Pipeline Consortium APA Group could most likely win the takeover battle over Hastings Diversified Utilities Fund (HDF) after rival bidder Pipeline Partners Australia (PPA) announced on Monday it no longer plans to match APA's raised bid.

On Friday, APA increased the cash component of its cash and share bid over HDF by 4.8 per cent, making its bid superior over PPA's all-cash offer of $2.43 per HDF security. APA would increase its bid by 18 cents in cash, to 80 cents in cash and 0.39 APA securities for each HDF security.

Although PPA midnight of Tuesday to rival APA's offer with a better offer, it said on Monday it is already withdrawing from the rat race.

"PPA notes last Friday's announcement by APA Group regarding its offer for HDF," PPA said in a statement on Monday.

"PPA has no intention of exercising its matching right in accordance with the terms of the takeover bid implementation deed entered into with HDF."

At stake in the takeover bid are two key gas pipelines that HDF owns which serve Australia's main onshore gas hub, Moomba.

HDF's board said it would meet to consider APA's revised offer.

APA previously gave an offer for 62 cents in cash and 0.39 APA securities, giving an implied offer value of $2.45.