Canadian government blocks Petronas bid for Progress Energy

TORONTO (REUTERS) - The Canadian governent blocked Malaysian state oil company Petronas' C$5.17 billion (S$ 6.37 billion) bid for gas producer Progress Energy Resources on Friday, in a ruling that could have huge implications for the far larger proposed takeover of Nexen by China's state-owned CNOOC.

"I can confirm that I have sent a notice letter to Petronas indicating that I am not satisfied that the proposed investment is likely to be of net benefit to Canada," said Christian Paradis, Canada's Minister of Industry in a statement.

Petronas has up to 30 days to make any additional representations and submit any further undertakings that could make the deal more palatable to the Canadian government.