The raw extracts of a series of microorganisms were screened for the presence of acetyl-coenzyme A: arylamine N-acetyltransferase (AAAT) using a radioactive assay with 3H-acetyl-coenzyme A and aniline as substrates. Enzyme activities were primarily detected in the soluble fractions of Bacillus and Nocardia species, and in some further soil organisms. Only strains of Bacillus cereus were able to acetylate 4-nitroaniline and 3,5-dimethyl-4-nitroaniline. The fermentation conditions for the production of the enzyme were optimized. The AAAT from one strain of Bacillus cereus was purified 24-fold and characterized.