APACHE CORP
S-8, 1995-05-31
CRUDE PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS
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<PAGE>   1
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 30, 1995
                                                    REGISTRATION NO. 33-
                                                                        -------

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                       ----------------------------------
                                    FORM S-8
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                               APACHE CORPORATION
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

              DELAWARE                               NO. 41-0747868
  (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                   (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
   INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

                       2000 POST OAK BOULEVARD, SUITE 100
                           HOUSTON, TEXAS 77056-4400
                                 (713) 296-6000
    (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
                  OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)

                    DEKALB ENERGY COMPANY STOCK OPTION PLAN
                 DEKALB ENERGY COMPANY LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
                           (FULL TITLES OF THE PLANS)

                                Z.S. KOBIASHVILI
                       VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL
                               APACHE CORPORATION
                       2000 POST OAK BOULEVARD, SUITE 100
                           HOUSTON, TEXAS 77056-4400
                                 (713) 296-6000
  (NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA
                          CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==========================================================================================================
       Title of                                Proposed Maximum     Proposed Maximum
   Securities to be            Amount to be   Offering Price Per   Aggregate Offering   Amount of Registration
      Registered                Registered        Share (1)             Price (1)              Fee (1)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>                 <C>                <C>                     <C>   
    Common Stock, par                                                                               
  value $1.25 per share,        6,575 shares        $28.75             $189,031                $100  
  and associated Common            (3)                                                              
Stock Purchase Rights(2)                                                                             
===========================================================================================================
</TABLE>

(1)      Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.
         Pursuant to Rules 457(c) and 457(h), the offering price and
         registration fee are computed on the basis of the average of the high
         and low prices of the Common Stock, as reported on The New York Stock
         Exchange, Inc. Composite Transactions Reporting System for May 24,
         1995; however such fee shall not be less than $100.

(2)      Common Stock Purchase Rights are evidenced by certificates for shares
         of the Common Stock and automatically trade with the Common Stock.
         Value attributable to such Common Stock Purchase Rights, if any, is
         reflected in the market price of the Common Stock.

(3)      Number of shares of the Common Stock required to cover the employee
         stock options granted under the above-named plans and assumed by the
         registrant pursuant to the Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of
         Merger, dated December 21, 1994, among Apache Corporation, XPX
         Acquisitions, Inc. and DEKALB Energy Company.
<PAGE>   2

                                    PART II
               INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT

ITEM 3.  INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE.

The following documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") are incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement:

         (1)  The Annual Report of Apache Corporation (the "Registrant" or
"Apache") on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994, the
Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 1, 1995, Amendment No. 1 on
Form 8-K/A to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 1, 1995,
and the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended
March 31, 1995.

         (2)  All documents subsequently filed by the Registrant pursuant to
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act"), prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment
which indicates that all securities offered have been sold or which deregisters
all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by
reference in this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date
of filing of such documents.

The descriptions set forth below of the common stock, $1.25 par value per share
("Apache Common Stock"), of Apache, the preferred stock and the Rights (as
defined below) constitute brief summaries of certain provisions of Apache's
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Apache's Bylaws and the Rights Agreement
between Apache and First Trust Company, Inc., and are qualified in their
entirety by reference to the relevant provisions of such documents, all of
which are included under Item 8 as exhibits to this Registration Statement and
are incorporated herein by reference.

APACHE COMMON STOCK

         All outstanding shares of Apache Common Stock are fully paid and
nonassessable, and all holders of Apache Common Stock have full voting rights
and are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters
submitted to a vote of stockholders.  The Board of Directors of Apache is
classified into three groups of approximately equal size, one-third elected
each year.  Stockholders do not have the right to cumulate votes in the
election of directors and have no preemptive or subscription rights.  Apache
Common Stock is neither redeemable nor convertible, and there are no sinking
fund provisions relating to such stock.

         Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any shares of
preferred stock outstanding at the time, holders of Apache Common Stock are
entitled to dividends when and as declared by the Board of Directors from funds
legally available therefor and are entitled, in the event of liquidation, to
share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities.

         The currently outstanding Apache Common Stock and the Rights under
Apache's existing Rights Agreement are listed on the New York Stock Exchange
and the Chicago Stock Exchange.  Apache's current policy is to reserve one
share of Apache Common Stock for each share issued in order to provide for
possible exercises of Rights under Apache's existing Rights Agreement.

         Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association, is the transfer agent
and registrar for Apache Common Stock.  Apache typically mails its annual
report to stockholders within 120 days after the end of its fiscal year.
Notices of stockholder meetings are mailed to record holders of Apache Common
Stock at their addresses shown on the books of the transfer agent and
registrar.





                                     II - 1
<PAGE>   3
RIGHTS

         On January 10, 1986, the Board of Directors declared a dividend of one
right to purchase one share of Apache Common Stock at $50 per share (subject to
adjustment) on each outstanding share of Apache Common Stock (the "Rights").
The Rights are exercisable only after a person (other than Apache or its
employee benefit plans), together with all persons acting in concert with it,
has acquired 20 percent or more of the Apache Common Stock, or has commenced a
tender offer for 30 percent or more of the Apache Common Stock.  If Apache or a
20 percent stockholder of Apache engages in certain transactions, the Rights
become exercisable for Apache Common Stock or the common stock of a corporation
acquiring Apache (as the case may be).  Apache may redeem the Rights at a
specified price at any time until ten business days after public announcement
that a person has acquired 20 percent or more of the outstanding shares of
Apache Common Stock.  The Rights will expire on January 31, 1996, unless
earlier redeemed by Apache.  Unless the Rights have been previously redeemed,
all shares of Apache Common Stock will include Rights, including the Apache
Common Stock issuable under the terms of certain employee stock options assumed
by the registrant pursuant to the Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of
Merger, dated December 21, 1994, among Apache, XPX Acquisitions, Inc. and
DEKALB Energy Company ("DEKALB").

PREFERRED STOCK

         No preferred stock is outstanding.  Shares of preferred stock may be
issued by the Board of Directors with such voting powers and in such classes
and series, and with such designations, preferences, and relative,
participating, optional or other special rights, qualifications, limitations or
restrictions thereof (including conversion into or exchange for Apache Common
Stock or other securities of Apache or its subsidiaries), as may be stated and
expressed in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of such
stock adopted by the Board of Directors.  Apache has no current plans to issue
any preferred stock.

ITEM 4.  DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

         Not applicable

ITEM 5.  INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL.

         Not applicable.





                                     II - 2
<PAGE>   4
ITEM 6.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

         Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL"), inter
alia, authorizes a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or
is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed
action, suit or proceeding (other than an action by or in the right of the
corporation) because the person is or was a director, officer, employee or
agent of another corporation or other enterprise, against expenses (including
attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and
reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the suit or proceeding if
the person acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in
or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to
any criminal action or proceeding, had no reason to believe his conduct was
unlawful.  Similar indemnity is authorized against expenses (including
attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred in defense or settlement of
any pending, completed or threatened action or suit if such person acted in
good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to
the best interests of the corporation, and provided further that (unless a
court of competent jurisdiction otherwise provides) the person shall not have
been adjudged liable to the corporation.  The indemnification may be made only
as authorized in each specific case upon a determination by the stockholders or
disinterested directors that indemnification is proper because the indemnitee
has met the applicable standard of conduct.

         Section 145 further authorizes a corporation to purchase and maintain
insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee
or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the
corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or
enterprise, against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in
any capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the
corporation would otherwise have the power to indemnify him.  Apache maintains
policies insuring the officers and directors of Apache and its subsidiaries
against certain liabilities for actions taken in their capacities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act").

         Article VII of Apache's Bylaws provides, in substance, that directors,
officers, employees and agents of Apache shall be indemnified to the extent
permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL.  Additionally, Article Seventeen of
Apache's Restated Certificate of Incorporation eliminates in certain
circumstances the monetary liability of directors of Apache for a breach of
their fiduciary duty as directors.  These provisions do not eliminate the
liability of a director (i) for a breach of a director's duty of loyalty to the
corporation or its stockholders; (ii) for acts or omissions by a director not
in good faith; (iii) for acts or omissions by a director involving intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of the law; (iv) under Section 174 of the
DGCL (relating to the declaration of dividends and purchase or redemption of
shares in violation of the DGCL); and (v) for transactions from which the
director derived an improper personal benefit.

ITEM 7.  EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED.

         Not applicable.





                                     II - 3
<PAGE>   5
ITEM 8.  EXHIBITS.

The following exhibits are filed herewith unless otherwise indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER           DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
- ------           ----------------------
<S>              <C>
4.1              Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Apache Corporation
                 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Apache's Annual
                 Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                 1993, Commission File No. 1-4300)

4.2              Bylaws of Apache Corporation (incorporated by reference to
                 Exhibit 3.3 to Apache's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
                 fiscal year ended December 31, 1992, Commission File No.
                 1-4300)

4.3              Form of Apache Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by
                 reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Amendment No. 1 to Apache's
                 Registration Statement on Form S-3, Registration No. 33-5097,
                 filed with the Commission on May 16, 1986)

4.4              Rights Agreement dated as of January 10, 1986, between Apache
                 and First Trust Company, Inc., rights agent, relating to the
                 declaration of Rights to Apache's common stockholders of
                 record on January 24, 1986 (incorporated by reference to
                 Exhibit 4.9 to Apache's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
                 fiscal year ended December 31, 1985, Commission File No.
                 1-4300)

4.5              Indenture dated as of May 15, 1992, among Apache and Norwest
                 Bank, Minnesota, N.A. as trustee, relating to Apache's 9.25%
                 Notes due 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.01 to
                 Apache's Registration Statement on Form S-3, Registration No.
                 33-47363, filed with the Commission on April 21, 1992)

4.6              Fiscal Agency Agreement dated as of January 4, 1995, between
                 Apache and Chemical Bank, as fiscal agent, relating to
                 Apache's 6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2002
                 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Apache's Current
                 Report on Form 8-K/A dated December 6, 1994, Commission File
                 No. 1-4300)

4.7              Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger among 
                 Apache, XPX Acquisitions, Inc. and DEKALB, dated December 21, 
                 1994 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Amendment 
                 No. 3 to Apache's Registration Statement on Form S-4, 
                 Registration No. 33-57321, filed April 14, 1995)

4.8              DEKALB Stock Option Plan and form of Stock Option Agreement
                 (incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.3 and 10.4 to
                 Amendment No. 1 to DEKALB's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
                 fiscal year ended August 31, 1986, Commission File No. 0-2886)

4.9              DEKALB Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to
                 Exhibit 10.16 to DEKALB's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
                 the quarter ended March 31, 1990, Commission File No. 0-2886)

 *5.1            Opinion of legal counsel regarding legality of securities
                 being registered

*23.1            Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP

 23.2            Consent of legal counsel included in Exhibit 5.1

*23.3            Consent of Ryder Scott Company Petroleum Engineers

 24.1            Power of Attorney included in Part II of the Registration
                 Statement
</TABLE>

- -------------------
*Filed herewith



                                     II - 4
<PAGE>   6
ITEM 9.  UNDERTAKINGS.

(a)      The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

         (1)  To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

         (i)  To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the
         Securities Act of 1933;

         (ii)  To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
         the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
         post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
         aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
         in the registration statement;

         (iii)  To include any material information with respect to the plan of
         distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or
         any material change to such information in the registration statement;

Provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the
registration statement is on Form S-3 or Form S-8 and the information required
to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained
in periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference
in the registration statement.

         (2)     That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to
be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide offering thereof.

         (3)     To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.

(b)      The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(c)      Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise,
the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event
that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer
or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any
action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.





                                     II - 5
<PAGE>   7
                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets
all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized in the City of Houston, State of Texas.

                                            APACHE CORPORATION




Date: May 30, 1995                      By: /s/ Raymond Plank
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Raymond Plank,
                                            Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

         The officers and directors of Apache Corporation, whose signatures
appear below, hereby constitute and appoint Z. S.  Kobiashvili, Mark A. Jackson
and Clyde E. McKenzie, and each of them (with full power to each of them to act
alone), the true and lawful attorney-in-fact to sign and execute, on behalf of
the undersigned, any amendment(s) to this Registration Statement and each of
the undersigned does hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys shall do
or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.*



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

SIGNATURE                          TITLE                                 DATE
- ---------                          -----                                 ----
<S>                                <C>                               <C>
/s/ Raymond Plank                  Chairman and Chief Executive
- ------------------------------      Officer (Principal Executive
Raymond Plank                         Officer)                       May 30, 1995


/s/ Mark A. Jackson                Vice President, Finance           May 30, 1995
- ------------------------------
Mark A. Jackson


/s/ R. Kent Samuel                 Controller and Chief
- ------------------------------      Accounting Officer
R. Kent Samuel                       (Principal Accounting
                                       Officer)                      May 30, 1995
</TABLE>

*  Apache Corporation does not have a Principal Financial Officer.





<PAGE>   8
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE                            TITLE                DATE
- ---------                            -----                ----
<S>                                  <C>               <C>
/s/ Frederick M. Bohen               Director
- -------------------------------
Frederick M. Bohen                                     May 30, 1995


/s/ Virgil B. Day                    Director
- -------------------------------
Virgil B. Day                                          May 30, 1995


/s/ G. Steven Farris                 Director
- -------------------------------
G. Steven Farris                                       May 30, 1995


/s/ Randolph M. Ferlic               Director
- -------------------------------
Randolph M. Ferlic                                     May 30, 1995


/s/ Eugene C. Fiedorek               Director
- -------------------------------
Eugene C. Fiedorek                                     May 30, 1995


/s/ W. Brooks Fields                 Director
- -------------------------------
W. Brooks Fields                                       May 30, 1995


/s/ Robert V. Gisselbeck             Director
- -------------------------------
Robert V. Gisselbeck                                   May 30, 1995


/s/ Stanley K. Hathaway              Director
- -------------------------------
Stanley K. Hathaway                                    May 30, 1995


/s/ John A. Kocur                    Director
- -------------------------------
John A. Kocur                                          May 30, 1995


/s/ Jay A. Precourt                  Director
- -------------------------------
Jay A. Precourt                                        May 30, 1995


/s/ Joseph A. Rice                   Director
- -------------------------------
Joseph A. Rice                                         May 30, 1995
</TABLE>




<PAGE>   9
                              INDEX TO EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are filed herewith unless otherwise indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER           DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
- ------           ----------------------
<S>              <C>
4.1              Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Apache Corporation
                 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Apache's Annual
                 Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                 1993, Commission File No. 1-4300)

4.2              Bylaws of Apache Corporation (incorporated by reference to
                 Exhibit 3.3 to Apache's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
                 fiscal year ended December 31, 1992, Commission File No.
                 1-4300)

4.3              Form of Apache Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by
                 reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Amendment No. 1 to Apache's
                 Registration Statement on Form S-3, Registration No. 33-5097,
                 filed with the Commission on May 16, 1986)

4.4              Rights Agreement dated as of January 10, 1986, between Apache
                 and First Trust Company, Inc., rights agent, relating to the
                 declaration of Rights to Apache's common stockholders of
                 record on January 24, 1986 (incorporated by reference to
                 Exhibit 4.9 to Apache's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
                 fiscal year ended December 31, 1985, Commission File No.
                 1-4300)

4.5              Indenture dated as of May 15, 1992, among Apache and Norwest
                 Bank, Minnesota, N.A. as trustee, relating to Apache's 9.25%
                 Notes due 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.01 to
                 Apache's Registration Statement on Form S-3, Registration No.
                 33-47363, filed with the Commission on April 21, 1992)

4.6              Fiscal Agency Agreement dated as of January 4, 1995, between
                 Apache and Chemical Bank, as fiscal agent, relating to
                 Apache's 6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2002
                 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Apache's Current
                 Report on Form 8-K/A dated December 6, 1994, Commission File
                 No. 1-4300)

4.7              Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger among 
                 Apache, XPX Acquisitions, Inc. and DEKALB, dated December 21, 
                 1994 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Amendment 
                 No. 3 to Apache's Registration Statement on Form S-4, 
                 Registration No. 33-57321, filed April 14, 1995)

4.8              DEKALB Stock Option Plan and form of Stock Option Agreement
                 (incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.3 and 10.4 to
                 Amendment No. 1 to DEKALB's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
                 fiscal year ended August 31, 1986, Commission File No. 0-2886)

4.9              DEKALB Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to
                 Exhibit 10.16 to DEKALB's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
                 the quarter ended March 31, 1990, Commission File No. 0-2886)

 *5.1            Opinion of legal counsel regarding legality of securities
                 being registered

*23.1            Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP

 23.2            Consent of legal counsel included in Exhibit 5.1

*23.3            Consent of Ryder Scott Company Petroleum Engineers

 24.1            Power of Attorney included in Part II of the Registration
                 Statement
</TABLE>

- -------------------
*Filed herewith



                                 

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1



                        [Apache Corporation Letterhead]


                                  May 26, 1995


Apache Corporation
2000 Post Oak Boulevard
Suite 100
Houston, Texas 77056-4400

Gentlemen:

         I am rendering this opinion in my capacity as Assistant General
Counsel of Apache Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), in
connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration
Statement") filed on or about this date by the Company under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, and relating to 6,575 shares of the Company's common
stock, $1.25 par value (the "Common Stock"), to be offered under the DEKALB
Energy Company Stock Option Plan and DEKALB Energy Company Long Term Incentive
Plan (the "Plans").

         In connection therewith, I have examined the Registration Statement,
the corporate proceedings with respect to the offering of shares and such other
documents and instruments as I have deemed necessary or appropriate for the
expression of the opinion contained herein.

         On the basis of the foregoing, and having regard for such legal
considerations I have deemed relevant, it is my opinion that the 6,575 shares
of Common Stock to be registered have been duly authorized for issuance and
sale, and when issued in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Plans,
will be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

         I express no opinion as to the laws of any jurisdiction other than the
State of Texas and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

         I consent to the inclusion of this letter as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference in the Prospectus included as part
of the Registration Statement to my having issued the opinion expressed herein.

                                                Very truly yours,

                                                /s/ Eric L. Harry

                                                Eric L. Harry
                                                Assistant General Counsel






<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1




                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our report dated March 1, 1995 on
the audited consolidated financial statements of Apache Corporation and
subsidiaries included in Apache Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1994 and to the incorporation by reference in this
registration statement of our report dated March 14, 1995 on the audited
Statement of Combined Revenues and Direct Operating Expenses for the Oil and
Gas Properties of Texaco Exploration and Production Inc. Sold to Apache
Corporation included in Apache Corporation's Amendment No. 1 on Form 8-K/A to
the Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 1, 1995, and to all references to
our Firm included in this registration statement.



                                        /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

                                        ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Houston, Texas
May 30, 1995






<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.3


                             [Ryder Scott Company]
                             [Petroleum Engineers]
                                  [Letterhead]


                         CONSENT OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERS

         As independent petroleum engineers, we hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference into Apache Corporation's registration statement on
Form S-8 of the information from our reports included or incorporated by
reference in Apache's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 1994.



                                        /s/ Ryder Scott Company
                                            Petroleum Engineers

                                        RYDER SCOTT COMPANY
                                        PETROLEUM ENGINEERS

Houston, Texas
May 30, 1995







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