EXHIBIT 16.1 [LETTERHEAD OF PRICEWATERHOUSE COOPERS LLP] March 29, 2001 Securities and Exchange Commission 450 Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20549 Commissioners: We have read the statements made by Salomon Smith Barney Holdings Inc. (the "Company"), which we understand will be filed with the Commission, pursuant to Item 4 of Form 8-K, as part of the Company's Form 8-K/A report dated March 29, 2001. We agree with the statements concerning our firm under the heading "Changes in Registrant's Certifying Acountant" in such Form 8-K/A. Very truly yours, /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP