OSLO, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Norway has reached a deal with

seven private owners for a government takeover of much of the

country's extensive gas pipeline network from 2024 onwards, the

Norwegian energy ministry said on Tuesday.

Norway in 2023 announced plans to nationalise most of its

vast gas pipeline network, a major processing plant and other

infrastructure when many existing concessions expire in 2028,

and had invited current owners to negotiate a transition.