Global Sources keeps up the pressure

Watching the two sumos of China B2B squaring up in advance of the Ali-IPO is proving increasingly good fun. Today's it's Global Sources' turn with an announcement of the addition of Tom Melcher and his team at Beijing-based Blue Bamboo China Ventures to the China-focused operations. Blue Bamboo has been acquired by GS subsidiary Trade Media Holdings in the process.

Thanks to my colleague Mark Cochrane for reading the press release more carefully than I did first time round and pointing out that this is more an addition to the "executive lifestyles" side of GS's business than its B2B verticals. The press release notes:

"This transaction is the latest step in our planned build-out of Global Sources' domestic China initiatives, which include the launch of Elegant Living and our new domestic China trade shows and events," said Merle A. Hinrichs, Chairman and CEO of Global Sources. "Elegant Living is directed towards the personal side of Chinese executives' lives and covers subjects such automobiles, city living, fashion and travel. Blue Bamboo adds exciting new consumer brands and subjects such as home design and parenting that complement our efforts nicely. We also expect to benefit from the deep experience of Blue Bamboo's team, particularly CEO Tom Melcher."