Alticor Inc.

This company's roots date to 1959, when Jay Van Andel and Rich DeVos, a pair of direct sales veterans, launched Amway. In October 2000, the firm established Alticor, a holding company for Amway, Quixtar and other interests. Alticor manufactures markets and distributes more than 450 consumer products including soaps, cosmetics, vitamin and food supplements, and air- and water-treatment systems. It sells its products largely through a global network of over 3.6 million independent representatives. Representatives can also sell online through the company's Quixtar organization. Other operations include the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Access Business Group, a product development, manufacturing and logistics subsidiary. Brands: Amway, Artistry, LOC, Nutrilite, Quixtar, SA8, eSpring