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Abstract
A profile of Seitel Inc. is presented. Seitel is a leading company in the seismic data business and markets the 2nd-largest domestic seismic data base available to the exploration and production industry. Seitel entered the seismic business in 1982 to acquire seismic data and then license it to oil and gas companies for their exploration efforts. As industry economics deteriorated, Seitel was able to buy more seismic data bases and in 1992, it made 4 data acquisitions that grew its data bank more than 5-fold. By 1992, three-dimensional seismic was becoming an important factor and recognizing this, Seitel added 3D to its operations. The company acquired state-of-the-art telemetry equipment and crews to operate in the marsh-transition zone along the Gulf Coast. Seitel is using its seismic technical expertise to create a large oil and gas company over the next few years. Its subsidiary, DDD Energy, will acquire oil and gas reserves working in partnership with operating companies. An interview with Seitel president and CEO Paul A. Frame is included.