Nicor Inc. Appoints Deloitte & Touche Llp As Independent Auditors

May 3, 2002
Naperville, IL – The Board of Directors of Nicor Inc. announced that, based on the recommendation of its Audit Committee, Deloitte & Touche LLP has been appointed to replace Arthur Andersen LLP as the independent auditors for the company. Arthur Andersen LLP, which completed the review of the financial statements of the company for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2002, had audited the accounts of Nicor and its predecessor since 1954.

The Board of Directors, its Audit Committee and management of the company made the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP after careful consideration and as new developments regarding Arthur Andersen LLP emerged. The decision to change auditors was not the result of any disagreement between the company and Arthur Andersen LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure.

Nicor Inc. (NYSE: GAS) is a holding company. Its principal businesses are Nicor Gas, one of the nation's largest natural gas distribution companies, and Tropical Shipping, a containerized shipping business serving the Caribbean region. Nicor also owns several energy-related businesses and has an interest in Nicor Energy, a retail energy marketing joint venture.