MASON BEST FORMS ENERGY HOLDING COMPANY
<Mason Best Co> said it has formed
<Meridian Energy Corp>, a privately-owned holding company
structured to acquire operating companies ans assets in the oil
and gas industry.
    Mason Best, a Texas-based merchant banking firm, said it is
sponsor and largest shareholder of Meridian. The new company's
chairman and chief executive officer is  Ralph E. Bailey, who
retired as vice-chairman of Du Pont Co <DD> and chairman of its
Conoco Inc subsidiary on March 31.
    Meridian is headquartered in Dallas with an administrative
office in Stamford, Conn.
 Reuter
