OXY(US:OXY) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-10-05 00:51Core Viewpoint - Berkshire Hathaway has separated the roles of Chairman and CEO, preparing for Greg Abel to take over as CEO in early 2024, following a significant acquisition of Occidental Petroleum's chemical business for $9.7 billion, marking Abel's first major deal as the designated successor [1][9]. Group 1: Corporate Governance Changes - The Berkshire board voted to amend the company bylaws to separate the roles of Chairman and CEO, effective immediately [3]. - Greg Abel is set to become the CEO on January 1, 2026, while Warren Buffett will remain as Chairman [6]. - This change is part of a broader transition plan as Buffett, at 94, prepares to step back from day-to-day operations [7]. Group 2: Major Acquisition - Berkshire Hathaway announced a $9.7 billion cash acquisition of Occidental Petroleum's subsidiary OxyChem, which is the largest acquisition since 2022 [9][12]. - The acquisition is aimed at enhancing Berkshire's portfolio with a well-managed asset supported by a strong team [11]. - Occidental Petroleum's motivation for the sale is to alleviate debt, with plans to use $6.5 billion from the sale to reduce its debt below $15 billion [11][12]. Group 3: Financial Context - As of June 30, Berkshire had $344 billion in cash and cash equivalents, close to its historical high [12]. - The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025 [12].