Fina to move headquarters from Plano to Houston

by The Associated Press

Fina Inc. said Sept. 27 it will move its corporate headquarters from its new building in Plano to Houston.

Officials said the move would put the company in the hub of the U.S. petroleum industry and closer to its new corporate partners.

Fina’s founding parent, PetroFina S.A. of Belgium, merged earlier this year with Total S.A. of France to create TotalFina S.A., which in turn is merging with another French company, Elf Aquitane S.A. to become the world’s fourth largest oil company.

Company officials said the relocation decision was made by TotalFina management.

Fina said it is searching for a headquarters site in Houston. It expects to complete the move by summer 2000.

Fina only recently moved into a large headquarters along the Dallas North Tollway in Plano. Despite leaving such a new facility so soon, the move will save money by putting Fina staff in closer contact with TotalFina and Elf Aquitaine operations in Southeast Texas, officials said.

Fina’s exploration and production offices are already in Houston, and the company has large petrochemical facilities in the area.