Gatherer

Fort Worth-based Richardson Products Co., the marketing arm ofSid Richardson Gasoline Co., is hoping to follow the footsteps ofAquila Gas Pipeline of San Antonio, TX, into third-party gasmarketing. The company is expanding into marketing of third-partynatural gas and adding risk management products. RichardsonProducts recently grew its staff by five, four of whom come fromAquila Gas Pipeline where they started a successful third-partymarketing business. Richardson Products last year marketed 100 to130 MMcf/d of gas last year. Jim Wade, newly hired vice presidentof marketing and business development, said plans are to initiallydouble that number and then market about half a Bcf/d in the firstquarter of next year, all physical gas. Expectations are for abouta Bcf/d in financial volumes.

CMS Energy would boost its presence in the Midcontinent with thepurchase of Continental Natural Gas for $155 million. The companiesagreed for CMS to acquire 100% of Continental’s common stock andassume Continental debt. The deal is worth about $90 million indebt and $65 million in equity for an approximate total value of$155 million. The agreement is subject to Continental shareholderapproval, and majority shareholders have said they favor it.Closing is expected early in the fourth quarter.