8-KOther Events

THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC INC. 8-K Report (Jun 12, 2002)

Filed June 12, 2002For Securities:TMO

Summary

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (referred to as Thermo Electron Corporation Choice Plan in this filing) announced a change in its independent certifying accountants for the Plan. Effective June 4, 2002, the Plan dismissed Arthur Andersen LLP and engaged Carlin, Charron & Rosen LLP (CCR) as its new independent accountants. This change was approved by the Pension Committee of Thermo Electron Corporation. Importantly, the filing indicates no adverse opinions, disclaimers of opinion, or modifications in Arthur Andersen's reports for the Plan's financial statements over the past two fiscal years. Furthermore, there were no reported disagreements between the Plan and Arthur Andersen on any accounting principles, financial statement disclosures, or auditing procedures. The Plan also reported no consultations with CCR prior to this engagement that would suggest prior issues or disagreements with Arthur Andersen.

Key Highlights

  • 1Change in independent certifying accountants for the Thermo Electron Corporation Choice Plan.
  • 2Arthur Andersen LLP dismissed as the Plan's independent accountant, effective June 4, 2002.
  • 3Carlin, Charron & Rosen LLP (CCR) engaged as the new independent certifying accountants for the Plan.
  • 4The change in accountants was approved by the Pension Committee of Thermo Electron Corporation.
  • 5Arthur Andersen's prior reports for the Plan had no adverse opinions, disclaimers, or qualifications.
  • 6No disagreements were reported between the Plan and Arthur Andersen regarding accounting matters or disclosures.
  • 7The Plan did not consult with CCR on accounting principles or reportable events prior to the engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

The filing states that the Thermo Electron Corporation Choice Plan engaged Carlin, Charron & Rosen LLP (CCR) as its new independent certifying accountant and dismissed Arthur Andersen LLP. This decision was approved by the Pension Committee of Thermo Electron Corporation. The report does not explicitly state the reason for the dismissal beyond the engagement of new accountants.

No, the filing explicitly states that there were no disagreements between the Plan and Arthur Andersen LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure during the last two completed fiscal years and through June 4, 2002.

According to the filing, the Plan did not consult with CCR regarding the application of accounting principles, the type of audit opinion, or any matter that was the subject of a disagreement or reportable event with Arthur Andersen during the last two completed fiscal years and through June 4, 2002.

Exhibit 16 is a letter from Arthur Andersen LLP to the SEC, dated June 4, 2002. The Plan requested this letter to confirm Arthur Andersen's agreement with the statements made in the 8-K filing regarding the dismissal and the absence of disagreements or reportable events.