EnCana CEO says split doesn't bring takeover risks

CALGARY, Alberta, May 11 (Reuters) - EnCana Corp's (ECA.TO: Quote, Profile, Research) chief executive said on Sunday the company's plan to split into natural gas and oil sands companies does not increase the risk either will be taken over.

Randy Eresman told reporters that both companies will have "normal" shareholder rights plans and that the size of new firms will keep would-be corporate predators at bay.

"Both are going to be very large entities in themselves," Eresman said. "By virtue of that we don't deem that their takeover risk is significantly enhanced by the (split)." (Reporting by Scott Haggett; Editing by Renato Andrade)