Mesa has acquired a 7.2% stake in KN Energy.

In a filing with the SEC, Mesa Petroleum said it may acquire up to 10% of the Lakewood, Colo.-based gas producer “for investment purposes.” Mesa, based in Amarillo, Tex., said it paid $22 million for its 640,000 shares. Chairman T. Boone Pickens said his firm bought the stock because KN Energy has said it plans to distribute interests in its oil and gas properties directly to shareholders. Mesa made a bid to acquire KN Energy in 1983 but later withdrew its offer.