Sonat Exploration Co. of Houston, a wholly owned subsidiary ofSonat Inc. announced that it will close its Tyler, TX, and OklahomaCity offices on or shortly after Oct. 31. The action is part of aplan to improve the efficiency of the company’s exploration andproduction business. Following the office closures, SonatExploration will conduct all operations out of its main office inHouston.

Sonat Exploration has about 100 employees in its Tyler officeand about 60 employees in its Oklahoma City office. Some will berelocated to Houston, while others are expected to participate inan early retirement program. Employees who are not retained will beeligible for severance benefits, including extended medical careand career transition assistance.

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