Avon Wins Lawsuit Over China Bribery

 
Avon Products Inc on Monday won the dismissal of a securities fraud lawsuit accusing the cosmetics company of concealing its inability to stop workers from bribing officials in China to win business there.
U.S. District Judge Paul Gardephe in Manhattan found no showing that Avon, former Chief Executive Andrea Jung and former Chief Financial Strategy Officer Charles Cramb intended from 2006 to 2011 to deceive shareholders about the company’s knowledge of alleged bribery, such as through corrupt “dinner and karaoke” events, and dependence on bribes to boost sales.
In a 59-page decision, Gardephe also said Avon shareholders did not show the company intended to deceive them about its ability to comply with the federal Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits bribing foreign officials.
The lawsuit was brought on behalf of shareholders from July 31, 2006 to Oct. 26, 2011, and had claimed that Avon’s corporate culture was “actively hostile” to effective oversight. Gardephe said the plaintiffs may amend their complaint if they wish.
Gregg Levin, a partner at Motley Rice representing the lead plaintiffs, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Jennifer Vargas, an Avon spokeswoman, said the New York-based company does not discuss pending litigation.
Germany’s LBBW Asset Management Investmentgesellschaft mbH and SGSS Deutschland

Read more...

Mynt Team Rider Raimi Merritt Wins 10th Wakeboard World Cup Title

 
mynt Team Rider Raimi Merritt won her 10th World Cup title last weekend at the International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation’s (IWWF) Wakeboard World Cup in Linyi, China. Dominating the IWWF series for the last six years, the 21-year-old has won more World Cup tournaments than any other female rider in the event’s history.

“I am so stoked about the way things turned out,” said Merritt. “This year was bittersweet for me. I have been recovering from injuries, but to be able to ride against the best women in the world was amazing.”

After being sidelined for much of the 2014 pro wakeboarding season, Merritt received doctors’ clearance to compete shortly before the World Cup. Although she missed the cut in her semi-final heat, Merritt secured a spot in the finals and completed an incredible run in rough conditions. This run earned Merritt 73.22 points and the winning title.
“On the dock in the finals, I knew I needed to ride my best,” Merritt said. “Once all the women had ridden and I saw the final scores, I was so excited that I had won. Winning in China is such a great way to end the season.”

Read more...

Vemma Europe “All In” Convention In Vienna, Austria

 
The weekend of 12-14 September belonged to Vemma Europe affiliates and fans. That’s when the company hosted its annual convention in Austria Center Vienna, where more than 4,200 attendees from all around Europe got together.
The convention came to life on Friday evening with an amazing kick-off party. The music, the energy, the huge crowd… it was unforgettable. The high point was when Vemma Europe launched its newest product — Verve ReMIX.
How will business be affected by this new addition to the Verve brand? In 2013, Vemma Europe sales have grown 56% in comparison to previous year. ReMIX is projected to boost European market even more, to reach $85 million dollars and 72% increase in sales.
Saturday and Sunday were devoted to training. World-renowned network marketing speakers including Darren Hardy and Michael Starachowitz delivered sessions to motivate and inspire. Then Vemma affiliates attended coaching sessions designed to help them take their business to the next level.
At the Vemma Convention in Vienna Tomasz Stanislawski was announced the new COO of Vemma Europe. The new Vemma Europe COO is an energetic leader with outgoing personality and many years of experience in affiliate marketing industry. 

Here’s what he has to say about the 2014 Allin Convention:

Read more...