Berkshire Hathaway Chairman Warren Buffett (left) and Vice Chairman Charlie Munger (right) [사진=AP·연합뉴스]
Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chairman Charlie Munger, known as Berkshire Hathaway Chairman Warren Buffett’s right hand man, passed away at the age of 99.
Berkshire Hathaway said in a statement on the 28th (local time) that Vice Chairman Munger passed away peacefully at a hospital in California. It is known that his deathbed was attended by his family. Berkshire Hathaway did not disclose the official cause of Vice Chairman Munger’s death.
Vice Chairman Munger passed away after serving not only at Berkshire Hathaway but also as a real estate attorney, chairman and publisher of the Daily Journal, and the board of directors of Costco.
Upon hearing the news of Vice Chairman Munger’s death, Chairman Buffett also immediately expressed his condolences. Chairman Buffett said in his signature, “If it had not been for Charlie Munger’s inspiration, wisdom, and participation, Berkshire Hathaway would not have become what it is today.” Chairman Buffett acknowledged Vice Chairman Munger’s expansion of his purchasing strategy for undervalued companies.
The relationship between Chairman Buffett and Vice Chairman Munger dates back to 1959. Munger met Chairman Buffett in his hometown of Omaha when he was 34 years old and working as a lawyer in Los Angeles. Vice Chairman Munger is Chairman Buffett’s senior by seven years at Harvard University Law School. When the two met, Chairman Buffett told Vice Chairman Munger, “It’s okay to do law as a hobby, and you can do better as an investor,” which started their relationship.
Vice Chairman Munger was also praised for his excellent sense of humor. He made Chairman Buffett the main character whenever he attended meetings. When Chairman Buffett finished answering questions, Vice Chairman Munger took over the microphone and said, “I have nothing to add.”
Currently, Vice Chairman Munger’s wealth is estimated at $2.3 billion (about 3 trillion won). CNBC said, “Although it is small compared to Chairman Buffett’s wealth of more than $100 billion, Vice Chairman Munger’s wealth is an absolutely large amount.”
Reporter information Seongjin Kwon mark1312@ajunews.com
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