Tulsa Mayor In Dallas To Meet With ETE About Williams Merger

Tulsa mayor Dewey Bartlett is in Dallas today to focus on the Williams-ETE deal.

On his Facebook page, Bartlett posted:

"Today I'm in Dallas meeting with the CEO of ETE, Kelcy Warren. I'm hopeful that the discussions will be productive in finding a solution that keeps Williams in Tulsa."

Reuters reported this weekend that Energy Transfer Equity chief executive said today the company cannot close the deal with Williams Companies because of tax issues.

After meeting with ETE, Bartlett said, "I was very thankful that Mr. Warren took the time to meet with us and hear our position about Tulsa and keeping Williams in place here. I am focused on keeping jobs and Williams in Tulsa. Mr. Warren was sensitive to and appreciative of what Williams means to our community. We fully understand the challenges and obligations that exist between the companies that have agreed to enter into the merger. We are working to establish a relationship and a line of communication so that the best outcome can be achieved for both Williams, Energy Transfer and Tulsa."

Energy Transfer says it's open to restructuring the deal, but if that doesn't happen, then the deal is off.

Williams has claimed ETE is trying to get out of the merger even though terms of the deal don't allow it.

Williams is already suing Energy Transfer over what it claims is a violation of the merger agreement.

We spoke to a local asset manager who says the countdown is on to the June 28 deadline, so both parties can walk away without paying break-up fees.

3/24/2016 Related Story: Tulsa Leaders: Merger Of Williams And Energy Transfer Is Bad Deal