PRESS &
NEWS RELEASE

Not all the companies suggested by BusinessWeek‘s Most Influential Companies advisory board were billion-dollar behemoths like Wal-Mart (WMT) or JPMorgan Chase (JPM). Many recommended up-and-coming stars—companies still expanding their global reach, building their brand recognition, or trying to unseat their industry’s dominant player. That hardly means they aren’t making their presence felt. Below is a sampling of our advisers’ nominations for the most influential emerging companies in business.

Li & Fung is the matchmaker of the globalized business world. Based in Hong Kong, the 102-year-old consumer-goods sourcing company, which once represented Chinese silk and porcelain manufacturers, now helps retailers and apparel brands ranging from Toys “R” Us to Reebok find the best sources for clothing, toys, and accessories. As companies fret over slowing consumer spending, Li & Fung has had to clamp down on operating costs and has seen a slide in its shares. Still, the demand for a global supply chain isn’t going to wane, and Li & Fung will be making introductions to its vast network of 10,000 suppliers for years to come.