8-KFinancial EventsExhibits & Filings

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. 8-K Report, Auditor Change (Mar 17, 2006)

Filed March 17, 2006For Securities:FIS

Summary

This 8-K filing by Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (FIS), formerly Certegy Inc., announces a significant change in its independent registered public accounting firm following a business combination. On February 1, 2006, Certegy Inc. merged with Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., with the latter being treated as the acquirer for accounting purposes. Consequently, the company has transitioned its auditor from Ernst & Young LLP (formerly Certegy's auditor) to KPMG LLP (formerly Former FIS's auditor). The change is effective for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006, and Ernst & Young's engagement will conclude after their audit for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. The filing indicates no disagreements with Ernst & Young regarding accounting principles, financial statement disclosures, or auditing procedures during their tenure. This transition is a standard procedural outcome of a significant business combination and merger.

Key Highlights

  • 1FIS (formerly Certegy Inc.) has appointed KPMG LLP as its new independent registered public accounting firm, replacing Ernst & Young LLP.
  • 2This change is a direct result of the business combination and reverse acquisition completed on February 1, 2006, between Certegy Inc. and Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (Former FIS).
  • 3KPMG LLP was the independent auditor for Former FIS prior to the merger.
  • 4Ernst & Young LLP's engagement will conclude after the completion of the audit for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
  • 5The company stated there were no disagreements with Ernst & Young LLP on any accounting principles, financial statement disclosures, or auditing procedures.
  • 6The new auditor, KPMG LLP, had not been consulted on any matters prior to this change.
  • 7This filing is required due to the change in registrant's certifying accountant.

Frequently Asked Questions

The change is a consequence of the business combination and reverse acquisition that occurred on February 1, 2006. Following the merger, the company is adopting the auditor previously used by the acquiring entity, Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (Former FIS), which is KPMG LLP.

For accounting and financial reporting purposes, the merger is treated as a reverse acquisition of Certegy Inc. by Former FIS. This means that Former FIS is considered the acquirer, and its former auditor, KPMG LLP, has been appointed as the auditor for the combined entity.

No, the filing explicitly states that there were no disagreements with Ernst & Young LLP on any matters of accounting principles, practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures during their engagement.

While a change in auditor typically involves a transition period, the company's filing indicates a smooth transition with no unresolved accounting issues with the former auditor. This change is a procedural step following a significant corporate event, and the company is engaging KPMG, the prior auditor of the acquired entity, which should facilitate continuity.