Arthur Andersen out as Southern Company auditor

ATLANTA - Southern Company today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Deloitte & Touche LLP as the company&#39;s independent auditor for 2002. Deloitte & Touche will replace Arthur Andersen LLP as the independent auditor for the company.<br> <br> The appointment of Deloitte & Touche was made by the Board of Directors on the recommendation of its Audit Committee and concludes an evaluation process that occurs annually.<br> <br> &#34;The board&#39;s decision to select Deloitte was influenced by the depth of that firm&#39;s experience in the energy industry and the quality of the audit team that will be dedicated to Southern Company going forward,&#34; said Gale Klappa, Southern Company&#39;s chief financial officer.<br> <br> The decision to change auditors was not the result of any disagreement between the company and Arthur Andersen on any matter of accounting<br> principles, practices or financial disclosure. <br> <br> During its long tenure as the company&#39;s independent auditor, Arthur Andersen provided quality service and demonstrated a high level of professionalism, Klappa added.<br> <br>

http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/3/196818