SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)
FEBRUARY 17, 1997
ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
TEXAS 75-17443247
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(State or Other Jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer
of Incorporation or Identification No.)
Organization)
1800 THREE LINCOLN CENTRE, 5430
LBJ FREEWAY, DALLAS, TEXAS 75240
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(Address of Principal Executive (Zip Code)
Offices)
Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code
(972) 934-9227
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(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS
a. On February 17, 1997, the Registrant announced in a news
release that Robert F. Stephens had resigned as President
and Chief Operating Officer effective March 1, 1997. Mr.
Stephens, who became President and Chief Operating
Officer of the Registrant in February 1995, intends to
remain a member of the Board of Directors.
b. On February 24, 1997, the Registrant announced in a news
release that James F. Purser had resigned as Executive
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective
March 7, 1997. Mr. Purser, who became Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant
in May 1989, intends to remain a member of the Board of
Directors.
c. On February 24, 1997, the Registrant announced in a news
release that the Board of Directors had elected Robert W.
Best as Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer, effective March 8, 1997. In addition,
the Registrant announced that Charles K. Vaughan had
announced his resignation from the position of Chairman
of the Board effective with the employment of Mr. Best.
Mr. Vaughan, however, will remain a member of the Board
of Directors. The text of such news release is attached
hereto.
NEWS RELEASE
Date: Feb. 24, 1997 Atmos Media Contact:
Margaret Watson
(972)855-4050
For Release: Immediately Analyst/Investor Contact:
Jack Eversull
(972)855-3729
ROBERT BEST ELECTED CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND CEO
OF ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION
Dallas, Texas - The Board of Directors of Atmos Energy
Corporation have elected Robert W. Best chairman of the board,
president and chief executive officer, effective March 8, 1997.
Charles K. Vaughan announced his resignation from the position of
chairman of the board with Robert Best's employment, and will
remain a member of the Board of Directors.
Best, age 50, has served as senior vice president-regulated
businesses, for Consolidated Natural Gas Company of Pittsburgh,
Pa., since January 1996, responsible for its transmission and
distribution companies. He previously served as president of
Texas Gas Transmission Company of Owensboro, Ky., and Houston,
Texas, from 1985 to 1995, and from 1992 to 1995 he was president
of Transco Gas Pipeline. Best holds a J.D. degree from Indiana
University, and a B.S. degree in Political Science from Indiana
State University.
Vaughan said that his retirement as chairman of the board after
serving almost 40 years with Atmos and its predecessor company is
the second phase of his retirement. He has served as chairman of
the board of Atmos since 1983, and retired from active employment
as president and chief executive officer in 1994. The position
of CEO has been vacant since 1995.
Atmos announced in its December 27, 1996 proxy statement the
formation of an executive search committee for the purpose of
filling the CEO position. Atmos also recently announced
the resignation of Robert F. Stephens as president and chief
operating officer.
Atmos Energy Corporation provides natural gas service to more
than 680,000 customers in Texas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri,
Louisiana and Kentucky through its operating companies - Energas
Company, Greeley Gas Company, Trans Louisiana Gas Company and
Western Kentucky Gas Company.
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION
(Registrant)
DATE: February 27, 1997 By: /s/ Glen A. Blanscet
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Glen A. Blanscet,
Vice President,
General Counsel and
Corporate Secretary<PAGE>
