El Paso Exploration & Production Co., a subsidiary of El Paso Corp., Houston, (NYSE: EP) plans to acquire producing properties and undeveloped acreage in Zapata County, Texas, from Houston-based Laredo Energy III LP and other unnamed companies for approximately $255 million. The assets are 100% operated with an 85% average working interest on 27,000 gross acres (23,000 net) complement El Paso's existing Texas Gulf Coast operations in the Bob West Field and provide a re-entry into the Lobo trend. Net production is approximately 19 million cubic feet equivalent per day with proved reserves of approximately 84 billion cubic feet equivalent (73% undeveloped).