OGFJ100P company update

IHS Herold Inc., the independent research firm, has provided OGFJ with updated production data for our periodic ranking of US-based private E&P companies. The rankings provided are based on operated production only within the US. In this installment, the data provided is year-to-date 2008 production data.

There have been a number of changes to the private company space since it last ran in the January issue.

A few names that have dropped off the list include Primary Natural Resources and Winchester Production, previously ranked No. 98 and No. 21, respectively. Primary Natural Resources was acquired by Resolute Natural Resources last July, and Winchester Production is a subsidiary of Exco Resources. Also noteworthy is the renaming of No. 25-ranked BEPCO LP to Bass Enterprises Production Co.

There have been a few changes to the top producer line-up since the numbers were last calculated in January. Walter Oil & Gas Corp. moved down a spot from No. 7 to No. 8 and Hunt Oil Co. moved from No. 8 to No. 9. Enervest Operating LLC moved up two spots from its previous ranking of No. 9 to its current spot at No. 7. One of the biggest movers was LLOG Exploration Co. The company rose sharply from No. 44 to No. 19.

There have been a few management changes since January as well.

After the issue hit desks, Mike Wichterich stepped down from his positions as vice president and CFO of Austin-based Texas American Resources Co. He continues to serve as a consultant and is aiding the company with near-term corporate financial negotiations and potential restructuring. The company has moved up to No. 94 from its previous No. 99 ranking.

Matador Resources Co., a Dallas-based private oil and natural gas company, named Greg L. McMichael to its board of directors.

On February 1, Thomas E. Hardisty joined Kerogen Resources Inc. as vice president, business development and land. Kerogen is a privately-held energy company focused on resource plays in North America. Currently, its primary assets include positions in the Williston and Fort Worth basins in the US, and the Montney gas play in British Columbia, Canada.

In the transaction space, US Energy Corp. signed an agreement with Utah-based private oil company Ridgeland Wyoming Inc. to acquire a 50% working interest in a prospect in northeastern Wyoming. Ridgeland has over 30 years of experience in the Powder River Basin and will serve as operator.