*** CALGARY - Talisman Energy Inc. and its South African partner are speeding up their development in the Montney, a large shale natural gas play that stretches through parts of Alberta and British Columbia.
In December, Sasol agreed to pay $1.05 billion for a half-stake in Talisman's Farrell Creek properties, which the Canadian company will continue to operate.
"We've collectively decided to increase and accelerate the pace of activity in our Farrell Creek area," said Paul Smith, the executive in charge of Talisman's North American operations. ***