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) July 24, 2002
HALLADOR PETROLEUM COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
Colorado 0-14731 84-1014610
(State or other juris- (Commission (IRS Employer
diction of incorporation) file number) Identification No.)
1660 Lincoln Street, Suite 2700, Denver, CO 80264
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 303.839.5504
ITEM 4. CHANGES IN REGISTRANT'S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
(a) Previous Independent Accountants
On July 24, 2002, Arthur Andersen LLP ("Andersen") was dismissed as independent
accountants for Hallador Petroleum Company (the "Company") effective
immediately. The decision to dismiss Andersen was recommended by the Audit
Committee of the Board of Directors and was approved by the Board of Directors
on July 24, 2002.
Andersen's reports on the Company's financial statements for the two fiscal
years ended December 31, 2000 and December 31, 2001, did not contain an
adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified
as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. During the Company's
two most recent fiscal years and the period from January 1, 2002 through the
date of Andersen's termination, there were no disagreements between the
Company and Andersen on any matter of accounting principles or practices,
financial statements disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which
disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Andersen, would have
caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in
connection with its reports. In addition, during the above-stated period,
there were no reportable events as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of
Regulation S-K.
The Company has provided a copy of the foregoing statements to Andersen.
Although the Company requested a letter from Andersen stating its agreement
with such statements and although the Company has used reasonable efforts to
obtain such letter, the Company has not been able to obtain the letter.
(b)New Independent Accountants
Effective July 24, 2002, the Company appointed KPMG LLP ("KPMG") as its new
independent accountants for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002. The
decision to appoint KPMG was recommended by the Audit Committee of the Board
of Directors and was approved by the Board of Directors on July 24, 2002.
During the two most recent fiscal years and through the date of engaging
KPMG, the Company did not consult with KPMG regarding any of the matters or
events set forth in Items 304(a)(2)(i) and (ii) of Regulation S-K.
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.
HALLADOR PETROEUM COMPANY
(Registrant)
Dated: July 30, 2002 By /s/ Victor P. Stabio
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Victor P. Stabio
Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer
Signing on behalf of the registrant
and as principal financial officer.