By Scott Murdoch (Reuters) -Australian oil and gas producer Santos said on Monday it intended to support an $18.7 billion takeover bid from an international consortium led by Abu Dhabi's National Oil Company (ADNOC).

Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. made an $18.7 billion offer for Australian fossil fuel producer Santos Ltd., the latest move by the Middle Eastern company to expand production of liquefied natural gas.

The South Australian government has warned that any takeover of domestic oil and gas giant Santos by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company must preserve the state’s economic interests, saying it has “levers” it can pull as the UAE behemoth closes in on control.