Continued Investment Strategy

U.S. investment company Berkshire Hathaway intends to hold its shares in five major Japanese trading houses⁣ for the long term, ‍even following the departure of CEO Warren Buffett on Wednesday, according to a report from multiple sources.

The five companies are Mitsubishi Corp.,⁣ Mitsui & Co., Sumitomo, Marubeni, and Itochu.

Buffett’s Rationale and Abel’s Succession

Buffett has consistently praised the diversified strategies of these traders, noting their ⁢involvement in a wide array of industries, including food and energy. Greg Abel, currently Berkshire’s vice chairman and involved in the initial investment in these companies, ⁢will continue Buffett’s long-term investment policy as⁢ the new chief executive.

investment History and Stake⁢ Increases

Berkshire Hathaway first announced its acquisitions of shares in the five trading companies in 2020. As then,‍ the company has gradually increased its stakes, exceeding 10% ownership in both Mitsubishi and Mitsui, surpassing 9% in Sumitomo and Marubeni, and exceeding 8% in Itochu.

In a 2025 letter to Berkshire shareholders, Buffett revealed that the five companies had agreed to a moderate relaxation of the initial 9.9% ownership ceiling.⁣ He also ⁤indicated that Berkshire’s ⁣ownership in all five companies would likely ⁣increase over time.

Long-Term Commitment

During ‍Berkshire Hathaway’s annual general meeting in March 2025, Abel stated that the company envisions holding the investment in‍ the five traders for at least ‍50 years, and perhaps indefinitely.

The share prices of these five companies have experienced ⁤significant growth in recent years following Berkshire Hathaway’s initial investments.