Lookers' aim to publish its 2019 financial statement by the end of August has been derailed by extended investigations into its financial irregularities. The top 10 AM100 car dealer group's board and its auditors Deloitte have extended the scope of their audit at group and individual company level, and found more work is needed on the Lookers Leasing division and vehicle financing arrangements, plus on previous years' balance sheets to make necessary adjustments. This comes after the board reviewed the final report of Grant Thornton, the motor accounts specialists which Lookers brought in during March for an internal investigation after it suspected financial irregularities. That probe discovered a £19m hole in the accounts, going back several years, due to overstated supplier bonuses, fraudulent expenses claims and inconsistent application of policies, processes and accounting standards. Trading in Lookers shares has since been suspended.