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UNITED STATES
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): June 25, 1997
BENTON OIL AND GAS COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 1-10762 77-0196707
(State or other (Commission (IRS Employer
jurisdiction of File Number) Identification No.)
incorporation)
1145 Eugenia Place, Suite 200
Carpinteria, California 93013
(Address of principal executive offices, with zip code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (805) 566-5600
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ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS.
Pursuant to the Company's previously announced stock repurchase
program, the Company purchased 50,000 shares of its Common Stock in the open
market on June 25, 1997, at a purchase price of $13.94 per share.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(a) Financial Statement of Businesses Acquired.
None
(b) Pro Forma Financial Information.
None
(c) Exhibits.
None
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SIGNATURES
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 on this 2nd day of July, 1997.
BENTON OIL AND GAS COMPANY
By: /s/ Chris C. Hickok
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Chris C. Hickok, Vice President-Controller
and Principal Accounting Officer
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