US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) opened an investigation against the manufacturer of nutritional supplements Herbalife.

The manager of investment fund William Ackman insists, that the company in the conduct of its business uses a pyramid scheme. The US authorities will check this version.

Herbalife rates have fallen by 17% after receiving message about getting civil FTC requirements to provide documents for  investigation, writes The Wall Street Journal.

Herbalife, in its turn, insists on acting within the law. The company representatives also stated, that the investigation is a chance to whitewash the good name and reputation of Herbalife.

According to Ackman, the employees of the company are more focused on involvement of new distributors, than selling the products. As for December 2013 Herbalife had 3,7 mln distributors worldwide.