Liberate switches to PWC, dumps Andersen

Interactive television software developers Liberate has dumped Arthur Andersen as its independent auditor in favour of PricewaterhouseCoopers. Arthur Andersen has come under fire recently for its alleged shredding of documents relating to collapsed energy giant, Enron.

However, Liberate made clear in a press release that the decision to switch from Andersen "...was not the result of any disagreement between Liberate and Arthur Andersen on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure. Liberate has never received a report from Arthur Andersen regarding Liberate's financial statements that contained an adverse, modified, or qualified opinion or a disclaimer of opinion."

Nancy J. Hilker, Liberate's Chief Financial Officer, said: "Arthur Andersen has done excellent, professional work for Liberate for over six years and we have the utmost respect for the people with whom we have worked. We look forward to working with an equally strong team from PricewaterhouseCoopers."

PWC will audit Liberate's accounts for the current fiscal year up to May 31, 2002.