Berkshire Hathaway acquired Benjamin Moore & Co. in 2000.
The paint manufacturer was acquired in December 2000 and became part of Berkshire Hathaway's manufacturing and building-products businesses. Benjamin Moore makes architectural coatings, including paints, stains, primers, and specialty finishes, for residential and commercial use.
Benjamin Moore began in New York in 1883, when brothers Benjamin and William Moore established Moore Brothers with about $2,000. The company was incorporated as Benjamin Moore in 1889 and later expanded manufacturing and distribution across the United States and Canada. It is headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey.
One detail often associated with the purchase is Buffett's distribution decision: he agreed that Benjamin Moore products would not be sold through major retail chains. The brand instead continued relying heavily on independently owned paint stores, hardware dealers, and decorating centers. The year 2000 can be confused with Berkshire acquisitions completed in nearby years, such as Shaw Industries in 2001.