LA Times reports: Amid relentless attacks on its business model, Los Angeles nutritional products company Herbalife Ltd. is firing back at its critics with its first Southern California television advertisements in more than a decade.
With a big rally in downtown Los Angeles, the company kicked off a massive public relations campaign that portrays its products as effective in helping users lose weight and stay fit.
Herbalife has traditionally shied away from expensive television advertising, instead relying on its independent salespeople to spread the word about its weight-loss and nutrition products through personal contacts. It also promotes the company through a variety of sponsorships, including the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team.
But the company decided to change its strategy as activist investor Bill Ackman continued his two-year, high-profile attack on the company’s business practices.
Ackman has