Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 8-K Current Report was filed by Brooks Automation, Inc. on November 27, 2012, regarding an event that occurred on November 20, 2012. The filing addresses a change in the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2012.
Key Financial Metrics
This filing does not contain financial performance data such as revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity. The document is strictly procedural regarding the appointment of an auditor.
Material Changes
- Appointment of New Auditor: Effective November 20, 2012, the Audit Committee approved the engagement of BDO USA, LLP ("BDO") as the independent registered public accounting firm for the 2013 fiscal year.
- Dismissal of Former Auditor: Effective November 20, 2012, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ("PWC") was dismissed as the independent registered public accounting firm. The dismissal was finalized no later than the filing of the Form 10-K for the 2012 fiscal year on November 21, 2012.
- Selection Process: The Audit Committee conducted a competitive process involving four national accounting firms, including PWC, to select the firm for the 2013 fiscal year.
Management Commentary, Risks, and Contingencies
Relationship with Former Auditor: The Company reported no disagreements with PWC during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2011 and 2012, or the interim period through November 21, 2012, regarding accounting principles, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope. PWC's reports for these periods contained no adverse opinions, disclaimers, or qualifications.
Consultations with New Auditor: During the same periods, neither the Company nor anyone on its behalf consulted with BDO regarding accounting principles, potential audit opinions, disagreements, or reportable events.
Regulatory Compliance: The Company provided PWC with a copy of this disclosure prior to filing and received a letter from PWC (Exhibit 16.1) confirming their agreement with the statements made in the report.
Important Facts for Investor Verification
- Verify the effective date of the auditor change (November 20, 2012) and the transition timeline.
- Confirm the absence of any disagreements or reportable events with the former auditor, PWC, as stated in the filing.
- Review the letter from PWC (Exhibit 16.1) to ensure no undisclosed issues were raised by the former auditor.
- Note that this filing does not provide financial results; investors should refer to the Form 10-K filed on November 21, 2012, for financial data.