LONDON, Nov 19 (Reuters) - Investor confidence in the RoyalDutch Shell's proposed $70 billion acquisition of BGGroup rose on Thursday after the merger won a keyapproval from Australian regulators.
The premium of Shell's combined cash and share offer to BGshares narrowed to below 9 percent on Thursday, according toReuters data. (graphic: http://link.reuters.com/qyf54w)
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) earlier gave its unconditional clearance for the deal which willmake Shell the world's top liquefied natural gas (LNG) traderand a key offshore oil producer.
The merger still requires the green light from Chineseregulators. Shell hopes to complete the deal by early next year.
(Reporting by Ron Bousso; Editing by Mark Potter)
