Benzinga·2025-09-30 20:41Core Viewpoint - Berkshire Hathaway is in negotiations to acquire Occidental Petroleum's chemical unit, OxyChem, for approximately $10 billion, which would be its largest acquisition since 2022 [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Occidental Petroleum, based in Houston, has a market capitalization of about $46 billion and is primarily known for its oil and gas operations [2]. - OxyChem generates nearly $5 billion in revenue for the year ending June, producing products used in disinfecting water, battery recycling, and paper production [2]. Group 2: Investment Context - If the acquisition is finalized, it would represent Berkshire's second significant investment in the chemicals sector, following the purchase of Lubrizol in 2011 for nearly $10 billion [2]. - Berkshire Hathaway is already Occidental's largest shareholder, having increased its stake to around 28% after providing $10 billion for preferred shares to help finance Occidental's $38 billion acquisition of Anadarko Petroleum [5]. Group 3: Financial Background - Berkshire's last major acquisition was the $11.6 billion purchase of Alleghany in 2022 [4]. - Occidental has been actively selling assets to reduce its debt, having repaid $7.5 billion by August, while Berkshire holds record cash reserves of approximately $344 billion as of June [5].