Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 6-K filing by AC Immune SA, dated March 26, 2018, reports a change in the registrant's certifying accountant. The company is a foreign private issuer based in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Key Financial Metrics
The filing text does not provide a clear value for revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity. This report focuses exclusively on corporate governance regarding the audit firm.
Material Changes
- Accountant Change: The Audit and Finance Committee recommended replacing Ernst & Young AG (EY) with PricewaterhouseCoopers SA (PwC) as the independent registered public accounting firm.
- Approval Process: The election of PwC for a one-year term is scheduled for shareholder approval at the 2018 Annual General Meeting.
- Effective Date: If approved, PwC will become the independent auditor effective upon the completion of the 2018 Annual General Meeting.
Guidance, Risks, and Contingencies
Disagreements and Reportable Events: The company confirmed there were no "disagreements" or "reportable events" with EY during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, or the interim period through March 26, 2018.
Audit Opinions: EY's audit reports for the 2016 and 2017 fiscal years did not contain any adverse opinions, disclaimers, or qualifications regarding uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.
Consultation with New Auditor: The company confirmed it did not consult PwC regarding accounting principles, proposed transactions, or audit opinions prior to this filing.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Verify the outcome of the shareholder vote at the 2018 Annual General Meeting regarding the appointment of PwC.
- Review the letter from Ernst & Young AG (Exhibit 16.1) filed with this report to confirm their concurrence with the company's statements.
- Monitor future filings for the official effective date of the new auditor's engagement.