1305 [Dow Jones] Queensland Gas (QGC.AU) in trading halt as...

1305 [Dow Jones] Queensland Gas (QGC.AU) in trading halt as board meets to consider a transaction. QGC says it anticipates making "various announcements" to the market. The Australian Gas Light Company (AGL.AU) has a 27.8% stake in QGC, but is prevented from upping its stake for another year under an agreement between the two companies. However, if another bidder emerges, AGL is freed of that restriction, so a takeover bid becomes possible. One analyst doubts announcement will be of a takeover and says more likely to be QGC investing in liquids project or pipeline, or taking stake in another project. AGL spokesman says company doesn't comment on market speculation. (APW)