FRC to Investigate Redcentric Audit

Further to ShareSoc’s campaign regarding accounting irregularities and related matters at Redcentric (AIM:RCN), I am delighted to see that the FRC has launched an investigation into the audit of Redcentric’s accounts by PWC: https://www.frc.org.uk/News-and-Events/FRC-Press/Press/2017/February/Investigation-in-respect-of-PricewaterhouseCoopers.aspx

The FT also reports on this investigation today, coming hot on the heels of PWC’s embarrassment at the Oscars ceremony: https://www.ft.com/content/4e710e1e-fcfc-11e6-8d8e-a5e3738f9ae4

This article highlights that PWC is also under investigation in relation to audits of BHS; Barclays compliance; Connaught and RSM Tenon. It has already been sanctioned in respect of its audit of Cattles. Further, PWC has been replaced as Tesco’s auditor, following the accounting scandal there, and failed to detect irregularities at BT’s Italian subsidiary.

Shareholders may wish to question any firms currently employing PWC as auditors.

I am also pleased to report that two members of the campaign and I met with the Redcentric chairman and new CFO last Friday. The meeting was productive, and amongst other matters, included discussion of PWC’s performance and action being taken. I will be publishing a report on the meeting for campaign members shortly, and taking further action, as described in the report.

Mark Bentley