Which U.S. railroad did Berkshire Hathaway fully acquire in 2010?

Berkshire Hathaway fully acquired BNSF Railway in 2010.

BNSF, short for Burlington Northern Santa Fe, operates one of North America’s largest freight-rail networks. Berkshire already owned a minority stake before announcing the transaction, then agreed to purchase the remaining shares and take the railroad private. The merger was completed on February 12, 2010.

The deal was valued at roughly $44 billion, including assumed debt, making it Berkshire Hathaway’s largest acquisition at the time. Buffett described the railroad as a major long-term investment because railways benefit from extensive infrastructure, difficult-to-replicate routes and their role in moving bulk goods across the United States.

The railroad is often confused with Norfolk Southern, CSX or Union Pacific, which are separate companies. BNSF remains a Berkshire subsidiary and continues operating freight services under the BNSF Railway name.