Australia's second-largest gas producer Santos said on Monday it intended to support an all-cash $18.7 billion takeover bid from an international consortium led by Abu Dhabi's National Oil Company (ADNOC),

Adelaide-based Santos said that XRG, comprised of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company and US private equity fund Carlyle, had tabled an indicative cash offer of US$5.76 a share — equivalent to A$8.89 — which represented a 28 per cent premium to the company’s closing share price last week.

Dubai Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, via its XRG investment arm, has launched an A$8.89‑per‑share all‑cash takeover offer worth roughly US$18.7 billion for Santos, Australia’s second‑largest gas producer.