Origin shares jump 28 pct after Conoco deal

SYDNEY, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Shares in Australian takeover target Origin Energy Ltd (ORG.AX) surged as much as 27.7 percent on Monday after U.S. energy giant ConocoPhillips (COP.N) agreed to pay up to A$9.6 billion ($8 billion) for a 50 percent stake in a joint venture project.

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By 0008 GMT, Origin shares were up 25.6 percent at A$19.66, compared with BG Group Pc's (BG.L) offer price of A$15.50 per share. ($1=A$1.21) (Reporting by Denny Thomas;) ((denny.thomas@reuters.com; +61 2 9373 1812; Reuters Messaging: denny.thomas.reuters.com@reuters.net))