NEWAYS INTERNATIONAL, INC. News

Z Capital Partners Becomes Majority Controlling Shareholder of Neways

Press Release | 7/15/2013

"We are excited to complete this acquisition and become the majority shareholder of Neways," said James J. Zenni, President and Chief Executive Officer of Z Capital. "Since Robert Conlee was appointed as CEO, Neways has improved global operations and is successfully executing a new member led Direct to Consumer (DTC) strategy. We are committed to supporting the business globally and remain as dedicated as ever to expanding Neways around the world. On behalf of the entire Board, I look forward to continuing to work with Robert and the rest of the talented Neways leadership team to expand new markets, introduce new products, and propel the Company's path of growth and success."

"This is an exciting transaction for all of us at Neways," said Robert Conlee, Chief Executive Officer of Neways. "Z Capital has been a dedicated partner since their initial investment in the Company. Z Capital is a seasoned financial sponsor committed to the Company's vision and long-term growth. With Z Capital's support, we are building and executing comprehensive growth plans for each of our global markets, while continuing to deliver the best possible products and business opportunities for our distributor community."

Neways Enterprises Appoints Robert S Conlee as CEO and Chairman

Press Release | 7/23/2012

James Zenni, President and CEO of Z Capital Partners, said: "Robert is a proven leader who brings to Neways more than 20 years of executive and management experience in the direct-sales industry. Robert has established a demonstrated track record of successfully leading teams in multiple global markets and in different stages of business cycles, including inception, turnaround, and growth. We are confident that under his leadership, Neways will continue to successfully execute on its strategy of growth through creating substantial opportunity for distributors, expanding into new markets, and introducing innovative, exclusive new products."

Mark Gudis, Managing Director at S.A.C. Capital Advisors, L.P., said: "the Neways Board of Directors considered an extensive pool of world-class candidates across the direct-selling and consumer sectors, and Robert clearly stood out as the individual to take Neways to the next level. Robert is known for his strong leadership skills and ability to empower and motivate great talent. Nothing speaks more about Robert's belief in Neways' future and his willingness to commit than the fact that Robert requested, and the Board agreed, that he be permitted to join the Neways ownership team by making a significant financial investment in Neways alongside his leadership appointment."

Mr. Conlee said: "I am honored to serve Neways as CEO and Chairman of the Board. Neways just celebrated 25 years of creating Healthy Homes, and the company represents a tremendous growth opportunity. As a pioneer of the safe-product movement, Neways is improving people's lives around the world. I look forward to working with Neways distributors, the Board, and the management team to leverage our leadership position with safe, high-performance products and a compelling business opportunity. This company is on the move, and I'm excited to help lead the way."

About Robert S. Conlee Before joining Neways, Mr. Conlee served as the Chief Executive Officer and Board Member at Lehi, Utah-based Xango, LLC ("Xango"), positions he took in 2008.

Prior to Xango, Mr. Conlee was at Provo, Utah-based Nu Skin Enterprises ("Nu Skin") for 15 years, where he served in various leadership roles, including Executive Committee member, President--North Asia Region, President--Nu Skin Japan, and COO--Pharmanex Nutritional Division. In addition, he held an important executive position during Nu Skin's initial public offering.

Robert and Stephanie, his wife of 24 years, along with their four children, have lived and worked in several locations around the world, including Tokyo, Japan, for nearly nine years. The family currently resides in Utah.

Mr. Conlee has a bachelor's degree in Japanese from Brigham Young University and a master's degree in Business Administration from Temple University.

Neways Awarded 2012 Consumer Products Turnaround of the Year

Press Release | 7/10/2012

Private equity firm Z Capital Partners, L.L.C., and funds affiliated with S.A.C. Capital Advisors, L.P., are majority owners of Neways and assisted in the successful restructuring and recapitalization of Neways, which was announced on January 19, 2012.

James Zenni, President and CEO of Z Capital Partners, said: "Neways' Board of Directors appreciates this recognition for the successful execution of our restructuring and recapitalization, which enabled Neways to substantially reduce its debt while positioning the company to pursue significant growth opportunities. With this improved financial position, Neways can focus on achieving its goals of becoming an industry leader by creating 10 million Healthy Homes around the world."

Mark Gudis, Managing Director, S.A.C. Capital Advisors, L.P., said: "The Board of Directors is pleased that Neways has received this award as we begin an exciting new phase of our strategic plan. The Neways mission continues to resonate with hundreds of thousands of people in many parts of the world as we open new markets, introduce several products, and add substantial resources for our distributors."

The Turnaround Atlas Awards, hosted by the Global M&A Network, recognize outstanding performances in executing transactions, implementing turnaround strategies, and financial workouts completed in 2012. The award was presented at the Turnaround Atlas Award Gala and Dinner at the University Club of Chicago, in Chicago, Illinois.

Neways International Announces CEO Change

Press Release | 7/4/2012

"I look forward to advising the Board and the new CEO as we pursue substantial growth through millions of more Healthy Homes," said Mr. St. Clair. "Over the last few years, we have successfully stabilized the business and are now experiencing growth in several key markets. Over the next twelve months and beyond we will open new markets, introduce several new products, and add substantial resources for our distributors. With the Board and my direction, a world class CEO with substantial experience in leading global growth will help distributors and market management harness this momentum and take the company to a level it deserves."

James Zenni, President & CEO, Z Capital Partners, L.L.C added – "Neways' Board of Directors fully supports Scott's vision and appreciates his commitment to continue as Executive Chairman. Scott's continued guidance to the Board and the new CEO will be key to successfully navigating a renewed path of growth and opportunity."

Mark Gudis, Managing Director, S.A.C. Capital Advisors, L.P., added – "The Neways Board of Directors has been deeply focused on working with Scott and the company's management to develop a strategic plan designed to take the company to the next level by delivering on its three goals of becoming an industry leader, creating 10 million Healthy Homes, and being a compliance leader. The Board is exited for Scott to provide his continued insights as we move forward with a committed and enthusiastic distributor base which will drive the momentum and growth. The Neways mission has certainly resonated with hundreds of thousands of people in many parts of the world – we believe we are only at the beginning of another exciting phase for Neways."

Mr. St. Clair said that his new role will allow him to spend less time on day-to-day management and therefore be able to focus more on global strategy. He will continue to attend major global events before and after the new CEO is hired.

With over 200 innovative products sold in 29 countries worldwide, and with the commitment and efforts of the loyal distributor base, Neways has grown from humble beginnings, twenty-five years ago, into a global leader in dietary supplements and personal care products.

Neways International Celebrates 25 Year Anniversary

Press Release | 6/22/2012

"Neways began 25 years ago with a simple mission, a mission to manufacture and distribute safety conscious products that avoid controversial chemicals," said Scott St. Clair, chief executive officer of Neways. "Through our innovative products and strict formulation standards, Neways has made it possible for hundreds of thousands of people all over the world to realize their life's dream of living a healthy, happy lifestyle in a financially secure, independent manner. Our success is a result of the hard work of our amazing distributors and their commitment to this mission."

Since its beginning in 1987, Neways has grown beyond the company's original mission of avoiding controversial chemicals in its formulations, into a global leader in health and wellness, adding a variety of products to its diverse product line. Other than innovative and effective products, Neways' hybrid compensation plan is among the most lucrative in the multi-level-industry, with a real payout rate of 50 percent of commissionable volumes.

"Whether people are interested in an additional $300 to $500 per month to help cover the bills or thousands of dollars a month to elevate their lifestyles, both are possible through Neways," said Jennifer Wolbers, vice president of sales and marketing. "Neways values its distributors, and our lucrative compensation plan is a way for us to showcase this commitment to our hard-working and loyal distributors."

Building upon its early success, Neways has emerged as an industry leader and continues to expand its business the world over. Recently, Neways opened its business opportunity in Korea, with plans of launching in Thailand later this year.

"In the past 25 years, Neways has diversified into multiple markets with game changing products and systems," St. Clair said. "We will continue to look at the latest in science and technology and push the boundaries of innovation, both in product and business development."

Neways Launches Philanthropic Program

Press Release | 1/26/2012

"Part of the Healthy Homes mission is to assist in establishing healthy communities, and education is a critical foundation of any strong and self-sustaining community," says Scott St. Clair, Neways CEO. "Neways feels fortunate to be involved in constructing a school that will ultimately lead children in Africa to a brighter future."

Mali Rising Foundation has constructed 13 schools in Mali, Africa, the fourth most impoverished nation in the world. The founder, Yeah Samake, is a graduate of Brigham Young University and has close ties to Utah. He currently resides in Mali and is running for the office of president of that nation while closely participating in the foundation.

"I could stay in America," says Samake, "but America does not need me. Mali needs me. If you could see the joy in the children's eyes when they realize they will have the opportunity to continue their education without facing the dangers of walking up to 20 miles round trip, you would feel the enormity of what you've done for them. We are so thankful to Neways and to all the distributors who are making this possible for these children."

Mali Rising Foundation obtains part of the funding for the schools from private donations and part from the villages and government. The construction of the schools provides jobs to villagers, who help build, and teach at the schools. "In this way," explains Samake, "we encourage hand up, not handouts."

As part of the Neways Gives program, Neways also participated in donations for the Road Home homeless shelter and has announced its participation with the March of Dimes in 2012.

Neways Launches Annual Maui Marathon

Press Release | 2/4/2009

Neways Opens New Facility

MarketWatch | 9/27/2008

Neways International Receives Business of the Year Award

Earthtimes | 5/27/2008

Neways International was named the Business of the Year. Police officers chose Neways because of their support for the community. In making his presentation, Police Chief Scott Finlayson recognized just a portion of their contributions. “Neways has been a great member of our community since they located their headquarters in Springville.” He noted their contributions to the local CERT team, to state and county law enforcement, and to Springville City. “They have supported some great family activities with their Summer Concert Series and the Movies in the Park. They have also contributed greatly with sponsorship of the Annual All-State Utah High School Art Exhibition, and support of the Miss Springville-Mapleton pageant. Neways is a great partner in our community.”

Neways Exec Honored with Executive MBA

Earthtimes | 5/27/2008

“These recent honors reflect Neways’ industry leadership and the company’s dedication to advancing education, research, and knowledge of our employees so that we can better serve the world and our consumers,” says Eric Larsen, Neways CEO.

Neways Exec Plays Key Roles in Herbal Industry

PR-Inside.com | 3/29/2008

In addition, Ahmed has been appointed as chair of the AHPA Foundation for Education & Research on Botanicals (ERB), a nonprofit foundation dedicated to promoting education and research on medicinal, therapeutic, and health-promoting herbs.

Neways Founder Starts New Company

Herald Extra | 3/10/2008

A month away from his trip to federal prison, Neways founder Thomas E. Mower Sr. is opening a new manufacturing plant for personal care products and dietary supplements in Springville and plans to hire up to 150 workers by year-end.

Mower, who will start serving a 33-month prison sentence on Nov.

13 for income tax evasion, bought the former corporate headquarters of Little Giant Ladder in Springville for nearly $3.5 million on Friday -- as part of his plans for his new company, SupraNaturals LLC.

Incorporated in 2004, SupraNaturals's corporate headquarters and manufacturing plant will occupy a 332,000-square-foot building at 1356 W. Spring Creek Place in Springville. It is scheduled to open in November. The Little Giant Ladder office --a 96,000-square-foot building at 1325 W. Industrial Circle that is still occupied by Wing Enterprises, will be converted into additional manufacturing and office space for SupraNaturals once Wing's lease expires in April 2007, said Ryan Moss, Wing's CEO. The ladder maker is relocating to a nearby 240,000-square-foot building at 1198 N. Spring Creek Place, which was formerly occupied by local health food manufacturer E. Excel International Inc.

When completed in mid-2007, the SupraNaturals plant will be a private label maker of personal care products including shampoos, conditioners and soap, as well as dietary supplements, bottled water and chewing gum.

"We have contracts with liquid soap customers, and hope eventually to also make dietary supplement capsules. But we won't have any specific brand or formulas under the SupraNaturals's name," said Gary Chlarson, who has served as project manager with the company for past 18 months.

"We acquired the Little Giant Ladder building because of its proximity to our building, which gives us the room to expand," he said.

Neways Wins Trade Secrets Injunction Against Former Owner

Business Wire | 3/10/2008

SPRINGVILLE, Utah -- A United States Federal Judge has issued an injunction against Neways' former owner, Thomas Mower Sr.; his two sons, Thomas Mower Jr. and Darick Mower; and their new companies, Sisel International, LLC and SupraNaturals, LLC.

Following a hearing on May 25, 2007, United States District Judge Bruce S. Jenkins enjoined the Mowers and their new companies from using any Neways product formulas, distributor lists, or vendor lists. The court further ordered the Mowers and their companies to return to Neways any computer disks containing such information.

In a complaint filed May 23, 2007, in the United States District Court for the District of Utah, Neways International alleges that, after selling Neways to Golden Gate Capital for hundreds of millions of dollars and before Thomas Mower Sr. began serving his prison sentence for tax evasion, Mr. Mower, in conspiracy with his two sons, misappropriated many of Neways' trade secrets, including distributor lists, vendor lists, and product formulas, in an effort to start a competing network marketing business.

After Neways presented substantial evidence in support of that claim, the court issued the injunction enjoining the Mowers and their new companies from using any Neways distributor lists or any other confidential and proprietary information contained on computer disks taken from Neways.

Neways Wins Court Victory

Ad-Hoc-News | 2/25/2008

Ex Neways Owner Under Injunction

Deseret News | 6/13/2007

The May 25 injunction issued by U.S. District Judge Bruce S. Jenkins prohibits Thomas Mower Sr., Neways' former owner, and his two sons, Thomas Mower Jr. and Darick Mower, from using the company's product formulas, distributor lists and vendor lists to advance their new businesses, Sisel International LLC and SupraNaturals LLC.

Jenkins also ordered the Mowers to return any record of such information, including computer discs, to Neways, a cosmetics and health-supplement company that does business in more than two dozen countries.

All three companies rely on multilevel marketing to distribute personal care and nutritional products. Neways filed a complaint May 23, accusing the Mowers of taking many of the company's trade secrets with them after selling Neways to Golden Gate Capital, a San Francisco-based equity firm, in 2006.

Neways Wins Trade Secret Injunction

Business Wire | 6/13/2007

Following a hearing on May 25, 2007, United States District Judge Bruce S. Jenkins enjoined the Mowers and their new companies from using any Neways product formulas, distributor lists, or vendor lists. The court further ordered the Mowers and their companies to return to Neways any computer disks containing such information.

In a complaint filed May 23, 2007, in the United States District Court for the District of Utah, Neways International alleges that, after selling Neways to Golden Gate Capital for hundreds of millions of dollars and before Thomas Mower Sr. began serving his prison sentence for tax evasion, Mr. Mower, in conspiracy with his two sons, misappropriated many of Neways’ trade secrets, including distributor lists, vendor lists, and product formulas, in an effort to start a competing network marketing business.

Neways International Out with the old ways

The Manufacturer US | 4/3/2007

Based in Springville, UT, Neways sells its products in 23 countries around the world through a network of independent distributors. Its product philosophy is to maximize health and beauty while minimizing exposure to potentially harmful ingredients by combining the best of science and nature.

In March 2006, the company appointed Eric Larsen as its CEO. Prior to the appointment, Larsen served as vice president of international operations and development. Later, in November, the company announced it had been acquired by San Francisco–based Golden Gate Capital, a private equity firm.

Neways International Sold

San Francisco Business Times | 11/13/2006

Golden Gate Capital, a San Francisco private equity firm, acquired Neways International, a maker of dietary supplements and personal care products.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Neways, founded in 1992 by Tom and Dee Mower, sells more than 300 products -- from shampoos and shower gel to nutritional supplements and household cleaners -- through a network of independent distributors in 23 countries.

The company is based in Springville, Utah, and has factories in Salem, Utah, and Auckland, New Zealand.

Neways for Sale

Reuters | 9/27/2006

Incorporated in 1992, Neways is a multi-layer marketing company that distributes skin-care products and nutritional formulas to 23 countries worldwide.

Neways was founded by Thomas and Leslie DeeAnn Mower. The Mowers, who divorced in July 2000, will start prison terms on Nov. 13 for tax evasion.

Neways, based in Utah County, is being sold due to "personal differences" according to a brief filed by Thomas Mower's lawyers.

Neways Execs Sentenced in Federal Tax Case

News 4 | 9/14/2006

Thomas E. Mower of Springville, Utah, Leslie D. Mower of Payson, Utah, and James L. Thompson of Chandler, Ariz., were sentenced Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City.

The Mowers founded Neways Inc. in 1987. Thomas Mower was the chief executive officer. Leslie Mower was the chief financial officer. Thompson was employed as corporate counsel for the company the fall of 1995 through the summer of 1997.

In March 2005, a federal jury convicted the Mowers and Thompson of conspiring to impede the Internal Revenue Service in the assessment and collection of income tax. The jury also convicted the Mowers of income tax evasion and Thompson of obstructing the administration of the internal revenue laws.