ASAP Strikes Deal With C.K. Cooper

Cyber Merchants Exchange Inc., which recently moved its headquarters from Pasadena, Calif., to El Monte, Calif., announced it has entered into a financial-advisor agreement with C.K. Cooper & Co., an Irvine, Calif.–based investment-banking firm.

Frank Yuan, chief executive officer and founder of Cyber Merchants, said the agreement is intended to help the company grow.

“C.K. Cooper’s review of our existing strategies, growth plans and financial requirements will assist our current and future investors for the company’s upcoming expansion,” Yuan said.

Cyber Merchants brings technology to the retail sector through an Internet-based communication system. Using its proprietary software, the company maintains an open electronic network that allows retailers to manage online communications and transactions with their vendors.

In 2001, Cyber Merchants launched the ASAP Global Sourcing Show, which takes place twice a year in Las Vegas during the MAGIC shows. Yuan said he plans to expand his sourcing-show idea to Europe in 2004.

Cyber Merchants has also expanded from 18 to 25 offices worldwide. —Deborah Belgum