"QGC's priority focus will be on seeking to commercialise any coal seam gas reserves that are discovered as soon as possible, in the event of QGC gaining control of Roma Petroleum," Cottee said.

"The proven track record of QGC is one of strategic partnerships and action to create value for shareholders. I welcome Roma Petroleum's shareholders to QGC to participate in another chapter of growth."

The acreage covered by Roma Petroleum's PL 171 lease in the northeast Surat Basin is prospective for CSM, and close to QGC's ATP 651P and ATP 574P permits.

A supplementary bidder's statement from QGC is being sent to Roma Petroleum shareholders, who are urged to sign and return the accompanying acceptance form to accept QGC's recommended offer.

Roma's board has unanimously recommended QGC's takeover offer of 11c cash and 0.0177 QGC shares for each Roma share over Bow Energy's rival bid of five Bow shares for seven Roma shares.

The directors have accepted the offer for all the Roma shares they hold or control.

Even though the QGC bid is at a discount to the Bow offer, Roma's directors said the cash component of QGC's bid and the relative liquidity of the larger company's shares made its offer superior.

Roma said its shareholders would have held almost 55% of Bow if that company's offer had succeeded, making Bow's share price vulnerable if Roma shareholders decided to sell.

By contrast, Roma shareholders will hold no more than 0.55% of QGC.

However, the directors conceded that the Bow offer could be more attractive to shareholders willing to accept a higher risk for potential higher reward.

QGC's relevant interest in Roma Petroleum rose to 30.7% of Roma shares by midday today. Bow began its bid with a 10.2% stake in Roma.