Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK.B) Says No Railroad Consolidation

Berkshire Hathaway Inc (NYSE:BRK.B) is one of the best long-term stocks to invest in according to Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust. The stock is backed by 126 hedge funds.

According to a Financial Times report on June 11, Berkshire Hathaway Inc (NYSE:BRK.B) is against the proposed merger of railroad operators Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. These operators compete with Berkshire’s railroad unit, BNSF Railway.

The newspaper reported that BNSF is concerned that the proposed merger would consolidate the market, raise costs for customers, and cause affordability issues for consumers. According to the report, BNSF CEO Katie Farmer warned that Union Pacific would raise rates to pay for the merger if the anticipated increase in cargo volumes is not achieved.

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern agreed to combine in an $85 billion deal to form a single transcontinental railroad operator. The combined operator would have the ability to transport goods from the West Coast to the East Coast on its own tracks. The companies say the merger would reduce friction and delays in rail freight, and that this would encourage shipping by rail rather than road.

However, Berkshire believes that the railroad industry would benefit more from partnerships rather than consolidation. Last year, Berkshire’s BNSF and railroad operator CSX partnered to provide coast-to-coast rail services.

Warren Buffett-linked Berkshire Hathaway Inc (NYSE:BRK.B) is an American conglomerate that owns a portfolio of businesses in diverse industries. It has footprints in insurance, energy, railroads, manufacturing, and services sectors. Berkshire also owns significant stakes in many blue-chip companies.

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