Which company, founded in 1839, is Warren Buffett’s multinational holding company?

Berkshire Hathaway is the multinational holding company led for decades by Warren Buffett.

Its history began with textile businesses founded in the nineteenth century, including Berkshire Fine Spinning Associates and Hathaway Manufacturing. Buffett began accumulating shares of Berkshire Hathaway in the 1960s and turned it into a diversified holding company after gaining control. The textile operations eventually closed, while insurance became the foundation for the group’s investment strategy and capital base.

Berkshire owns or invests in businesses across insurance, railroads, utilities, manufacturing, retail, and finance. Its wholly owned companies include GEICO and BNSF Railway. A common mistake is calling Berkshire a mutual fund: it is a publicly traded holding company whose shareholders own stock in the corporation. Buffett served as chief executive for decades before Greg Abel was designated as his successor.