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.) |
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Republic Services, Inc. 110 S.E. 6th Street, 28th Floor Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Address of Principal Executive Offices) |
33301 (Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (954) 769-2400
ITEM 4. CHANGES IN REGISTRANTS 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 Companys fiscal year ending December 31, 2002, effective immediately. These actions followed the Companys decision to seek proposals from independent accountants to audit the Companys financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2002. The decision to dismiss Andersen and retain Ernst & Young was approved by the Companys Board of Directors upon the recommendation of its Audit and Nominating Committee.
None of the audit reports of Andersen on the Companys 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 Andersens 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 | |
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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 | ||
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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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