Andersen Worldwide appoints acting chief executive

Andersen Worldwide has appointed Aldo Cardoso as acting chief executive.

He will replace Joseph Berardino, who announced his resignation on March 26.

The company says Mr Cardoso's primary task will be to help member firms in the ongoing search for merger partners.

Plans announced last month to merge all firms outside the US with KPMG have hit difficulties.

Andersen's Chinese, Spanish and Hong Kong offshoots, among others, are now pursuing alternative partnerships.

KPMG Brazil now says it has abandoned talks with the Andersen firm there because of legal uncertainties.

Andersen says Mr Cardoso's appointment is for an indefinite term and is effective immediately.

He will continue to serve as chairman of the Andersen Worldwide board of partners, a post he has held since 2000. He has been a board member since 1998.

Mr Cardoso is based in Paris, and is managing partner of Andersen's French member firm.