Buffett's Berkshire secures $8 billion loan for BNSF deal
(The Associated Press circulated the following on November 20, 2009.)
OMAHA, Neb. Warren Buffett's company has lined up an $8 billion loan to help pay for its $26.3 billion acquisition of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. said in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission Thursday that it signed the financing deal with JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo on Wednesday.
Buffett has said Berkshire, which is based in Omaha, plans to borrow half of the $16 billion cash needed for the deal, and pay back the loan over three years.
Berkshire has agreed to pay $100 a share in cash and stock for all the Burlington Northern shares it doesn't own. Berkshire holds a 23 percent stake in the railroad, which is based in Ft. Worth, Texas.
The deal is expected to be completed early next year if shareholders and regulators approve.
Naw, the money is cheap for him, meanwhile he gets to hold on to what he has to look for more deals. Plus, it is a write off for taxes and such stuff. His cash on hand gives him alot of leverage. I am willing to bet, he will be looking at some of the feeder short lines too after awhile.
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I started ophph with nuthin, and I can safely say I have most of it left.... <img
