Sands China says PwC has quit as its auditor

Pricewaterhouse Coopers Hong Kong has resigned as auditor of Sands China Ltd, the gaming operator said today in a regulatory filing to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The move comes after Pricewaterhouse also resigned as auditor for Las Vegas Sands Corp, Sands China’s parent company. Sands China said Pricewaterhouse told the company it would be “impractical” to continue as its auditor after the decision involving Las Vegas Sands. Sands China said there were no disagreements between the parties. The same statement had previously been made by Las Vegas Sands. Pricewaterhouse told both Las Vegas Sands and Sands China it wouldn’t seek re-appointement. According to Sands China’s filing, Pricewaterhouse “confirmed that there are no circumstances” connected with its decision that should be brought to the attention of shareholders. The exit follows the disclosure last month by Las Vegas Sands that an internal audit concluded there were “likely violations of the books and records and internal provisions” in relation to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The company said at that time that it had improved its practices with respect to books and records, and was cooperating with all investigations into this matter by the U.S. Justice Department and the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission. Contacted by Bloomberg, Caroline Nolan, a spokeswoman for Pricewaterhouse, declined to comment.