Berkshire Hathaway: Difference between revisions

In 1955, Berkshire Fine Spinning Associates merged with [[Hathaway Mills]] which had been founded in 1888 in [[New Bedford, Massachusetts]], by [[Horatio Hathaway]] with profits from [[whaling]] and the [[China Trade]].<ref name=Grow>{{Cite book | last=Kenny | first=Graham | title=Diversification Strategy: How to Grow a Business by Diversifying Successfully | publisher=[[Kogan Page]] | isbn=978-0-7494-5664-1 | location=[[London]] | pages=160 | year=2009}}</ref> Hathaway had been successful in its first decades, but it suffered during a general decline in the [[textile industry]] after World War I. At this time, Hathaway was run by [[Seabury Stanton]], whose investment efforts were rewarded with renewed profitability after the [[Great Depression]]. After the merger, Berkshire Hathaway had 15 plants employing over 12,000 workers with over $120&nbsp;million in revenue, and was headquartered in [[New Bedford, Massachusetts|New Bedford]].<ref name=Grow/> However, seven of those locations were closed by the end of the decade, accompanied by large layoffs.

While Buffett maintained Berkshire's core business of textiles, he gradually moved capital to other industries, beginning with the March 1967 acquisition of the [[National Indemnity]] group of companies, which include National Indemnity Company, National Liability & Fire Insurance Company, and National Fire & Marine Insurance company, among others. It was valued at $35 per share, but Buffett offered $50 per share for the company, or $8.6 million.<ref>{{Cite book | last=Lu | first=Yefei | title=Inside the Investments of Warren Buffett: Twenty Cases |publisher=[[Columbia University Press]] | isbn=978-0-231-16462-7 | location=New York City | pages=69 | year=2016}}</ref>

[[David L. Sokol]], CEO of [[Berkshire Hathaway Energy]] until early 2008,<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.theledger.com/story/news/2010/08/24/berkshire-hathaway-exec-cant-break-away/26330976007/ | title=Berkshire Hathaway Exec Can't Break Away | first1=ANDREW | last1=FRYE | first2=BETTY | last2=LIU | work=[[The Ledger]] | date=August 24, 2010}}</ref> was a top lieutenant for Buffett. Sokol, who was paid $24 million per year, resigned from Berkshire in 2011 after it was disclosed that he personally made a $3 million profit from Berkshire Hathaway's purchase of [[Lubrizol]].<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2011/apr/30/warren-buffett-big-mistake-david-sokol-lubrizol | title=Warren Buffett admits 'I made a big mistake' over David Sokol's purchase of Lubrizol shares | first=Dominic | last=Rushe | work=The Guardian | date=April 30, 2011}}</ref>  

In October 2010, Berkshire announced that 39-year old [[Todd Combs]], manager of the [[hedge fund]] Castle Point Capital, would join as an [[investment manager]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE69O52R20101025 |title=Berkshire moves step closer to Buffett succession | work=Reuters |date=October 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101029044033/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE69O52R20101025|archive-date=October 29, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/26/business/26berkshire.html | title=Warren Buffett Hires Todd Combs to Invest for Berkshire | work=The New York Times | date=October 26, 2010 | url-access=limited}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.cnbc.com/2010/10/25/berkshires-hiring-of-hedge-fund-manager-creates-instant-leading-contender-for-warren-buffetts-investment-role.html | title=Buffett Watch: Berkshire's Hiring of Hedge Fund Manager Creates Instant Leading Contender for Warren Buffett's Investment Role | first=Alex | last=Crippen | work=[[CNBC]] | date=October 25, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/berkshire-names-new-investment-manager-2010-10-25 | title=Berkshire names new investment manager | first=Alistair | last=Barr | work=[[MarketWatch]] | date=October 25, 2010 | url-access=limited}}</ref>

In May 2021, Buffett named [[Greg Abel]] to be his successor as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/03/investing/warren-buffett-succesor-greg-abel/index.html |title=Warren Buffett names his successor | first=Chris | last=Isidore | work=CNN |date=May 3, 2021}}</ref>

In January 2010, as part of the acquisition of [[BNSF Railway]], Berkshire completed a 50-to-1 stock split of its [[class B share]]s. The increased [[market liquidity]] resulted in the company's inclusion in the [[S&P 500]] upon consummation of the acquisition.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60P6OO20100126/ | title=Berkshire Hathaway to join S&P 500, shares soar | first=Jonathan | last=Stempel | work=Reuters | date=January 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100130141857/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60P6OO20100126?type=globalMarketsNews |archive-date=January 30, 2010 | url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://money.cnn.com/2010/02/12/news/companies/Berkshire_Hathaway_Buffett/ | title=Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway joins S&P 500 Index | work=CNN | date=February 12, 2010 | first=Hibah | last=Yousuf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100424085533/https://money.cnn.com/2010/02/12/news/companies/Berkshire_Hathaway_Buffett/ | archive-date=April 24, 2010 | url-status=live}}</ref>

The salary for Buffett is $100,000 per year with no stock options,<ref name=14A/> which is among the lowest salaries<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.forbes.com/2001/04/26/buffett.html | title=Warren Buffett: Value Man Through And Through | work=[[Forbes]] | date=April 26, 2001 | url-access=limited | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213135405/https://www.forbes.com/2001/04/26/buffett.html|archive-date=February 13, 2018 | url-status=live}}</ref> for CEOs of large companies in the United States.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://money.cnn.com/2007/05/05/news/newsmakers/buffett/index.htm | title=Being Buffett ... and blunt | first=Susan | last=Lisovicz | work=CNN | date=May 5, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213061247/https://money.cnn.com/2007/05/05/news/newsmakers/buffett/index.htm?postversion=2007050517 | archive-date=December 13, 2007 | url-status=live}}</ref> Buffett's salary has not changed in 35 years.<ref name=14A/> Buffett also receives approximately $300,000 worth home security services from the company annually.<ref name=14A/>

Berkshire's annual shareholders' meetings, nicknamed "[[Woodstock]] for Capitalists", take place at the [[CHI Health Center Omaha]] in Omaha, Nebraska. Attendance generally totals over 40,000 people and the meetings last for 6 to 8 hours, with Buffett himself, as well as Abel and Jain, answering questions from shareholders.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/business/want-attend-warren-buffetts-woodstock-capitalists-get-vaccinated-2022-02-26/ | title=Want to attend Warren Buffett's 'Woodstock for Capitalists'? Get vaccinated. | first=Jonathan | last=Stempel | work=Reuters | date=February 27, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://qz.com/emails/quartz-obsession/1269094/ | title=Berkshire Hathaway's annual meeting | work=[[Quartz (publication)|Quartz]] | date=May 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330055956/https://qz.com/emails/quartz-obsession/1269094/ | archive-date=March 30, 2019 | url-status=live}}</ref>

* The 2004 cartoon featured [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] in the role of "The Warrenator" who travels through time to stop Buffett and Munger's attempt to save the world from a "mega" corporation formed by [[Microsoft]]-[[Starbucks]]-[[Wal-Mart]]. Schwarzenegger is later shown arguing in a gym with Buffett regarding [[California Proposition 13 (1978)|Proposition 13]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://money.cnn.com/2004/05/01/pf/buffett_day_two/index.htm | title=Folksy fun at Buffett meeting | first=Jason | last=Zweig | work=CNN | date=May 1, 2004}}</ref>  

* The 2007 cartoon included Buffett playing basketball against [[LeBron James]].<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://money.cnn.com/2007/06/14/commentary/sportsbiz/index.htm | title=LeBron: The next Buffett? | first=Chris | last=Isidore | work=CNN | date=June 14, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-MB-1240 | title=Buffett Plays Basketball | work=The Wall Street Journal | date=May 5, 2007 | url-access=subscription}}</ref>

* The 2016 cartoon featured a spoof of the 1983 film ''[[Trading Places]]''; in this version, Munger and Jain along with the [[GEICO]] gecko conspire to manipulate the market for cocoa beans to affect See’s Candy.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/live/warren-buffett-woodstock-capitalists-shareholder-meeting-2016/the-show-before-the-show/ | title=Dispatches From 'Woodstock for Capitalists' | first=Michael J. | last=de la Merced | work=The New York Times | date=April 30, 2016}}</ref>

* [[GEICO]] – Berkshire acquired full ownership of GEICO in January 1996, acquiring the 49% of the company that it did not then own for $2.3 billion.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/08/26/business/buffett-moves-to-acquire-all-of-geico.html | title=Buffett Moves To Acquire All of Geico | first=Michael | last=Quint | work=The New York Times | date=August 26, 1995 | url-access=limited}}</ref> GEICO, headquartered in [[Chevy Chase, Maryland]], offers primarily private passenger automobile insurance to individuals in the U.S.. GEICO markets its policies primarily directly to consumers.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/799/95015099000379/filing-main.htm | title=Berkshire Hathaway Inc, Form 10-K, Annual Report | publisher=SECDatabase | date=March 30, 1999 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522091240/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/799/95015099000379/filing-main.htm | archive-date=May 22, 2013 | url-status=live}}</ref> The company is known for its advertising characters including a gecko and the [[GEICO Cavemen]].

* [[Gen Re]] – Berkshire acquired General Re, headquartered in [[Stamford, Connecticut]], in December 1998 for $22 billion. <ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.propertyandcasualty.com/doc/berkshire-hathaway-general-re-to-close-merger-0001 | title=Berkshire Hathaway, General Re To Close Merger | work=Property and Casualty | date=December 18, 1998}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://money.cnn.com/1998/12/17/companies/hathaway/ | title=Berkshire merger tax-free | work=CNN | date=December 17, 1998}}</ref> Berkshire paid for the acquisition with Class A shares valued at $58,400 each; Buffett later said he overpaid, despite strong performance by General Re.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/03/05/warren-buffetts-696-billion-mistake-and-what-he-le.aspx | title=Warren Buffett's $69.6 Billion Mistake -- And What He Learned From It | first=Matt | last=Frankel | work=[[The Motley Fool]] | date=March 5, 2017}}</ref>

* National Indemnity Company, based in [[Omaha, Nebraska]], was founded in 1940 by Jack Dabney Ringwalt and was acquired by Berkshire for $8.6 million in March 1967 in the first acquisition by the company under Buffett's control and the company's entrance into the insurance business.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/28/business/dealbook/after-50-years-oracle-of-omaha-looks-back-on-less-prescient-moves.html | last=Gelles | first=David | title=After 50 Years, Oracle of Omaha Looks Back on Less Prescient Moves | work=The New York Times | date=February 28, 2015 | issn=0362-4331 | url-access=limited}}</ref> In 2012, the company acquired [[Workers' compensation]] insurer GUARD for $221 million.<ref>{{Cite news | title=Guard Insurance sold for $221 million to Buffett Company | url=https://www.timesleader.com/archive/39139/stories-guard-insurance-sold-for-24221-million-to-buffett-company196075 | work=[[Times Leader]] | date=June 2, 2015}}</ref>  

* [[Berkshire Hathaway Assurance]] – In December 2007, during the [[2007-2008 financial crisis]], Berkshire created a government [[bond insurance]] company to insure [[municipal bond]]s, starting with [[New York State]] bonds.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-dec-29-fi-buffett29-story.html | title=Buffett's firm moves to insure municipal bonds | work=Los Angeles Times | date=December 29, 2007 | url-access=limited}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/29/business/29buffett.html | title=A Deal Maker With a Hot Hand Opens His Wallet | first=Vikas | last=Bajaj | work=The New York Times | date=December 29, 2007 | url-access=limited}}</ref><ref name=start/>

* In October 2022, Berkshire Hathaway acquired insurance company [[Alleghany Corporation]] for $11.6 billion.<ref>{{Cite press release | url=https://www.alleghany.com/about-alleghany/Press-Releases/press-release-details/2022/Berkshire-Hathaway-Completes-Acquisition-of-Alleghany-Corporation/default.aspx | title=Berkshire Hathaway Completes Acquisition of Alleghany Corporation | publisher=[[Alleghany Corporation]] | date=October 19, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/21/warren-buffetts-berkshire-hathaway-agrees-to-buy-insurance-company-alleghany-for-11point6-billion.html | title=Berkshire to buy insurer Alleghany for $11.6 billion in Warren Buffett's biggest deal in years | first1=Fred | last1=Imbert | first2=Yun | last2=Li | work=[[CNBC]] | date=March 21, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | title=Berkshire's $11.6B Alleghany Deal Expands Insurance Business | url=https://www.claimsjournal.com/news/national/2022/03/22/309362.htm | work=Claims Journal | date=March 22, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://apnews.com/article/business-warren-buffett-alleghany-corp-64fb02ee0fba01213cf2f2e67fef9bb8 | title=Berkshire's $11.6B Alleghany deal expands insurance business | first1=Michelle | last1=Chapman | first2=JOSH | last2=FUNK | work=Associated Press | date=March 21, 2022}}</ref> There was speculation a bidding war could erupt for the company.<ref>{{Cite news | last=Bary | first=Andrew | title=Why a Bidding War for Alleghany Could Erupt | url=https://www.barrons.com/articles/watch-out-warren-buffett-a-bidding-war-for-insurer-alleghany-could-erupt-51648222639 | work=[[Barron's]] | date=March 25, 2022 | url-access=limited}}</ref> An analyst suggested the company could be worth $1,000 per share, compared to the offer of $848.02 per share.<ref>{{Cite news | last=Bary | first=Andrew | title=Why the Insurer Alleghany Could Be Worth $1,000 a Share | url=https://www.barrons.com/articles/why-the-insurer-alleghany-could-be-worth-1-000-a-share-51648754456 | work=[[Barron's]] | date=March 31, 2022 | url-access=limited}}</ref> This move was touted as an example of Warren Buffett's "disdain" for investment bankers.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/warren-buffett-alleghany-takeover-price-berkshire-hathaway-investment-bankers-fees-2022-3 | last=Fox | first=Matthew | title=Warren Buffett's disdain for investment banking 'money-shufflers' leads to lower takeover price for Alleghany Corp. shareholders | work=[[Business Insider]] | date=March 22, 2022}}</ref>

In 1977, Berkshire purchased the ''[[Buffalo Evening News]]'' and resumed publication of a Sunday edition of the paper that had ceased in 1914. After the morning newspaper ''[[Buffalo Courier-Express]]'' ceased operation in 1982, the ''Buffalo Evening News'' changed its name to ''The Buffalo News'' and began to print morning and evening editions. It now prints only a morning edition.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.poynter.org/business-work/2023/buffalo-news-owner-lee-enterprises-cuts-layoffs-outsourcing-berkshire-hathaway/ | title=The Buffalo News was the crown jewel of Warren Buffett's news empire. Now it's just another Lee paper. | first=Angela | last=Fu | work=[[Poynter Institute]] | date=April 20, 2023}}</ref> Berkshire formed BH Media Group with a purchase of the ''[[Omaha World-Herald]]'' in December 2011,<ref>{{cite news | url=https://omaha.com/special_sections/world-herald-at-150-latest-milestone-marks-great-change/article_28454cf7-ba10-5b96-b673-98e7c8ab9c74.html | title=World-Herald at 150: Latest milestone marks great change | first=David | last=Hendee | work=[[Omaha World-Herald]] | date=November 15, 2015 | url-access=subscription}}</ref> which included six other daily newspapers and several weeklies across Nebraska and southwest Iowa.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-11-30/buffett-s-berkshire-agrees-to-buy-hometown-newspaper-omaha-world-herald.html |title=Berkshire Hathaway to Buy Omaha World-Herald Newspaper | first=Andrew | last=Frye | work=[[Bloomberg News]] |date=November 30, 2011 | url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822203042/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-11-30/buffett-s-berkshire-agrees-to-buy-hometown-newspaper-omaha-world-herald.html|archive-date=August 22, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2012, Berkshire purchased 63 newspapers from [[Media General]], including the ''[[Richmond Times-Dispatch]]'' and ''[[Winston-Salem Journal]]'', for $142 million in cash.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://deadline.com/2012/05/media-general-shares-soar-after-warren-buffett-agrees-to-buy-its-newspapers-273958/ |title=Media General Shares Soar After Warren Buffett Agrees To Buy Its Newspaper | first=David | last=Lieberman | work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=May 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730014530/http://deadline.com/2012/05/media-general-shares-soar-after-warren-buffett-agrees-to-buy-its-newspapers-273958/ |archive-date=July 30, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012, Berkshire Hathaway bought Texas dailies ''[[The Bryan-College Station Eagle]]'' and the ''[[Waco Tribune-Herald]]''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-06-22/berkshire-adds-waco-newspaper-expanding-media-wager |title=Berkshire Adds Waco Newspaper, Expanding Media Wager |author1=Noah Buhayar |author2=Steven Norton | work=[[Bloomberg News]] |date=June 22, 2012 | url-access=subscription}}</ref> In 2013, the company purchased the ''[[Tulsa World]]'', the [[Greensboro, North Carolina]]-based ''[[News & Record]]'', Virginia's ''[[Roanoke Times]]'', and ''[[Press of Atlantic City]]''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://tulsaworld.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_295d41f3-2c1d-5625-9862-bb784f429006.html |title=Buffett: Local papers have healthy future | first=Wayne | last=Greene | work=[[Tulsa World]] | date=March 17, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811025239/https://www.tulsaworld.com/article.aspx/buffett_local_papers_have_healthy_future/20130317_16_a1_cutlin795785/|archive-date=August 11, 2013}}</ref> In 2014, [[Graham Holdings Company]] sold its Miami television station, [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] affiliate [[WPLG]] to BH Media in a cash and stock deal.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.adweek.com/tvspy/warren-buffetts-berkshire-hathaway-wplg-graham-holdings/ | title=Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway to Acquire WPLG From Graham Holdings | first=merrill | last=knox | work=[[AdWeek]] | date=March 12, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article1961273.html | title=Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway to buy WPLG-Channel 10 | first=Nancy | last=Dahlberg | date=March 13, 2014}}</ref> In June, 2018, Lee Enterprises and Berkshire Hathaway reached a five-year agreement to allow Lee Enterprises to manage Berkshire Hathaway's newspaper and digital operations.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/26/warren-buffett-hatches-deal-with-lee-enterprises-for-newspapers.html | title=Warren Buffett loves his newspapers, he just wants someone else to manage them for him | first=Liz | last=Moyer | work=[[CNBC]] | date=June 26, 2018}}</ref> In 2020, [[Lee Enterprises]] acquired BH Media Group's publications and ''[[The Buffalo News]]'' for $140 million in cash, retaining [[WPLG]].<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/03/16/2001071/0/en/Lee-Enterprises-completes-acquisition-of-Berkshire-Hathaway-newspaper-operations.html | title=Lee Enterprises completes acquisition of Berkshire Hathaway newspaper operations | publisher=[[GlobeNewswire]] | date=March 16, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/29/business/media/warren-buffett-newspapers.html | last=Merced | first=Michael J. de la |title=Warren Buffett Will Sell His Newspaper Empire | work=The New York Times | issn=0362-4331 | date=January 29, 2020 | url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129141017/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/29/business/media/warren-buffett-newspapers.html | archive-date=2020-01-29 | url-status=live}}</ref> In conjunction with the sale, Berkshire lent $576 million to Lee.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/03/16/2001071/0/en/Lee-Enterprises-completes-acquisition-of-Berkshire-Hathaway-newspaper-operations.html | title=Lee Enterprises completes acquisition of Berkshire Hathaway newspaper operations | publisher=[[GlobeNewswire]] | date=March 16, 2020}}</ref>

In 1983, Berkshire acquired [[Nebraska Furniture Mart]] for $60 million.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/01/warren-buffett-and-his-relationship-with-retail-legend-rose-blumkin.html | title=Warren Buffett's model for aspiring business managers — a retail legend known as 'Mrs. B' | first=Michelle | last=Fox | work=[[CNBC]] | date=March 1, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.businessinsider.com/warren-buffett-on-nebraska-furniture-mart-2014-3 | title=Warren Buffett on Nebraska Furniture Mart | work=[[Business Insider]] | date=March 1, 2014 | url-access=subscription}}</ref> In 2000, Nebraska Furniture Mart purchased Homemakers Furniture.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/09/15/business/berkshire-unit-is-buying-furniture-retailer.html | title=Berkshire Unit Is Buying Furniture Retailer | agency=Associated Press | work=The New York Times | date=September 15, 2000 | url-access=limited}}</ref>

In February 1997, Berkshire acquired FlightSafety International (FSI), a pilot training company founded in 1951 by [[Albert Lee Ueltschi]] and headquartered at [[LaGuardia Airport]] in [[Flushing, New York]].<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://aviationweek.com/berkshire-hathaway-completes-acquisition-fsi | title=BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF FSI | first=GORDON A. | last=GILBERT | work=[[Aviation Week]] | date=February 1, 1997}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.flyingmag.com/news/albert-lee-ueltschi-father-modern-aviation-training-dies-95/ | title=Albert Lee Ueltschi, the Father of Modern Aviation Training, Dies at 95 |last=Pope |first=Stephen | work=[[Flying (magazine)|Flying]] | date=October 19, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/16/business/berkshire-will-acquire-flightsafety.html | title=Berkshire Will Acquire Flightsafety | first=Charles V. | last=Bagli | work=The New York Times | date=October 16, 1996}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-10-16-fi-54241-story.html | title=Buffett to Buy Pilot-Training Firm, in His First Big Deal of 1996 | first=TOM | last=PETRUNO | work=Los Angeles Times | date=October 16, 1996 | url-access=limited}}</ref> It supplies high technology [[pilot training]] to aircraft operators in the fields of military, governmental, corporate, and [[regional airline|regional]] or [[Mainline (aeronautics)|mainline]] flying. FlightSafety is the largest provider of professional aviation training services, with 1,800 instructors and offers more than 4,000 individual courses for 135 aircraft types, using more than 320 [[flight simulators]] to serve customers from 167 countries.

In October 1997, Berkshire acquired [[Dairy Queen]], based in Edina, Minnesota, for $585 million. It franchises approximately 6,000 stores operating under the names Dairy Queen, [[Orange Julius]], and [[Karmelkorn]]. The stores offer various dairy desserts, beverages, prepared foods, blended fruit drinks, popcorn, and other snack foods.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-oct-22-fi-45317-story.html | title=Buffett to Acquire Dairy Queen Chain for $585 Million | work=Los Angeles Times | date=October 22, 1997 | url-access=limited}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1997/10/22/an-investment-king-buys-dairy-queen/4dae57cb-b198-4c92-8924-4fc06a7a6c2a/ | title=AN INVESTMENT KING BUYS DAIRY QUEEN | first=Steven | last=Pearlstein | work=[[The Washington Post]] | date=October 21, 1997 | url-access=subscription}}</ref>  

In July 1998, Berkshire Hathaway acquired [[NetJets]], formerly Executive Jet Aviation, for $725 million in cash.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://money.cnn.com/1998/07/23/deals/buffett/ | title=Buffett lands jet firm | work=CNN | date=July 23, 1998}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/07/24/business/company-news-berkshire-hathaway-to-buy-executive-jet-inc.html | title=BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY TO BUY EXECUTIVE JET INC. | agency=Reuters | work=The New York Times | date=July 24, 1998 | url-access=limited}}</ref> NetJets is the world's largest provider of [[fractional ownership]] programs for [[general aviation]] aircraft. In 1986, NetJets created the fractional ownership of aircraft concept and introduced its NetJets program in the United States with one aircraft type. In 2019, the NetJets program operated more than 10 aircraft types with a fleet size of greater than 750.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/news-multimedia/news/2019/05/30/netjets-official-private-aviation-partner-of-indycar-2019 |title=NetJets Named as Official Private Aviation Partner of INDYCAR, IMS | work=[[Indianapolis Motor Speedway]] |date=May 30, 2019}}</ref>

In 1999, Berkshire acquired MidAmerican Energy Holdings. At the time of purchase, Berkshire's [[voting interest]] was limited to 10% of the company's shares, but this restriction ended when the [[Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935]] was repealed in 2005. It owns [[Northern Powergrid]], which operates in the UK.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1081316/000119312514441370/d836928dex211.htm |title=BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY SUBSIDIARIES AND JOINT VENTURES | publisher=[[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]]}}</ref> In 2005, it acquired [[PacifiCorp]] for $5.1 billion in cash, and assumed $4.3 billion in PacificCorp debt and preferred stock.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna7962826 | title=Buffett buys PacifiCorp for $5.1 billion cash | agency=Associated Press | work=[[NBC News]] | date=May 24, 2005}}</ref> MidAmerican was rebranded as [[Berkshire Hathaway Energy]] (BHE) in April 2014.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/berkshirehathaway-midamerican-namechange-idUSL2N0NM21620140430 | title=Buffett's MidAmerican Energy adopts Berkshire name | last=Stempel | first=Jonathan |work=Reuters |date=April 30, 2014}}</ref> The division owns a residential real estate brokerage business, which, in March 2013, was rebranded as [[HomeServices of America]], a division of [[Berkshire Hathaway Energy]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.inman.com/2014/12/29/warren-buffetts-real-estate-franchise-network-poised-to-expand/ | title=Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices kicks off next phase of expansion | first=Paul | last=Hagey | work=[[Bradley Inman]] | date=December 29, 2014}}</ref> In addition to brokerage services, it provides [[mortgage loan]] originations, [[title insurance]] and closing services, [[home warranty]], [[property insurance]] and [[casualty insurance]] and other related services. The company has acquired several residential real estate brokerages including [[Long & Foster]], acquired in September 2017.<ref>{{Cite press release | url=https://newsroom.longandfoster.com/news/homeservices-america-acquires-long-foster-companies/ | title=HomeServices of America Acquires The Long & Foster Companies | publisher=[[Long & Foster]] | date=September 7, 2017}}</ref>

CORT Business Services Corporation was acquired in February 2000 by Wesco Financial Corporation, an 80.1% owned subsidiary of Berkshire and is the largest U.S. provider of rental furniture, accessories and related services in the "rent-to-rent" segment of the furniture rental industry.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-jan-15-fi-54236-story.html |title=Wesco to Buy Furniture Renter Cort | work=Los Angeles Times |date=January 15, 2000 | url-access=limited}}</ref>

In May 2000, Berkshire acquired [[Ben Bridge Jeweler]], a chain of jewelry stores established in 1912 with locations primarily in the western United States.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2000/05/15/daily13.html | title=Warren Buffett buys Ben Bridge Jeweler | work=[[American City Business Journals]] | date=May 18, 2000}}</ref> [[Helzberg Diamonds]], a chain of jewelry stores based in Kansas City that began in 1915, was acquired Berkshire in 1995 after a chance run in between Buffett and Barnett Helzberg on a street in New York City.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/11/business/company-news-berkshire-hathaway-to-buy-jewelry-store-chain.html | title=BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY TO BUY JEWELRY STORE CHAIN | agency=Reuters | work=The New York Times | date=March 11, 1995 | url-access=limited}}</ref>

In June 2000, the company acquired Justin Brands, the parent company of [[Justin Boots]], [[Acme Boots]], and [[Acme Brick]] for $600 million in cash.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2000/06/21/justin-industries-purchased-berkshire-hathaway-acquisition-includes-state-acme-brick-plants/62193169007/ | title=Justin Industries purchased Berkshire Hathaway acquisition includes state Acme Brick plants | work=[[The Oklahoman]] | date=June 21, 2000}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://money.cnn.com/2000/06/20/deals/berkshire/ | title=Buffett's latest buy: bricks | work=CNN | date=June 20, 2000}}</ref> Headquartered in [[Fort Worth, Texas]], Acme manufactures and distributes clay bricks (Acme Brick), concrete block (Featherlite), and cut limestone (Texas Quarries). Justin Brands also owns [[Chippewa Boots]], [[Nocona Boots]], and [[Tony Lama Boots]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.berkshirehathaway.com/subs/justin.html | title=Justin Brands | publisher=Berkshire Hathaway | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131222020740/http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/subs/justin.html | archive-date=December 22, 2013 | url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2001, Berkshire acquired 87% of [[Dalton, Georgia]]-based [[Shaw Industries]]. It acquired the remaining 12% in January 2002. Shaw is the world's largest carpet manufacturer based on both revenue and volume of production and designs and manufactures over 3,000 styles of tufted and woven carpet and laminate flooring for residential and commercial use under approximately 30 brand and trade names and under certain private labels.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/22/business/company-news-berkshire-hathaway-acquires-remainder-of-shaw.html | title=COMPANY NEWS; BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ACQUIRES Remainder of Shaw | agency=Associated Press | work=The New York Times | date=January 22, 2002 | url-access=limited}}</ref>

In February 2001, Berkshire acquired [[Johns Manville]], established in 1858 and a manufacturer of fiberglass wool insulation products for homes and commercial buildings, as well as pipe, duct, and equipment insulation products.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://money.cnn.com/2000/12/20/deals/johnsmanville/ | title=Buffett to buy Manville | work=CNN | date=December 20, 2000}}</ref>

In September 2002, Berkshire acquired [[Garanimals]] for $273 million.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB1025660717580786600 | title=Berkshire Hathaway to Buy Garan in $273.1 Million Deal | work=The Wall Street Journal | date=July 3, 2002 | url-access=subscription}}</ref>

Also in October 2002, Berkshire also acquired [[CTB International]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/01/business/ctb-shareholders-approve-berkshire-deal.html |title=CTB Shareholders Approve Berkshire Deal | work=The New York Times |date=November 1, 2002 | url-access=limited}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release | url=https://www.ctbinc.com/ctb-international-corp-announces-agreement-to-be-acquired-by-berkshire-hathaway/ | title=CTB International Corp. Announces Agreement To Be Acquired by Berkshire Hathaway | publisher=[[CTB International]] | date=August 19, 2002}}</ref> CTB, headquartered in Milford, Indiana, is a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of systems used in the grain industry and in the production of poultry, hogs, and eggs. Products are produced in the United States and Europe and are sold primarily through a global network of independent dealers and distributors, with peak sales occurring in the second and third quarters.

In May 2003, Berkshire acquired [[McLane Company]] from [[Walmart]].<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/03/business/wal-mart-agrees-to-sell-food-supplier.html |title=Wal-Mart Agrees to Sell Food Supplier |last=Hays |first=Constance L. | work=The New York Times |date=May 3, 2003 |url-access=limited}}</ref> The company later acquired Professional Datasolutions and Salado Sales. McLane provides wholesale distribution and logistics services in all 50 states and internationally in Brazil to customers that include discount retailers, convenience stores, quick-service restaurants, drug stores and movie theatre complexes.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ncsla.org/pdf/news/Welcome_our_newest_member-McLane.pdf |title=Welcome our newest member - McLane | work=National Conference of State Liquor Administrators | date=September 6, 2012}}</ref>

In August 2003, Berkshire Hathaway acquired [[Clayton Homes]], a maker of [[manufactured housing]], modular homes, storage trailers, chassis, intermodal piggyback trailers and domestic containers, headquartered near [[Knoxville, Tennessee]], for $1.7 billion.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB104925717315163800 | title=Berkshire Hathaway Agrees To Acquire Clayton Homes | work=The Wall Street Journal | date=April 2, 2003 | url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.knoxnews.com/story/money/business/2024/02/28/berkshire-hathaway-bought-clayton-before-warren-buffett-spotted-pilot/72161214007/ | title=How Clayton's explosive growth proved Berkshire Hathaway's power long before Pilot sale | first=Daniel | last=Dassow | work=[[Knoxville News Sentinel]] | date=February 28, 2024}}</ref><ref name=Attracts/><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2003-04-01/berkshire-hathaway-agrees-to-acquire-clayton-homes | title=Berkshire Hathaway Agrees to Acquire Clayton Homes | work=[[Bloomberg News]] | date=April 1, 2003 | url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB104925717315163800 | title=Berkshire Hathaway Agrees To Acquire Clayton Homes | agency=[[Dow Jones & Company]] | work=The Wall Street Journal | date=April 2, 2003 | url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/31/business/buffett-wins-battle-to-buy-clayton-homes.html | title=Buffett Wins Battle to Buy Clayton Homes | first=Andrew Ross | last=Sorkin | authorlink=Andrew Ross Sorkin | work=The New York Times | date=July 31, 2003 | url-access=limited}}</ref>

In January 2006, Berkshire bought [[Business Wire]], a U.S. press release agency.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/18/business/business-wire-acquired.html | title=Business Wire Acquired | agency=Associated Press | work=The New York Times | date=January 18, 2006 | url-access=limited}}</ref>

In February 2010, Berkshire acquired the remaining portion of [[BNSF Railway]] that it did not already own for stock and cash totaling $26&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/04/business/04deal.html | title=Buffett Bets Big on Railroads' Future | first1=Michael J. | last1=de la Merced | first2=Andrew | last2=Ross Sorkin | authorlink2=Andrew Ross Sorkin | work=The New York Times | date=November 3, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322204522/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/04/business/04deal.html | archive-date=March 22, 2017 | url-status=live}}</ref> This was the largest acquisition to date in Berkshire's history.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/business/buffett-buying-burlington-rail-in-his-biggest-deal-idUSTRE5A22A7/ | title=Buffett buying Burlington rail in his biggest deal | first=Nick | last=Zieminski | work=Reuters | date=November 3, 2009}}</ref>

In September 2011, Berkshire Hathaway acquired [[Lubrizol]] for $9&nbsp;billion in cash.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.cleveland.com/business/2011/09/berkshire_hathaway_closes_on_9.html | title=Berkshire Hathaway closes on $9 billion deal for Lubrizol Corp. of Wickliffe | agency=Associated Press | work=[[The Plain Dealer]] | date=September 16, 2011}}</ref>

In March 2011, Berkshire Hathaway made its first foray into the Indian insurance sector with its non-direct subsidiary BerkshireInsurance.com.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/markets/funds/warren-buffett-to-visit-india-next-week-for-insurance-launch-idUSSGE72F019/ | title=Warren Buffett to visit India next week for insurance launch | first=Prashant | last=Mehra | work=Reuters | location=[[Mumbai]] | date=March 16, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/company/corporate-trends/warren-buffett-to-meet-policyholders-in-india/articleshow/7700947.cms |title=Warren Buffett to meet policyholders in India | agency=[[Press Trust of India]] | work=[[The Economic Times]] |date=March 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001135438/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-03-14/news/28688137_1_motor-insurance-warren-buffett-insurance-policies |archive-date=October 1, 2015 | url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2012, Berkshire acquired [[Oriental Trading Company]], a [[direct marketing]] company for [[novelty item]]s, small toys, and party items for around $500 million.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://archive.nytimes.com/dealbook.nytimes.com/2012/11/02/berkshire-to-buy-oriental-trading-company/ |title=Berkshire to Buy Oriental Trading Company | first=Michael J. | last=De La Merced | work=The New York Times | date=November 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911025823/http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2012/11/02/berkshire-to-buy-oriental-trading-company/ |archive-date=September 11, 2015 | url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/business/warren-buffett-buys-toy-and-party-supplies-company-idUSBRE8A10DN/ | title=Warren Buffett buys toy and party-supplies company | last1=Oran | first1=Olivia | last2=Roumeliotis | first2=Greg | work=Reuters | date=November 2, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20121102005098/en/Berkshire-Hathaway-to-Acquire-Oriental-Trading-Company | title=Berkshire Hathaway to Acquire Oriental Trading Company | publisher=[[Business Wire]] | date=November 2, 2012}}</ref>

In 2017, Berkshire acquired 38.6% of [[truck stop]] chain [[Pilot Flying J]] for $2.8 billion, followed by the acquisition of an additional 41.4% of the company for $8.2 billion in 2023, and the remaining 20% in 2024 for $3 billion. It appointed two Berkshire Hathaway Energy executives as CEO and CFO of the company, retaining [[Jimmy Haslam]] as chairman.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/markets/2017/10/03/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-pilot-flying-j-truck-stops/726378001/ |title=Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway buying Pilot Flying J truck stops | work=USA Today | date=October 3, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619045916/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/markets/2017/10/03/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-pilot-flying-j-truck-stops/726378001/ | archive-date=June 19, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.knoxnews.com/story/money/business/2023/04/10/pilot-flying-j-new-ceo-after-warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway/70085946007/ | title=EXCLUSIVE: Berkshire Hathaway launches new era of Pilot Company ownership with CEO change | first=Brenna | last=McDermott | work=[[Knoxville News Sentinel]] | date=April 10, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Pilot Flying J Is Fully Acquired By Berkshire Hathaway | url=https://www.convenience.org/Media/Daily/2024/Jan/19/3-Pilot-Flying-J-Acquired-Berkshire-Hathway_Ops | work=[[National Association of Convenience Stores]] | date=January 19, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://link.cnbc.com/public/34063969 | title=Price stays secret as Berkshire completes contested PTC acquisition | work=[[CNBC]] | date=January 19, 2024}}</ref>

In January 2016, Berkshire Hathaway acquired [[Precision Castparts Corp.]] for $32.1 billion.<ref>{{Cite press release | url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2016/01/29/806102/0/en/Berkshire-Hathaway-Completes-Acquisition-of-Precision-Castparts.html | title=Berkshire Hathaway Completes Acquisition of Precision Castparts | publisher=[[GlobeNewswire]] | date=January 29, 2016}}</ref> In 2020, Buffett said he overpaid for the company and wrote down its value by approximately $10 billion.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/business/warren-buffetts-10-billion-mistake-precision-castparts-idUSKCN2AR0MY/ | title=Warren Buffett's $10 billion mistake: Precision Castparts | first=Jonathan | last=Stempel | work=Reuters | date=February 27, 2021}}</ref>

Buffett began investing in [[Wells Fargo]] in 1989; however, by the first quarter of 2022, Berkshire Hathaway had sold its entire interest in the company.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/berkshire-sheds-nearly-all-wells-fargo-holding-since-1989-2021-05-17/ | title=Berkshire sheds nearly all of Wells Fargo, a holding since 1989 | first=Jonathan | last=Stempel | work=Reuters | date=May 17, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/17/investing/berkshire-hathaway-warren-buffett-wells-fargo-citigroup/index.html |title=Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway finally bails on Wells Fargo | work=CNN | date=May 17, 2022}}</ref>

Berkshire made its first investment in [[Tesco]], UK grocery retailer, in 2006 and in 2012 raised this stake to over 5% of the company, investing a total of $2.3 billion.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2012/jan/19/warren-buffett-tesco-stake |title=Warren Buffett increases stake in Tesco | first=Nick | last=Fletcher | work=The Guardian |date=January 19, 2012 |issn=0261-3077 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150819052738/http://www.theguardian.com/business/2012/jan/19/warren-buffett-tesco-stake |archive-date=August 19, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> Buffett sold around 30% of this stake in 2013 when he "soured somewhat on the company's then-management", realizing a profit of $43 million.<ref name=sucking>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/mar/01/warren-buffett-admits-thumb-sucking-over-tesco-cost-him-444m |title=Warren Buffett admits 'thumb-sucking' over Tesco cost him $444m | first=Julia | last=Kollewe | work=The Guardian |date=March 1, 2015 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523061645/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/mar/01/warren-buffett-admits-thumb-sucking-over-tesco-cost-him-444m |archive-date=May 23, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> As Tesco's problems mounted through 2014, Berkshire sold all the remaining shares with Buffett saying to shareholders that the delay in selling shares was costly. Berkshire realized an after-tax loss of $444 million on the Tesco investment.<ref name=sucking/>

In early 2008, Berkshire sharply increased its stake in [[ConocoPhillips]] to 85 million shares.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.cnbc.com/2008/11/14/warren-buffetts-berkshire-hathaway-sharply-boosts-conocophillips-stake.html | title=Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Sharply Boosts ConocoPhillips Stake | first=Alex | last=Crippen | work=[[CNBC]] | date=November 14, 2008}}</ref> In one of Buffett's interviews, he later described this as "a major mistake" as the [[price of oil]] collapsed during the [[Great Recession]]. Berkshire sold most of its shares but held 472,000 shares until 2012. In that year, ConocoPhillips spun off a subsidiary, [[Phillips 66]], of which Berkshire owned 27 million shares. Berkshire later sold $1.4 billion worth of shares to Phillips 66 in exchange for Phillips Specialty Products.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/12/10/the-1-company-warren-buffett-is-most-likely-to-sel.aspx |title=The 1 Stock Warren Buffett Is Most Likely to Sell in 2015 |last=Hall |first=Jason | work=[[The Motley Fool]] |date=December 10, 2014}}</ref> Buffett frequently referred to Phillips 66 as one of the best businesses Berkshire invested in because of its consistent dividends and share buyback programs. However, Berkshire sold its entire holdings in 2020.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-investment-funds-berkshire/buffetts-berkshire-slashes-goldman-stake-exits-phillips-66-travelers-idUSKBN22R3DL |title=Buffett's Berkshire slashes Goldman stake; exits Phillips 66, Travelers | last=Stempel | first=Jonathan | work=Reuters | date=May 16, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.fool.com/investing/2020/05/20/warren-buffett-sold-phillips-66-heres-why-im-holdi.aspx | title=Warren Buffett Sold Phillips 66 -- Here's Why I'm Holding (and May Buy More) |last=Hall | first=Jason | work=[[The Motley Fool]] | date=May 20, 2020}}</ref>

In September 2008, at the peak of the [[2007-2008 financial crisis]], Berkshire invested $5 billion in preferred stock in [[Goldman Sachs]] to provide it with a source of funding when capital markets had become constrained. The preferred stock yielded an annual interest rate of 10% earning Berkshire $500 million in interest income per year. Berkshire also received warrants to purchase 43.5 million shares with a strike price of $115 per share, which were exercisable at any time for a five-year term.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.goldmansachs.com/pressroom/press-releases/2008/berkshire-hathaway-invest | title=Berkshire Hathaway to Invest $5 Billion in Goldman Sachs | publisher=[[Goldman Sachs]] | date=September 23, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602025553/http://www.goldmansachs.com/media-relations/press-releases/archived/2008/berkshire-hathaway-invest.html | archive-date=June 2, 2017 | url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.cnbc.com/2008/09/23/warren-buffett-gives-goldman-sachs-unexpected-5b-vote-of-confidence.html | title=Warren Buffett Gives Goldman Sachs Unexpected $5B Vote of Confidence | work=[[CNBC]] | date=September 23, 2008}}</ref> Goldman maintained the right to re-purchase the preferred stock and in March 2011 exercised this right paying $5.5 billion to Berkshire (the preferred stock could only be purchased back at a 10% premium). Profit on the preferred stock was estimated at $1.8 billion<ref>{{cite news |title=Warren Buffett's billion-$$ Goldman bet pays off |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2013/10/01/buffetts-berkshire-set-to-get-nearly-215-billion-of-goldman-stock.html | work=CNBC |date=October 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730123741/https://www.cnbc.com/2013/10/01/buffetts-berkshire-set-to-get-nearly-215-billion-of-goldman-stock.html |archive-date=July 30, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> and exercising the warrants has yielded a profit of more than $2 billion.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2106/0000950150-08-000030.pdf | title=Berkshire Hathaway, Form 10-Q, Quarterly Report |publisher=[[EDGAR]] | date=November 7, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522091201/http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2106/0000950150-08-000030.pdf | archive-date=May 22, 2013 | url-status=live}}</ref> Buffett defended [[Lloyd Blankfein]]'s decisions as CEO of Goldman Sachs and his efforts to improve the reputation of the company during the [[2007-2008 financial crisis]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122220798359168765|title=Buffett to Invest $5&nbsp;billion in Goldman | date=September 24, 2008 | work=The Wall Street Journal | first=Susanne | last=Craig |author-link=Susanne Craig |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202015754/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122220798359168765 | archive-date=February 2, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.forbes.com/2010/05/02/lloyd-blankfein-goldman-sachs-streettalk-markets-warren-buffett.html |title=The Buffett-Blankfein Alliance | first=Robert | last=Lenzner | work=[[Forbes]] | date=May 2, 2010 | url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120201115813/http://www.forbes.com/2010/05/02/lloyd-blankfein-goldman-sachs-streettalk-markets-warren-buffett.html| archive-date=February 1, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/dealbook.nytimes.com/2010/05/01/buffett-says-he-backs-goldmans-blankfein-100/ |title=Buffett Says He Backs Goldman's Blankfein 100% |work=The New York Times |date=May 1, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402162135/http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2010/05/01/buffett-says-he-backs-goldmans-blankfein-100/ |archive-date=April 2, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

In September 2008, BHE invested about US$230&nbsp;million for a 10% (or 9.89%) share of [[BYD Auto]] @ HK$8/share.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2008/09/27/warren-buffett-invests-in-chinese-company-developing-green-cars.html |title=Warren Buffett Invests In Chinese Company Developing 'Green' Cars |last=Crippen |first=Alex | work=[[CNBC]] | date=September 27, 2008}}</ref> Some shares were sold in 2023 and 2024, with Buffett motivated by the [[China–United States trade war]].<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/berkshire-hathaway-sells-398-mln-shares-chinas-byd-2024-06-17/ | title=Berkshire Hathaway trims stake in China's BYD | first=Jonathan | last=Stempel | work=Reuters | date=June 17, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/byd-stock-sales-warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-china-ev-munger-2023-11 | title=Warren Buffett's company slashed its stake in BYD. Here's why that's surprising – and 5 possible explanations. | first=Theron | last=Mohamed | work=[[Business Insider]] | date=November 14, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/18/cars/berkshire-hathaway-byd-china-ev-tensions-intl-hnk/index.html | title=Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway dumps BYD shares following rise in trade tension over Chinese EVs | first=Laura | last=He | work=CNN | date=June 18, 2024}}</ref>

In October 2008, Berkshire invested $6.5 billion in [[Wrigley Company]] as part of a financing package to enable [[Mars Inc.]] to acquire the company. Berkshire sold its remaining bonds and preferred stock to Mars in 2016.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/europe/mars-inc-buying-out-buffett-stake-in-wrigley-idUSKCN1261XJ/ | title=Mars Inc buying out Buffett stake in Wrigley | first1=Jonathan | last1=Stempel | first2=Gayathree | last2=Ganesan | work=Reuters | date=October 6, 2016}}</ref>  

In 2013, Berkshire and [[3G Capital]] acquired [[H. J. Heinz Company]] for $28 billion including debt.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2013/02/14/berkshire-and-3g-capital-to-buy-heinz-for-23-billion/ |title=Berkshire and 3G Capital in a $23 Billion Deal for Heinz | first1=Michael J. | last1=de la Merced | first2=Andrew Ross |last2=Sorkin | authorlink2=Andrew Ross Sorkin |work=The New York Times |date=February 14, 2013 | url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905061032/https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2013/02/14/berkshire-and-3g-capital-to-buy-heinz-for-23-billion/ | archive-date=September 5, 2019 | url-status=live}}</ref> In 2015, Heinz merged with [[Kraft Foods]] to form [[Kraft Heinz]].<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/03/25/kraft-foods-group-and-hj-heinz-merge-to-create-the-kraft-heinz-co.html | title=Buffett's HJ Heinz to merge with Kraft Foods | first=Tom | last=DiChristopher | work=[[CNBC]] | date=March 25, 2015}}</ref> In 2019, Buffett said that he overpaid in the deal.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/business/warren-buffett-says-berkshire-overpaid-for-kraft-heinz-idUSKCN1QE1EV/ | title=Warren Buffett says Berkshire overpaid for Kraft Heinz | first1=Jonathan | last1=Stempel | first2=Jennifer | last2=Ablan | work=Reuters | date=February 25, 2019}}</ref>

In 2013, Berkshire owned 1.74 million shares of [[Gannett]]; however, it sold its shares in the second quarter of 2013.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://money.cnn.com/2013/08/15/investing/berkshire-buffett-newspapers/index.html | title=Buffett's Berkshire dumps Gannett, buys Dish Network | first=Aaron | last=Smith | work=CNN | date=August 15, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2013/aug/16/gannett-warrenbuffett | title=Buffett dumps $38m shares in Gannett | first=Roy | last=Greenslade | work=The Guardian | date=August 16, 2013}}</ref>

In the first quarter of 2016, Berkshire began investing in [[Apple Inc.]], with a purchase of 9.8 million shares (0.2% of Apple) worth $1 billion. By the end of June 2016, this stake had increased to 15.2 million shares (0.3% of Apple). By December 31, 2016, Berkshire had built up a stake of 57.4 million shares (1.1% of Apple) with an estimated average acquisition price of $110 per share (before the 2020 4:1 split). Aggressive stock purchases continued and by March 31, 2017, Berkshire had amassed a stake of 129 million shares (2.5% of Apple). By December 31, 2017, Berkshire owned 166 million shares (3.3% of Apple). Berkshire bought 75 million more shares in early 2018.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/05/04/buffett-buys-75-m-more-shares-apple-stock/579974002/ | title=Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway buys 75M more Apple shares, sells off IBM | work=USA Today | first=Adam | last=Shell | date=May 4, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504150548/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/05/04/buffett-buys-75-m-more-shares-apple-stock/579974002/ | archive-date=May 4, 2018 | url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/business/apple-hits-record-high-after-buffetts-berkshire-increases-stake-idUSKBN1I506S/ |title=Apple hits record high after Buffett's Berkshire increases stake| work=Reuters |first=Sonam | last=Rai | date=May 4, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180505070107/https://www.nasdaq.com/article/apple-hits-record-high-after-buffetts-berkshire-increases-stake-20180504-00860 | archive-date=May 5, 2018 | url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2022|12|31| post=,|df=US}} Berkshire owned 5.8% of Apple.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1067983/000119312523038262/d382361dsc13ga.htm | title=Apple Inc. Schedule 13G |date=February 14, 2023 |publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission}}</ref><ref name=dumps>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/business/buffetts-berkshire-reduces-stake-activision-blizzard-2023-02-14/ | last1=Mandl | first1=Carolina | last2=S | first2=Sittarasu | title=Berkshire dumps shares in TSMC, banks; increases Apple stake | work=Reuters |date=February 14, 2023}}</ref> Berkshire Hathaway reduced its Apple stake by nearly 50%, selling $75.5 billion worth of stock in the second quarter of 2024, increasing its cash reserves to a record $276.9 billion.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-08-03/berkshire-hathaway-s-cash-pile-soars-to-record-276-9-billion | title=Berkshire Cuts Apple Stake by Almost Half in Selling Spree | first1=Amanda | last1=Cantrell | first2=Katherine | last2=Chiglinsky | work=[[Bloomberg News]] | date=August 3, 2024 | url-access=subscription}}</ref> Buffett had said that Apple has developed an ecosystem and level of brand loyalty that provides it with an [[economic moat]], and that consumers appear to have a degree of price insensitivity when it comes to the [[iPhone]]. While Buffett generally does not invest in tech stocks, he has said that Apple is a consumer products company and that he understands consumer products businesses.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-berkshire-buffett-apple-idUSKBN1I60V8 | title=Buffett owns 5 percent of Apple. He'd like to own more | first=Jonathan | last=Stempel | work=Reuters |date=May 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202042302/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-berkshire-buffett-apple-idUSKBN1I60V8 |archive-date=February 2, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2017, Berkshire invested $377 million Store Capital, a Scottsdale-based [[real estate investment trust]] that owned more than 1,750 properties in 48 states; the company was sold to [[private equity firm]]s in 2022.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.fool.com/investing/2022/09/16/this-high-yielding-warren-buffett-stock-is-getting/ | title=This High-Yielding Warren Buffett Stock Is Getting Acquired -- Here Are 2 Excellent Replacements to Buy | first=Matt | last=DiLallo | work=[[The Motley Fool]] | date=September 16, 2022}}</ref><ref name=Attracts>{{cite news |url=https://kjzz.org/content/498911/metro-phoenix-real-estate-attracts-warren-buffett | title=Metro Phoenix Real-Estate Attracts Warren Buffett| first=Heather | last=van Blokland | work=[[KJZZ (FM)]] |date=July 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170727163324/https://kjzz.org/content/498911/metro-phoenix-real-estate-attracts-warren-buffett |archive-date=July 27, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/store-capital-ma-berkshire-hatha-idUSL1N1JN0H5/ |title=Berkshire bulks up in real estate with Store Capital stake | last=Stempel |first=Jonathan |work=Reuters |date=June 26, 2017}}</ref>

Between September 2019 and August 2020, Berkshire purchased more than 5% of the outstanding stock of each of the five largest Japanese [[sogo shosha]] ([[Itochu]], [[Mitsubishi Corporation|Mitsubishi]], [[Mitsui & Co.|Mitsui]], [[Sumitomo Corporation|Sumitomo]], and [[Marubeni]]) through its National Indemnity subsidiary. These stakes were worth a total of over $6 billion as of August 2020. By April 2023, Berkshire increased its stake in each of those companies to 7.4%.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lies |first=Elaine |title=Buffett says he holds 7.4% stake in five Japanese trading houses, including Itochu, Nikkei reports | url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/buffett-says-he-holds-74-stake-five-japanese-trading-houses-including-itochu-2023-04-11/ | work=Reuters | date=April 10, 2023}}</ref> He continued to increase the stakes over time.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.barrons.com/articles/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-japan-sumitomo-davos-9d9310a3 | title=Warren Buffett Steadily Increasing Stakes in 5 Japanese Companies: Sumitomo CEO | first=Jack | last=Denton | work=[[Barron's]] | date=January 16, 2024}}</ref>

In the third quarter of 2022, Berkshire purchased 60 million shares in semiconductor manufacturing company [[TSMC]] valued at $4.1&nbsp;billion; the shares were sold in late 2022 and 2023 in part due to geopolitical tensions.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.ft.com/content/6d4bb1f4-270a-46bd-8069-81148b636647 | title=Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway buys $4bn stake in chipmaker TSMC | last=Platt | first=Eric | work=[[Financial Times]] | date=November 15, 2022 | url-access=limited}}</ref><ref name=dumps/><ref>{{cite news | last=Stempel | first=Jonathan | title=Buffett says geopolitics a factor in Berkshire sale of TSMC stake | url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/buffett-says-geopolitics-factor-berkshire-sale-tsmc-stake-2023-04-11/ | work=Reuters | date=April 11, 2023}}</ref>

Berkshire began investing in [[Chubb Limited]] in 2023; by 2024, it owned a 6.4% stake worth $6.7 billion.<ref>{{Cite news | title=Warren Buffett's Berkshire Reveals Its Mystery Stock: Chubb | url=https://www.wsj.com/finance/stocks/warren-buffetts-berkshire-reveals-its-mystery-stock-chubb-8ca0b4a3 | last=Langley | first=Karen | work=The Wall Street Journal | date=May 15, 2024}}</ref>