In February 1996, Merton Electronics was reviewing its currency risk position. Its principal foreign suppliers were Japanese and fluctuations of the dollar/yen exchange rate during the past 2-3 years seemed to have had a serious impact on costs and earnings.

Merrill Electronics was a medium sized distributor of personal computers, related peripheral equipment and software, and various other consumer electronics and domestic appliances. In July 1991, sales turnover and profits had improved over the past 18 months since the arrival of a new general manager, but the company's needs for financing were also growing rapidly.