U.S. investment firm Berkshire Hathaway plans to maintain its stakes in five major Japanese trading houses long term, even after CEO Warren Buffett's departure. Incoming CEO Greg Abel will uphold the strategy. Share prices have risen since the initial acquisitions in 2020.
Berkshire Hathaway announced on December 27, 2025, that it will retain its investments in five major Japanese trading houses following the departure of CEO Warren Buffett. The companies are Mitsubishi Corp., Mitsui & Co., Sumitomo Corp., Marubeni Corp., and Itochu Corp.
Buffett has praised the firms for their diversified operations spanning food, energy, and more. Berkshire began acquiring shares in these companies in 2020 and has gradually increased its holdings to over 10% in Mitsubishi and Mitsui, over 9% in Sumitomo and Marubeni, and over 8% in Itochu.
In a 2025 letter to shareholders, Buffett noted that the companies had agreed to ease the initial 9.9% ownership cap. He added, "Over time, you will likely see Berkshire's ownership of all five increase somewhat."
At the annual shareholder meeting in March 2025, Vice Chairman Greg Abel, who was involved in the investments, stated, "We really envision holding the investment (in the five traders) for 50 years or forever."
Abel, set to become CEO, plans to continue Buffett's long-term approach to these holdings. The share prices of the five companies have surged in recent years after Berkshire's acquisitions.
