Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is a multinational conglomerate holding company headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. It conducts a diverse range of operations through wholly and partially owned subsidiaries across key industries such as insurance and reinsurance, energy and utilities, freight rail transportation, manufacturing, services and retailing. Its insurance businesses include well-known names like GEICO, Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group and General Re, providing property, casualty and specialty coverage on a global scale. The energy and utilities segment, managed through Berkshire Hathaway Energy, delivers regulated and non-regulated power generation, transmission and distribution services across the United States, Canada and select international markets.
In addition to insurance and energy, Berkshire Hathaway’s portfolio encompasses BNSF Railway, one of the largest freight railroad networks in North America, and a broad manufacturing division that spans industrial equipment, building products and consumer goods. Retail operations include prominent brands such as Nebraska Furniture Mart and See’s Candies, alongside specialty businesses in automotive, printing and logistics services. This diversified structure allows the company to balance cash flows and capital allocation decisions across economic cycles, reinforcing its reputation as a stable steward of long-term value.
Originally founded in the 19th century as a textile manufacturer, Berkshire Hathaway evolved into its current form following Warren Buffett’s acquisition of a controlling interest in the mid-1960s. Under Buffett’s leadership, the company shifted its focus from declining textile operations to acquiring strong, cash-generating businesses. Today Berkshire Hathaway’s footprint spans North America, Europe and Asia, with investments and operations in emerging and developed economies. Warren Buffett serves as chairman and chief executive officer, supported by a management team that includes vice chair Greg Abel and other senior executives responsible for overseeing its core operating segments.
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