BG Group plc

BG Group plc is listed on NYSE (BRG). 4.A. BG Group plc engages in the exploration, production, transmission, distribution, and supply of natural gas. It primarily operates in four segments: Exploration and Production, Liquefied Natural Gas, Transmission and Distribution, and Power Generation. The Exploration and Production segment engages in the exploration, development, production, and marketing of hydrocarbons with a focus on gas. The Liquefied Natural Gas segment develops and operates liquefied natural gas liquefaction and regasification facilities; and purchases, ships, and sells liquefied natural gas and regasified natural gas. The Transmission and Distribution segment develops, owns, and operates pipelines and distribution networks, and supplies gas through these networks to the end customer. The Power Generation segment develops, owns, and operates natural gas-fired power generation plants worldwide. BG Group also operates cogeneration and related energy supply services, and compressed natural gas stations supplying natural gas for vehicles in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

BHP Billiton Limited

BHP Billiton Limited is listed on NYSE (BHP). BHP is the world's largest diversified resources group with a combined market capitalisation of approximately US$120 billion as of 30 June 2006. BHP Billiton Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in mining, drilling, and processing mineral resources. It produces iron ore, copper, nickel metal, manganese, diamonds, silver, titanium, aluminium, and uranium. The company also engages in the exploration, production, and development of oil and natural gas in Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Algeria, Trinidad and Tobago, and Pakistan. The company also exports metallurgical coal for the steel industry, and energy coal. In addition, it has exploration interests in the United States, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, Pakistan, Algeria, Brunei Darussalam, South Africa, Canada, and the Philippines. BHP Billiton Limited was founded in 1885 and is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.