Anglo American plc

London United Kingdom

  (London: AAL)

Company Description

Anglo American's name might be a little misleading -- it has never been American. The UK-based company owns significant stakes in global producers of platinum (75% of Anglo Platinum) and diamonds (45% of De Beers S.A.). In addition, Anglo American has interests in ferrous and base metals and industrial minerals; it also is among the world's largest coal miners. The company spent much of the 2000s reorganizing its portfolio and narrowing its focus. Although it used to have a majority stake in AngloGold Ashanti, Anglo American divested its remaining shares in 2009. The founding Oppenheimer family no longer controls Anglo American, and PLC Nominees (Pty) Limited holds more than 35% of the stock.