Yes, I have briefly done business with them as well. We also worked with Bekrar and Vupen briefly. Albeit, it was done through a broker. The second time around, we exited negotiations.

Just because they're exclusive about their clients doesn't mean they're not real. Their impact and effectiveness is a separate topic though. I don't think they're still actively operating or taking new clients, at least.

btw: "Oh, so you've done x?" What a snarky and confrontational way to ask someone something. Especially when it's asserting a well documented company and person is "not real".