Why did McCormick dismiss Ernst & Young as auditor?

The audit committee said EY is not expected to be considered independent of McCormick under SEC rules once the transactions involving Unilever's foods business close.

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McCormick to replace EY with KPMG as auditor because of its deal for Unilever's foods business

Q: Who is McCormick's new auditor?

The audit committee approved KPMG LLP as the new independent registered public accounting firm, effective on EY's dismissal, following a request for proposals.

Q: Were there any disagreements between McCormick and EY?

The filing states there were no disagreements with EY on accounting principles or practices and no reportable events during the audited years.

SEC filings show the company's audit committee has dismissed Ernst & Young because the firm is not expected to be independent of McCormick once the Unilever transaction closes.

Loro Desk·4 October 2026·1 min read·Automated

Drafted by the Loro Desk from public records and published automatically after a 24-hour hold. Published without editorial review.

Grey rubber approval stamps on a lapis field with a yellow halftone burst — Loro illustration · AI-generated, no real people

McCormick is replacing Ernst & Young with KPMG as its auditor after the 2026 annual report because EY is not expected to be independent once Unilever's foods business transfers to McCormick.

Company: McCormick & Company, CIK 0000063754
Outgoing auditor: Ernst & Young LLP
Incoming auditor: KPMG LLP
Approved: 24 September 2026
Effective: On filing of FY2026 10-K
Reason: EY independence after Unilever foods transaction

McCormick & Company, Incorporated (SEC CIK 0000063754) has dismissed Ernst & Young LLP as its independent auditor, with effect from the filing of its annual report for the year ending 30 November 2026. (Form 8-K, filed 28 September 2026, Item 4.01)

The filing says the audit committee of the board approved the dismissal on 24 September 2026. (Form 8-K, 28 September 2026)

The stated reason is that EY is not expected to be considered independent with respect to McCormick under SEC rules after the anticipated closing of the transactions announced on 31 March 2026, which involve Unilever's transfer of its foods business to McCormick. (Form 8-K, 28 September 2026)

The audit committee approved KPMG LLP on 24 September 2026 as the new independent registered public accounting firm, effective on EY's dismissal, following a request for proposals. (Form 8-K, 28 September 2026)

EY audited McCormick's accounts for the years ended 30 November 2024 and 30 November 2025. According to the filing, its reports contained no adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, and there were no disagreements with EY on accounting principles or practices and no reportable events. (Form 8-K, 28 September 2026)

The filings do not state the expected closing date of the Unilever transaction or which relationship would affect EY's independence. Loro has made no approach to the company. Figures are as reported in McCormick & Company's SEC filings.

Primary sources

1 record

Every factual claim above is drawn from these records. Each link resolves to the publisher’s own copy.

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

McCormick & Company Form 8-K (Item 4.01), 28 September 202628 Sept 2026·0000063754-26-000322

mccormick auditor changeernst young dismissalkpmg mccormickunilever foods business dealsec 8-k filingaudit committee independence

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