To: WEBNATURAL who wrote (4203 ) 4/1/1998 3:22:00 AM From: Anthony Graham Poyser Respond to of 5015
Press Release... Consolidated Eco-Systems Inc. Announces Inability to Timely File Annual Report and Anticipated 1997 Loss LITTLE ROCK, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 31, 1998--Consolidated Eco-Systems, Inc. (OTC: EXSO - news; ''ConEco'') announced today that it had notified the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission of its inability to time file its annual report on Form 10-K with the agency. The failure resulted from the resignation of Leek and Associates as the Company's independent auditor. Leek and Associates resigned on March 23, 1998, citing an inability to obtain necessary records. Leek and Associates was retained by ConEco to conduct in annual audit on March 6, 1998, following a fee dispute with former auditors, Moore Stephens Frost, P.A. At the time of being retained, Leek and Associates agreed to supply an audit report in sufficient time for the Company to be able to timely file its annual report. On March 23, 1998, Leek and Associates notified ConEco that it needed additional records in order to complete the audit. Later on the same day, Leek and Associates resigned as independent auditors for the Company. James J. Connors, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of ConEco, said, ''Leek and Associates resigned after notifying ConEco that it needed certain records. Despite assurances from Company representatives that the records would be promptly obtained, the auditor resigned on the same day that the request for records was made.'' Connors continued by saying, ''ConEco is presently exploring its legal options in connection with the auditor's resignation.'' ConEco is unaware of any dispute with Leek and Associates concerning accounting principles. In the same notification with the Securities & Exchange Commission, ConEco estimated that it would report a total loss of $11 million for the year ended December 31, 1997. The loss is related primarily to a second quarter write-down on assets totaling approximately $4.6 million and a fourth quarter loss related primarily to the write down on certain assets, including good will of its 7-7, Inc. subsidiary. This is compared to a loss of approximately $4.2 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996. Consolidated Eco-Systems, Inc. (www.consolidatedeco.com) is an industrial and environmental services company with offices in Arkansas, Alabama, Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. This press release contains forward-looking statements with respect to the results of operations and business of the Company that involves risk and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties are detailed from time-to-time in the Company's filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996 and on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1997, June 30, 1997, and September 30, 1997.