Several former Chinese distributors of Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. claim the marketer of skin care and nutritional supplements authorized sales representatives to earn compensation on their “downline” network in violation of the country’s regulations, according to a consolidated putative class-action complaint that was filed last month in Utah federal court against Nu Skin.
Nu Skin misled shareholders, orchestrating a “massive expansion in China knowing that Nu Skin’s form of multi-level compensation violated many of China’s regulations on direct selling and prohibitions on pyramid schemes,” the lead plaintiff State-Boston Retirement System, a government pension plan, alleged in the 124-page lawsuit filed on June 30.
Plaintiffs in the consolidated complaint have requested certification of a class of shareholders who purchased Nu Skin securities including options between May 4, 2011 and January 17, 2014. The end of the class period roughly coincides with a precipitous decline in Nu Skin’s stock price (NUS: NYSE), following revelations that the Chinese government was investigating its business practices.
Plaintiffs have alleged violations of Section 10(b) of The Exchange Act and Rule 10(b)(5), and Section 20(a) of The Exchange Act.
“We continue to believe the allegations are without merit and intend to defend ourselves vigorously,” Nu Skin spokesperson Kara Schneck said. “Nu
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Nature’s Sunshine To Enter China Through Joint Venture
by Tina Williams • • 0 Comments
Nature’s Sunshine Products has announced plans to enter China in a joint venture with Shanghai-based Fosun Pharma. The agreement outlines a multi-channel approach that places Nature’s Sunshine products in Fosun Pharma retail locations across the country and markets the company’s Synergy brand through a direct selling model.
Fosun Pharma will acquire a 15 percent stake in Nature’s Sunshine in a deal valued at just over $46 million. As a part of the agreement, Nature’s Sunshine will appoint one Fosun Pharma director to its board. The investment in Nature’s Sunshine will also fund a special $1.50 per share cash dividend to be paid out at closing.
The company expects that Nature’s Sunshine Hong Kong will drive long-term growth and become a top market within five years, says Chairman and CEO Gregory L. Probert.
“We view this joint transaction as both a testament to the strength of our existing business as well as Fosun Pharma’s confidence in our ability to establish a substantial business in China,” Probert said in a statement. “It marks a significant step forward in our transformation to a global organization with multiple brands and distribution channels.”
About Nature’s Sunshine Products
Nature’s Sunshine Products (NASDAQ:NATR), a leading natural health and wellness company, markets and distributes