factual

What was the role of the Audit Committee in overseeing the investigation of allegations of misconduct by Mr. Hewitt at Liberty Tax, Inc. (Ledgers' parent company) that could affect Ledgers?

Ledgers Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

ncern that the actions of former Chief Executive Officer John T. Hewitt, who remains the Chairman of the Board and controlling stockholder as the sole holder of the Company's outstanding Class B common stock, have created an inappropriate tone at the top which leads to ineffective entity level controls over the organization. Prior to the termination of Mr. Hewitt's employment as Chief Executive Officer of the Company on September 5, 2017, the Audit Committee oversaw an investigation of allegations of misconduct by Mr. Hewitt. In particular, KPMG noted that Mr. Hewitt took actions to replace two independent members of the Board around the time information relating to this investigation appeared in media reports. KPMG also noted that following the replacement by Mr. Hewitt of two Class B directors, the chair of the Audit Committee retired from the Board, the Company's Chief Financial Officer announced her intention to resign from the Company, and another independent member of the Board announced that he would not stand for reelection at the Company's next annual meeting. Further, KPMG was made aware that following his termination as Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hewitt may have continued to interact with franchisees and area developers of the Company. Although Mr. Hewitt stated to KPMG during a meeting on November 9, 2017 that he would not reinsert himself into the management of the Company, in light of Mr. Hewitt's actions and his ability to control the Board as the sole holder of the Class B common stock, KPMG informed the Audit Committee and management that it has concerns regarding the Company's internal control over financial reporting as related to integrity and tone at the top and such matters should be evaluated as potential material weaknesses.

Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 46)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Ledgers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Liberty Tax, Inc. played a significant role in overseeing the investigation of allegations of misconduct by John Hewitt. Specifically, the Audit Committee oversaw an investigation of allegations of misconduct by Mr. Hewitt prior to his termination as Chief Executive Officer on September 5, 2017. The report prepared by the Audit Committee was not provided to Hewitt.

KPMG, the independent auditor, expressed concerns to the Audit Committee and Company management that Mr. Hewitt's actions had created an inappropriate tone at the top, leading to ineffective entity-level controls. These concerns arose from actions such as Mr. Hewitt replacing two independent members of the Board around the time information relating to this investigation appeared in media reports.

KPMG also noted that after Mr. Hewitt replaced two Class B directors, the chair of the Audit Committee retired, the Company's Chief Financial Officer announced her intention to resign, and another independent member of the Board announced he would not stand for reelection. Furthermore, KPMG was aware that Mr. Hewitt may have continued to interact with franchisees and area developers after his termination as CEO. Due to these issues and Mr. Hewitt's ability to control the Board as the sole holder of Class B common stock, KPMG informed the Audit Committee and management of its concerns regarding the Company's internal control over financial reporting, particularly related to integrity and tone at the top, which they believed should be evaluated as potential material weaknesses.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.