According to Bloomberg, RBC Capital Markets analyst Peter Hutton said that majors ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell and Chevron had the capacity to bid for BG after Finlayson resigned.
"With around $US200 billion in treasury shares, Exxon Mobil is mechanically better placed for a cash and stock offer for BG," Hutton reportedly wrote in a client note.
"Without a management track record and undergoing fundamental review of its plans, it is now more plausible to see BG as a potential acquisition target."
BG said that Finlayson, who resigned after just 15 months in the top job, left for personal reasons.
BG shares climbed as much as 3.2% yesterday, hitting the highest intraday price since January 24.
