Item
4.01. Changes in Registrant's Certifying Accountant
On April 22, 2005, McConnell & Jones LLP was appointed as the
independent auditor for the Rowan Companies, Inc. Savings and Investment
Plan and the LeTourneau, Inc. Savings and Investment Plan (the "Plans")
for the year ended December 31, 2004. Deloitte & Touche LLP
("Deloitte"), the Plans' independent auditor for the two most recent fiscal
years, has been dismissed.
The decision to change auditors was approved by the Audit Committee of the
Board of Directors of Rowan Companies, Inc. (the "Company") on April 22,
2005.
The audit reports of Deloitte on the financial statements of the Plans
for the past two fiscal years did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer
of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope,
or accounting principles.
During the two most recent fiscal years and through April 22, 2005, there
were no disagreements between the Plans and Deloitte on any matter of accounting
principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or
procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Deloitte,
would have caused Deloitte to make reference to the subject matter of the
disagreement in connection with its report on the Plans' financial
statements.
During the two most recent fiscal years and through April 22, 2005, there
were no "reportable events" with respect to the Plans as that term is defined in
Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S−K.
During the two most recent fiscal years and through April 22, 2005, the
Company did not consult with McConnell & Jones LLP with respect to the Plans
regarding any of the matters or events set forth in Item 304(a)(2)(i) and (ii)
of Regulation S−K.
The Plans provided a copy of the foregoing disclosures to Deloitte prior to
the date of the filing of this report and requested that Deloitte furnish it
with a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission stating
whether or not it agrees with the statements in this Item 4.01. A copy of the
letter furnished in response to that request is filed as Exhibit 16.1 to this
Form 8−K.