Andersen does away with Arthur.

Arthur Andersen has scrapped the name Arthur from its brand – just a year after spending $100m (#68m) on a new corporate identity, writes Alex Miller.

The 88-year-old firm will be called Andersen, but the Arthur Andersen name will be replaced gradually in coming months to reduce development costs. The announcement completed a busy week for the firm after its hunt for a UK managing partner ended with the election of John Ormerod to replace Philip Randall.

One of his first tasks will be to oversee closure of the firm’s Old Bailey office. Work has already begun on expanding and revamping its Surrey Street headquarters.

The decision to change its name came after the firm gained sole use of the Andersen name following an agreement during its divorce from Andersen Consulting last year. It feels Andersen is a more progressive and inclusive name for a firm offering auditing and consulting.

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