"That is 100 percent false information," Roxanne Taylor, director of media and analyst relations said of a report by the Economic Times that claimed that the two firms were discussing marriage. "We're not in merger talks with PricewaterhouseCoopers."

"We don't comment on rumors," said PwC spokesman David Silber. "It's well-known that we're planning some sort of disposition of our consulting practice by the end of the year. That's been widely reported. I'm sure rumors will continue to fly."

The report Monday by the Economic Times quoted Andersen Consulting chief Joe Forehand as saying, "The company will join forces with a firm which has a strong brand presence."

The article said the firms were in merger talks, and that a deal would create a consultancy worth $14.6 billion.

-- By Melissa Klein

Send comments to information@smartpros.com

Back to NewsLine