Columbia Energy Group has restarted its open market sharerepurchase program, with the concurrence of NiSource Inc. Theprogram had been suspended since October, when Columbia’s boardauthorized the company’s management to explore strategicalternatives to enhance shareholder value. Under the recommencedprogram, originally authorized by Columbia’s board of directors in1999, Columbia may repurchase up to $300 million of common shares.Columbia and NiSource signed a definitive merger agreement on Feb.27. The merger, subject to approval by shareholders and regulatoryagencies, is expected to be completed by the end of 2000. Therepurchase program authorizes Columbia Energy Group to makepurchases in the open market or otherwise.

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