1 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 7, 2001 ------------ The Williams Companies, Inc. ------------------------------------------------------ (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 1-4174 73-0569878 -------- ------ ---------- (State or other (Commission (I.R.S. Employer jurisdiction of File Number) Identification No.) incorporation) One Williams Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74172 --------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 918/573-2000 ------------ Not Applicable -------------- (Former name or former address, if changed since last report) 1 2 Item 5. Other Events. The Williams Companies, Inc. (the "Company") announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Barrett Resources (NYSE:BRR). Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits. The Company files the following exhibit as part of this report: Exhibit 99. Copy of the Company's press release dated May 7, 2001, publicly announcing the information reported herein. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. THE WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC. Date: May 7, 2001 /s/ Suzanne H. Costin ---------------------------- Name: Suzanne H. Costin Title: Corporate Secretary 2 3 EXHIBIT INDEX EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION ------- ----------- 99 Copy of the Company's press release dated May 7, 2001, publicly announcing the information reported herein.