The Australian energy company in the throes of a bid approach from BG Group has asked for trading in its shares to be suspended as speculation mounted that the British gas producer was ready to increase its offer for the company.

Origin Energy, one of the biggest natural gas producers in Australia, said trading in its shares had been halted pending an announcement expected within days.

BG first said a month ago that it was looking to pay A$14.70 a share for the company in a deal that would value Origin at around £6bn. That already was a premium of 40pc to Origin's closing price the day before the approach was made. ... Read full article