau Veritas will also present information on the costume jewelry testing requirements of the US and European markets.

Market Potential is Enormous in Shanghai and Worldwide

Shanghai is fast emerging as mainland China's sourcing capital for consumer products. There are over 330 multinational buying offices based in Shanghai, plus more than 3,000 buying offices serving the needs of the booming domestic market.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, over 16 million babies were born in mainland China in 2006. And with 27 percent of mainland China's population of 1.3 billion being under 14 years of age, there is a huge need for baby and children's products.

Mainland China-made fashion accessories are in demand throughout the world. The China Customs Database indicates that in 2006, mainland China's exports of fashion jewelry increased by 25 percent to US$6.9 billion. Mainland China is the largest producing and exporting country for shoes in the world. In the first half of 2007, China exported 4.4 billion pairs of shoes, a year-on-year growth of 12%, valued at US$12 billion.

China Sourcing Fair: Baby & Children's Products and Fashion Accessories Dates, Times and Future Events

The Shanghai Fairs will open Dec. 12-14 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Currently, a pavilion within China Sourcing Fair: Gifts & Home Products, Baby & Children's Products is scheduled to expand and launch under its own brand in Hong Kong on Apr. 20-23 and Oct. 20-23, 2008 at AsiaWorld-Expo.

In 2008, the Fashion Accessories event is scheduled to take place five times.

"We're extending our successful China Sourcing Fair: Fashion Accessories brand around the world -- taking it to where the volume buyers are located," Benecke said: "As well as our April and October events in Hong Kong, the Fair is also scheduled for June 2008 in Dubai and twice in mainland China next year."

Show to Feature Fashion Parades and Free Personalized Advice for Buyers Value-added services at the show include:

• Fashion Parades showcasing the latest trends will be a daily feature at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
• Country and Regional Pavilions focus on products from Asia and emerging mainland China supply centers.
• Ask the Expert Program offers free personalized, professional advice to buyers' import questions. It is a unique new service of one-on-one consultations with industry specialists.
• Special Buyers' Lounges offer free Internet access, refreshments and sourcing information.
  

Discount Travel Rates Available

Special hotel rates are available through China Sourcing Fair travel partners listed at http://www.chinasourcingfair.com . Buyers who pre-register are also entitled to receive free admission, a free Show Guide and Venue Maps.

About Global Sources

Global Sources is a leading business-to-business (B2B) media company and a primary facilitator of two-way trade with Greater China. The core business is facilitating trade from Greater China to the world, using a wide range of English-language media. The other key business segment facilitates trade from the world to Greater China using Chinese-language media.

The company provides sourcing information to volume buyers and integrated marketing services to suppliers. It helps a community of over 647,000 active buyers source more profitably from complex overseas supply markets. With the goal of providing the most effective ways possible to advertise, market and sell, Global Sources enables suppliers to sell to hard-to-reach buyers in over 230 countries.

The company offers the most extensive range of media and export marketing services in the industries it serves. It delivers information on 2 million products and more than 160,000 suppliers annually through 14 online marketplaces, 13 monthly magazines, over 100 sourcing research reports and nine specialized trade shows which run 22 times a year across seven cities.
Suppliers receive more than 23 million sales leads annually from buyers through Global Sources Online ( http://www.globalsources.com ) alone.

Global Sources has been facilitating global trade for 36 years. In mainland China it has over 2,000 team members in 44 locations, and a community of over 1 million registered online users and magazine readers for Chinese-language media.

International and Domestic Franchise Opportunities at Franchising China Exhibition

2007-12-13
PRNewswire

HONG KONG, Dec. 13 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Global Sources' 10th Annual Franchising China Conference & Exhibition ( http://www.franchisechina.com/ ) wrapped up its tour of China recently, attracting 24,274 potential franchisees to its exhibitions in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing -- up 12 percent from 2006.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030303/LNM011LOGO-b )

One exhibitor, Ines Vedovelli, president of Gustomenta, a Beijing-based Italian gelato franchisor, said: "The visitors are really interested in franchising. They're not just coming to gather information. We went to a franchising show two weeks ago and it was a completely different situation. This show is much better."
Around 100 international and local franchisors exhibited at Franchising China, offering business opportunities in retail, education, hotels, laundry services, food & beverage, beauty & health, automotive, business services and furniture/home products.

Hotel franchisors were notably popular at this year's event, thanks to the growing demand in China for affordable business and leisure accommodations. Five key players exhibited at the show, including international brands Super 8 and Holiday Inn Express, and domestic brands Greentree Inns, Home Inn and JinJiang Inn.

Jin Zhibo, General Manager of Greentree Inns, said: "We've gotten a lot of benefit from this show -- not just in terms of meeting customers -- but also in building awareness for our brand. As an exhibitor for the last six years, I can say that the quality of brands exhibiting at this year's show was very high."

Other well-known exhibitors at the show included international franchisors Subway, Baja Fresh, Gloria Jean's Coffee, Bread Talk, Bob Jane T-Marts, Athlete's Foot, Office 1 and Meyer Cookware, and leading China brands Vanke, Iceason (Bright Food Group), ILSA Laundry, DIO Coffee and Tayohya.

The Franchising China Conference & Exhibition is scheduled to host its 11th annual show in November 2008, with many exhibitors have already re-booked booth space for the event.
Further reports about the show are scheduled to be released on the Franchising China website at http://www.franchisechina.com/ . Franchisors interested in exhibiting at the 2008 event should contact jge@globalsources.com.