Why Anglo's self-amputation plan could keep the BHP wolf at bay

When in the clutches of a predator, lizards, salamanders, worms and even some spiders will effortlessly shed body parts in a bid to escape the threat.

Anglo American too has chosen life over limb in launching an extensive self-amputation plan this week. But will it be enough to keep a takeover threat from BHP at bay?

Weighed down by highly cyclical assets and some operational challenges – but with stellar copper mines in its portfolio – Anglo has increasingly been viewed as a tasty acquisition target.