Berkshire Hathaway was formed in 1955 through the merger of Berkshire Fine Spinning Associates and Hathaway Manufacturing.
The two textile companies combined to create Berkshire Hathaway Inc., which continued as a textile manufacturer for several years. The business later became associated with Warren Buffett after Buffett’s investment partnership acquired a controlling interest in 1965.
This history is often confused with Berkshire Hathaway’s modern identity. Buffett transformed the company from a struggling textile business into a diversified holding company with interests in insurance, railroads, utilities, manufacturing, retail, and investments. The textile operations were eventually closed in 1985.
The name also reflects the merger’s origins rather than a company founded by Buffett. Berkshire Fine Spinning Associates and Hathaway Manufacturing were established textile businesses before the 1955 combination. Berkshire Hathaway is now widely known for its large portfolio of subsidiaries and publicly traded investments.