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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
by reference in this registration statement of our report dated March 1, 1995
included in Energy Ventures, Inc.'s (the "Company") Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1994, to the inclusion in this registration statement of our report
dated March 1, 1995 related to the Company's consolidated financial statements
for the year ended December 31, 1994 and to all references to our Firm included
in this registration statement.
 
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Houston, Texas
August 17, 1995