What: Last night, Slater & Gordon Limited (ASX: SGH) CEO Andrew Grech responded to media speculation that the embattled law firm's bankers had appointed investigative accountants to review its accounts.
So what: In a statement to the ASX shortly before 8 pm on Thursday, Mr Grech confirmed the appointment of the banking syndicate's accountant, McGrathNicol.
"In our FY16 Financial Update on 17 December 2015, we informed the market that Slater and Gordon has more than A$100 million headroom within its banking facilities, that this headroom is expected to increase as the financial year progresses, and that we had commenced a review of the Company's forecasts by Group CFO Bryce Houghton and independent advisors appointed by the Board," Mr Grech said.
Last month, Slater & Gordon retracted its earlier profit forecasts following continued media scrutiny.
"As part of that review process, we agreed that our banking syndicate would appoint their own advisers who will work alongside those appointed by the Board," Mr Grech added.
Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) and National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) are part of Slater & Gordon's banking syndicate.
Now what: Slater & Gordon was one of the ASX's biggest losers throughout 2015, as speculation over its financial health, reporting and an ill-timed acquisition in the UK resulted in shares falling from over $8 to below 70 cents today.
Although its share price may prove to be dirt cheap after another 4% fall this morning, it would take a brave investor to buy Slater & Gordon shares today.
