The 12 worst investments of 2014, #12: Avon Products Inc

Mismanagement, declining sales and the long arm of the law each played their part in a terrible year for Avon, the world’s largest direct seller of beauty products.

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Avon, the world's largest direct seller of beauty products, slid over 44% in the year

Decline in 2014: -44.81%

See all 12of 2014's worst investments here

What happened?

Huge slumps in sales worldwide also contributed to Avon's woes: North America saw sales fall 17% year on year, while sales in Asia-Pacific dwindled by 16%, thanks in part to Avon's withdrawal from their failing businesses in South Korea and Vietnam.

Who are the losers?

Who are the winners?

$10.7Bn offer for Avon rejected in 2012

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What have we learned?

See all 12of 2014's worst investments here