The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has asked El Paso Energy andthe Coastal Corp. to pony up with more information regarding theirproposed merger. The companies confirmed the request but wouldn’tsay what the FTC is seeking. The commission would not comment,saying the case is ongoing.

Analyst speculation was that the FTC is looking at the companiescombined power in the Gulf of Mexico.

“Yes it has happened,” said El Paso spokesman Mel Scott. “It isjust normal procedure. We anticipated that. We have gone throughseveral of these mergers… and that has been the normal procedurefor them. We fully anticipated the request and plan to provide theinformation as necessary. Our merger is still on track to close inthe fourth quarter of this year.”

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