On August 6, 1999, a Nevada judge issued a temporary restraining order

effectively shutting down Equinox International and its subsidiaries, Advanced Marketing Seminars Inc. and BG Enterprises, and Bill Gouldd.

Law enforcement authorities from Hawaii, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and South Carolina joined the FTC in requesting the shutdown.

Early in September the case was heard by a Nevada judge. Among other things, the judge ordered that anyone who purchased product within the past year and wants a refund is entitled to 100% of their money back.

The FTC alleges that defendants operated an illegal pyramid scheme, made deceptive earnings claims, and provided distributors with the means and instrumentalities to violate federal law. State law enforcers alleged violations of state securities laws, deceptive trade practices laws, false advertising laws, pyramid laws, and licensing requirements laws.

The defendants' assets have been frozen, and a receiver appointed, pending trial which is anticipated in April, 2000.

To read the judge's order, you will need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer.

UPDATE: March 13, 2000

A Notice of Class Action has been sent to known members of the class, including all distributors sponsored into Equinox between Jan 1, 1991 and January 7, 1997. This notice contains important information about your legal rights. If you are a member of the class and you did not receive this notice, you should contact the Claims Administrator immediately. Read more about your legal rights.

Equinox Shut Down, Gouldd Barred
FTC v. Equinox: The Trial Begins

Read the September 14, 1999 Order
Class Action Suit

Read the FTC Press Release

Philadelphia Enquirer

More Press Releases

Dave's Equinox Story

More About Equinox