PEABODY HOLDING COMPLETES ACQUISITION <Peabody Holding Co Inc> said it has completed its acquisition of substantially all Eastern Gas and Fuel Associate's <EFU> coal properties for 15.01 pct of Peabody Holding's stock. Peabody said the purchase includes seven underground mines and seven coal preparation plants currently operated by Eastern, as well as coal properties being mined by several contractors in West Virginia. The acquisition also involves about 800 mln tons of coal reserves, mostly in West Va., and includes Eastern's coal reserves and inactive Powderhorn operations near Palisade, Colo, Peabody said. Peabody added that it expects to announce within the next week how it will staff and operate the properties and offices it has acquired from Eastern.