** Proposed tie-up of top LNG producers Shell & BG a likely positive for Ophir Energy whose sharesare up 8.1 pct since news of the deal
** Ophir has a focus on east Africa - a significant prospectfor export of LNG - says Neil Veitch, manager of the SVM UKOpportunities Fund
** Ophir initially discovered offshore gas in Tanzania2010-2011, which led to BG partnering with them there; eastAfrica key given size of natural gas discoveries there &proximity to Asia's major LNG consumers
** Having Shell as a partner relative to BG could providemore certainty around Ophir's project timeline given Shell's fargreater financial resources, Veitch says; PM notes risk for alittle pressure on independent BG's balance sheet over time
** To fully exploit the potential for east African gas anLNG facility is required to allow shipment to Asia; Shellundoubtedly has the financial clout to finance this & Ophircould 'piggy-back' off it, Veitch says
** Shell/BG merger vote of confidence in LNG (BG has some ofworld's most ambitious LNG projects); concerns around LNG arisefrom it being a relatively immature industry with uncertainpricing dynamics (& Asia's LNG markets reflect oil price rout)
** PM holds Ophir by way of co's recent acquisition ofSalamander Energy in all-share deal (SVM originally held latterco) (RM: tricia.wright1.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)