• Cue Energy Resources Limited (ASX: CUE) has made an application to the Takeovers Panel regarding Horizon Oil Limited's (ASX: HZN) off-market takeover bid
• Concerns around undisclosed association between Horizon and substantial shareholder Echelon Resources Limited (ASX: ECH)
• Cue seeks interim and final orders to address alleged issues with the takeover process

Cue Energy Resources Limited (ASX: CUE) has made an application to the Takeovers Panel in relation to Horizon Oil Limited's (ASX: HZN) off-market takeover bid for Cue. The application concerns Horizon's pre-bid agreement with Cue's substantial shareholder Echelon Resources Limited (ASX: ECH), as well as related arrangements involving Echelon. Cue alleges that there is an undisclosed association between Horizon and Echelon, and that Horizon's pre-bid agreement with Echelon has reduced the prospect of a potential auction for the control of Cue developing. Cue also claims that the pre-bid agreement and Echelon's intention statement have had a chilling effect on the auction for the control of Cue. Additionally, Cue alleges that the conduct of the Echelon nominees on Cue's board in failing to notify the remaining directors of Horizon's intention to make a takeover bid has magnified the impact of the above issues. Cue is seeking various interim and final orders from the Panel to address these concerns and ensure the proposed acquisition of control over Cue shares by Horizon takes place in an efficient, competitive and informed market.