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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): June 21, 2002

Commission file number: 1-14267

REPUBLIC SERVICES, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

     
Delaware
(State of Incorporation)
  65-0716904
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
Republic Services, Inc.
110 S.E. 6th Street, 28th Floor
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
  33301
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (954) 769-2400


 

ITEM 4. CHANGES IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT

On June 21, 2002, Republic Services, Inc. (the “Company”) dismissed its independent certified public accountants, Arthur Andersen LLP (“Andersen”) and engaged the services of Ernst & Young LLP (“Ernst & Young”) as its new independent auditors for the Company’s fiscal year ending December 31, 2002, effective immediately. These actions followed the Company’s decision to seek proposals from independent accountants to audit the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2002. The decision to dismiss Andersen and retain Ernst & Young was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors upon the recommendation of its Audit and Nominating Committee.

None of the audit reports of Andersen on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2000 and 2001 contained an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion nor was any such audit report qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

During the two most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2000 and 2001, and the subsequent interim period through June 21, 2002, there were no disagreements between the Company and Andersen on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to Andersen’s satisfaction, would have caused Andersen to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in connection with its reports.

None of the reportable events described under Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K occurred within the two most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2000 and 2001, or within the interim period through June 21, 2002.

A letter from Andersen to the Securities and Exchange Commission is attached as Exhibit 16.1.

During the two most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2000 and 2001, and the subsequent interim period through June 21, 2002, the Company did not consult with Ernst & Young regarding any of the matters or events set forth in Item 304(a)(2)(i) and (ii) of Regulation S-K.

ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND EXHIBITS

     
(C) Exhibits    
 
Exhibit No   Description

 
16.1   Letter of Arthur Andersen LLP regarding change of certifying accountant.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

     
June 24, 2002   REPUBLIC SERVICES, INC.
 
    By: /s/ Tod C. Holmes
   
    Tod C. Holmes
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

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EXHIBIT INDEX

     
Exhibit    
 
16.1   Letter of Arthur Andersen LLP regarding change of certifying accountant.

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