SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 8-K
Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
The Securities Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) December 4, 2000
Allstate Financial Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 0-17832 54-1208450
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(State or other (Commission (I.R.S. Employer
jurisdiction File Number) Identification No.)
of incorporation)
8180 Greensboro Drive McLean, VA 22102
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (703) 883-9757
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Item 4. Changes in Registrant's Certifying Accountant
On December 4, 2000, Allstate Financial Corporation (the "Company") dismissed
its independent accountants, McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, and engaged Arthur
Andersen LLP as the principal accountant to audit the Company's financial
statements. The decision to change accountants was approved by the Company's
board of directors.
The reports of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, and their predecessor as the Company's
independent accountants prior to their dismissal on May 18, 1999, Deloitte &
Touche LLP, had not, in the past two years, contained any adverse opinions,
disclaimer of opinion or qualifications of the kind set out in Regulation S-B,
Item 304(a)(1)(ii).
There have not been, to the Company's knowledge, any disagreements regarding the
matters specified in Rule S-B, Item 304(a)(iv) between the former accountants of
the Company during the Company's last two fiscal years or in any subsequent
period.
Allstate Financial Corporation has never engaged or received any services from
Arthur Anderson LLP prior to this date. Arthur Andersen LLP has served as the
independent accountant for Harbourton Financial Corporation ("Harbourton"),
which on November 30, 2000 was merged into the Company, since Harbourton's
inception on August 28, 1988.
Form 8-K filed May 17, 1999 is hereby incorporated by reference.
Item 7. Financial Information, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits.
(a) Financial Statements of Businesses Acquired.
Not applicable
(b) Pro Forma Financial Information.
Not applicable.
(c) 16.1 Exhibits
1. Letter from McGladrey & Pullen, LLP regarding statements in
this Form 8-K.
2. Letter from McGladrey & Pullen, LLP confirming the termination
of the auditor-client relationship.
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 thereunto duly authorized.
Dated: December 7, 2000 ALLSTATE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
By: /s/ C.Fred Jackson
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C. Fred Jackson
Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
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