General Automation Loses Accountant

General Automation Inc., the troubled Irvine software-support services firm, said Tuesday that its auditor, McGladrey & Pullen LLP, has refused to continue working as its accountant.

Because of errors in General Automation’s internal accounting system, McGladrey & Pullen LLP withdrew and restated its 1997 financial reports for the Orange County firm. Price Waterhouse LLP, the company’s former auditor, also withdrew and restated its 1995 and 1996 reports.

In a report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, General Automation said that there have been no disagreements with McGladrey on any matter of accounting principles or practices.

General Automation is interviewing several accounting firms, said Chief Financial Officer Richard Nance. The company, whose shares were delisted by the American Stock Exchange last month, expects the shares to begin trading over the counter in the next few days, officials said.