Equinox (MLM)
Template:Short description Template:More citations needed Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherTemplate:Main otherScript error: No such module "Check for clobbered parameters".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Equinox International was a multi-level marketing company founded in 1991 and headed by Bill Gouldd.[1] In 1996, Equinox was listed #1 on Inc Magazine's list of the 500 fastest-growing private companies in the United States.
The company and its founder came under scrutiny for its business practices; starting in 1997, investors, the FTC, and several states brought suit[2] charging Equinox was an illegal pyramid scheme rather than a legitimate business.[3]
On 25 April 2000, the Federal Trade Commission issued a notice that Equinox International settled a court case with a penalty of $40 million in restitution.[4] Gouldd was required to surrender substantial holdings, but retained (among other things) over a million dollars worth of real estate.[5]
Equinox International was ordered dissolved in April 2000.[6] As part of the settlement, Gouldd was also "permanently restrained and enjoined from engaging, participating or assisting in any multi-level marketing program."[6]
References
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- ↑ http://www.mlm-beobachter.com/pdf/equinoxorder.pdf Template:Bare URL PDF
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- ↑ a b https://files.hawaii.gov/dcca/sec/news-releases/breg_pressrelease_equinox.pdf Template:Bare URL PDF