UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 15
CERTIFICATION AND NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF REGISTRATION UNDER SECTION 12(g) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 OR SUSPENSION OF DUTY TO FILE REPORTS UNDER
SECTIONS 13 AND 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 333-50235
The Houston Exploration Company
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
1100 Louisiana, Suite 2000, Houston, Texas 77002-5215, (713) 830-6800
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(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
85/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008
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(Title of each class of securities covered by this Form)
Common Stock, $.01 par value
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(Titles of all other classes of securities for which a
duty to file reports under section 13(a) or 15(d) remains)
Please place an X in the box(es) to designate the appropriate rule
provision(s) relied upon to terminate or suspend the duty to file reports:
Rule 12g-4(a)(1)(i) [X] Rule 12h-3(b)(1)(ii) [ ]
Rule 12g-4(a)(1)(ii) [ ] Rule 12h-3(b)(2)(i) [ ]
Rule 12g-4(a)(2)(i) [ ] Rule 12h-3(b)(2)(ii) [ ]
Rule 12g-4(a)(2)(ii) [ ] Rule 15d-6 [ ]
Rule 12h-3(b)(1)(i) [X]
Approximate number of holders of record as of the certification or notice
date: 0
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, The Houston Exploration Company has caused this certification/notice to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned duly authorized person.
Date: July 17, 2003 By: /s/ James F. Westmoreland
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Name: James F. Westmoreland
Title: Vice President and Chief
Accounting Officer