Along with its deep experience, BHP Billiton’s size is a Key advantage. In the natural-resources industry mines and companies often change hands. Large companies can buy new asset and fight off hungry competitors. Ln fact, from 1983 to 1986, a competitor tried (and failed) to buy BHP four different times. Lt no longer seems likely that BHP Billiton, with a stock value of more than $175 billion, will be devoured by another company.