SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report
May 21, 2002
THOMAS INDUSTRIES INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
1-5426 61-0505332
(Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.)
4360 Brownsboro Road, Suite 300 Louisville, Kentucky 40207
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code
502/893-4600
ITEM 4. Changes in Registrant's Certifying Accountant
(a) Pursuant to prior authorization of the Board of Directors of
Thomas Industries Inc. (the Company), the Audit Committee
dismissed Arthur Andersen LLP and appointed Ernst & Young LLP
as the Company's independent certifying accountants on May
21, 2002 for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2002. Arthur
Andersen LLP was the Company's independent certifying
accountants only for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001
and not for the previous fiscal year.
(b) Arthur Andersen LLP was notified of their dismissal on May
21, 2002.
(c) The report of Arthur Andersen LLP on the Company's financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2001, did not
contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and was
not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or
accounting principles.
(d) In connection with the audit of the Company's financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2001, and through
May 21, 2002, there were no disagreements with Arthur
Andersen LLP on any matters of accounting principles or
practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope
or procedures which, if not resolved to the satisfaction of
Arthur Andersen LLP, would have caused the firm to make
reference to the matter in their report.
(e) During the period ended December 31, 2001, and the subsequent
interim period preceding the dismissal of Arthur Andersen LLP
on May 21, 2002, no reportable events occurred in connection
with the relationship between Arthur Andersen LLP and the
Company.
(f) The Company has requested Arthur Andersen LLP to furnish a
letter addressed to the Securities & Exchange Commission
stating whether it agrees with the above statements. A copy
of the letter is attached as Exhibit 16.1 to this report.
ITEM 7 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(c) Exhibits
Exhibit No. Exhibit
----------- -------
16.1 Letter regarding change in certifying
accountant of the registrant from Arthur
Andersen LLP dated May 21, 2002.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
THOMAS INDUSTRIES INC.
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Timothy C. Brown
--------------------------------
Timothy C. Brown, Chairman of
the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer
Dated: May 21, 2002