Crown Electrokinetics Corp. 8-K

What Happened
Crown Electrokinetics Corp. filed an 8-K on January 16, 2026 disclosing that, effective January 12, 2026, the company and its board amicably terminated the engagement of Frank, Rimerman + Co. LLP as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm and approved CBIZ CPAs P.C. as the new independent auditor.

Key Details

• Termination and new engagement approved by the board of directors and audit committee on January 12, 2026.
• Frank, Rimerman did not audit or deliver any reports for the company during its engagement and issued no adverse opinions or disclaimers.
• There were no disagreements with Frank, Rimerman on accounting, disclosure, or audit scope, and no reportable events in the last two fiscal years through January 12, 2026.
• The company requested and received a letter from Frank, Rimerman (filed as Exhibit 16.1) confirming the statements in the 8-K.
• CBIZ confirmed that, during the company’s two most recent fiscal years and through January 12, 2026, neither the company nor anyone on its behalf consulted CBIZ on accounting or auditing matters that would be reportable under SEC rules.

Why It Matters
A change in the independent auditor is material because auditors review and sign the company’s financial statements. Here, the board-approved change appears orderly: the departing firm reported no disagreements and did not perform audits for the company during its engagement, and the incoming firm reported no prior consultations. For investors, this suggests continuity without disclosed audit conflicts, but shareholders may watch for future filings (e.g., audit reports or restatements) to confirm CBIZ’s subsequent audit work and timing.