The consumer health division of the Basel-based Roche group has announced a global strategic alliance with the United States firm, Avon, to develop an exclusive line of vitamins and nutritional supplements for women.

The consumer health division of the Basel-based Roche group has announced a global strategic alliance with the United States firm, Avon, to develop an exclusive line of vitamins and nutritional supplements for women.

Under a brand name yet to be determined, the new line will also include products for exercise and fitness, stress management and self-care. Financial details have not been disclosed.

In a joint statement, Roche and Avon said the range of new products would be introduced over the next four years and would initially be marketed in a distinct brochure through Avon's independent sales representatives.

Under the terms of the five-year agreement, Roche Consumer Health will develop and formulate the products, with Avon enjoying worldwide distribution rights through its representatives, the Internet and retail kiosks.

Avon expects that by the end of next year, the new line will be available in 15 markets, including its five largest - the US, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Britain - which make up 65 per cent of sales.

Avon is the world's leading direct seller of beauty and related products, with $5.3 billion in annual revenues.

Roche is one of the world's leading research-oriented healthcare groups in the fields of pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, vitamins, and fragrances and flavours

From staff and wire reports

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative