Which encyclopedia publisher is owned by Berkshire Hathaway?

World Book is the encyclopedia publisher owned by Berkshire Hathaway. Its corporate parent is the Scott Fetzer Company, which Berkshire Hathaway acquired in 1985.

World Book began in Chicago in 1917 after educators and publishers sought an encyclopedia written in a clearer, less formal style for families and students. The first edition contained eight volumes, and the company later became known for issuing revised editions regularly. Its editorial focus has traditionally included science, history, medicine, and other broad reference subjects.

A common mix-up is assuming Berkshire owns every familiar encyclopedia publisher. Encyclopædia Britannica is a separate company, while Grolier and Funk & Wagnalls followed different ownership paths. World Book’s relationship with Funk & Wagnalls can also confuse readers: World Book acquired the Funk & Wagnalls New Encyclopedia business in 2009, but that does not make Funk & Wagnalls the answer to this ownership question. Berkshire’s ownership runs through Scott Fetzer, a diversified group of consumer and industrial businesses.