Origin selects Conoco for LNG venture

SYDNEY, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Origin Energy Ltd (ORG.AX), the target of BG Group Plc's (BG.L) A$13.7 billion ($11.3 billion) takeover offer, has selected ConocoPhillips (COP.N) as a joint venture partner to convert coal seam gas into liquefied natural gas (LNG), Origin said in a statement on Monday.

ConocoPhillips would invest up to A$9.6 billion for a 50 percent share of the joint venture, the statement said. ($1=A$1.21) (Reporting by Denny Thomas)