Mannatech, Incorporated (NASDAQ: MTEX), a leading developer and provider
of proprietary dietary supplements, weight management products and skin
care solutions, today announced the company has reached a settlement
with the Texas Attorney General’s office for a July 2007 civil complaint.
The Texas Attorney General filed a civil complaint in July 2007 related
to regulatory compliance and sales practices that predominantly took
place from 2002 to 2006. Under the proposed settlement, pending court
approval, Mannatech will pay $6 million, of which $4 million is
designated for restitution to consumers and $2 million is designated to
cover fees and expenses of Texas regulators. The settlement does not
include any fine or penalty.
“We appreciate the efforts of Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and his
staff as we worked to reach a settlement that will allow our business to
move forward,” said Wayne Badovinus, president and CEO of Mannatech. “We
have made significant changes to our business before and since the
filing occurred and are pleased the Texas Attorney General reached a
settlement that allows us to move forward as a stronger company, and
also continue to offer opportunities to both our corporate staff and
independent sales Associates during this down economy.”
During the past two years, Mannatech has made significant changes to its
operating practices. The company has expanded its compliance department
with the addition of seven full-time employees dedicated to
investigating potential policy violations, and monitoring for
non-compliant web sites. The company bans the sale, distribution or use
of third-party materials or testimonials linking the benefits of
glyconutrients with any disease, disease process or disease claims to
its products. Violations of company policy result in disciplinary
action, including termination. Additionally, Mannatech implemented a
six-month, money-back guarantee on all products for any reason
whatsoever. Under the settlement, Mannatech will make additional changes
to its operating practices and compliance program and provide periodic
reporting to the Texas Attorney General.
“This settlement, along with the company’s successful outcomes in the
patent infringement, shareholder derivative and securities class-action
lawsuits, shows we are ready to forge ahead to drive future growth and
success,” said Keith Clark, senior vice president and global chief legal
officer at Mannatech.
In tandem with the company’s settlement, the Texas Attorney General also
reached a settlement with Sam Caster, who was named in the original
complaint, which includes a fine of $1 million.
About Mannatech
Mannatech, Incorporated, is a global wellness solutions provider of
innovative, high-quality, proprietary dietary supplements, weight
management products and skin care solutions sold through independent
Associates and Members located in the United States and the
international markets of Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan,
New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Denmark, Germany, South
Africa, and Singapore. For more information please visit www.mannatech.com
or www.allaboutmannatech.com.
Please Note: This release contains “forward-looking statements”
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
forward-looking statements generally can be identified by use of phrases
or terminology such as “intend” or other similar words or the negative
of such terminology. Similarly, descriptions of Mannatech’s objectives,
strategies, plans, goals or targets contained herein are also considered
forward-looking statements. Mannatech believes this release should be
read in conjunction with all of its filings with the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission and cautions its readers that these
forward-looking statements are subject to certain events, risks,
uncertainties, and other factors. Some of these factors include, among
others, Mannatech’s inability to attract and retain associates and
members, increases in competition, litigation, regulatory changes, and
its planned growth into new international markets. Although Mannatech
believes that the expectations, statements, and assumptions reflected in
these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cautions readers to
always consider all of the risk factors and any other cautionary
statements carefully in evaluating each forward-looking statement in
this release, as well as those set forth in its latest Annual Report on
Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and other filings filed
with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including its
current reports on Form 8-K. All of the forward-looking statements
contained herein speak only as of the date of this release.
