** Shares of Finder Energy Holdings FDR.AX rise as much as 26.2% to A$0.082 to hit highest level since January 12, 2024; last up 21.5%
** Oil and gas explorer heading for best day since January 6, 2025, if gains hold
** Finder signs agreement with energy technology company SLB to advance development of its Kuda Tasi and Jahal oil fields near Timor-Leste
** Says deal will accelerate completion of key drilling and subsea front-end engineering and design components of oilfields by about 12 months
** Stock up ~102% this year, including the day's move
(Reporting by John Biju in Bengaluru)
((John.Biju@thomsonreuters.com))