Australia's biggest producer of gas from coal seams, Origin Energy, will start considering a break-up or partnership after rejecting a A$13.6 billion (£6.5bn) takeover offer from BG Group.

The company's options include splitting off the coal seam gas business or forming a venture for liquefied natural gas production, Origin Energy's managing director Grant King said today. The Sydney-based company, whose shares rose to a record today, has had approaches from "very credible" LNG companies, he said. ... Read full article