Berry Petroleum Co. has completed its $48.6 million purchase of Uinta Basin properties from Williams Production RMT Co. The properties, located in Brundage Canyon in northeastern Utah, currently are producing 1,800 net boe/d. Berry estimates the 43,500 acres have proved reserves of 8.6 million boe, comprised of 75% light oil and 25% natural gas.

“Not only do the Brundage Canyon assets fulfill part of our targeted growth for 2003, the large under-exploited acreage position has significant upside potential,” said Michael Duginski, vice president of corporate development. “While the productive limit of the field to the south and west has not been determined, we have identified over 50 proved undeveloped locations and 25 behind pipe recompletions within the productive area of the field. This acquisition develops a foothold for Berry to continue its growth plan in the Rockies.”

The Bakersfield, CA-based independent also announced that Logan Magruder has joined the company as vice president of the Rocky Mountain and Mid-Continent Region. Magruder held similar positions with Calpine Corp. and Barrett Resources, and has served as a consultant for Berry since Feb. 2003.

“We intend to hit the ground running at Brundage Canyon by quickly proceeding with a well drilling program this year with an approved capital budget of approximately $16 million,” said Magruder. He said operating costs are targeted at about $7.50/boe.

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