Core Insights - Berkshire Hathaway Inc. has signed an agreement to acquire Occidental Petroleum Corporation's petrochemical subsidiary, OxyChem, for approximately $9.7 billion in cash [1][2] - The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025 and will be Berkshire's largest deal since its $13.7 billion acquisition of Alleghany Corp. in 2022 [2] - OxyChem specializes in producing essential chemicals such as chlorine, sodium hydroxide, and PVC resins, generating roughly $5 billion in revenue over the past 12 months [3] Company Developments - Occidental Petroleum, 27% owned by Berkshire, is actively deleveraging after significant acquisitions, including a $55 billion purchase of Anadarko in 2019 [4] - The company currently has $24 billion in debt, down from nearly $49 billion post-Anadarko, and plans to use $6.5 billion from the OxyChem sale to further reduce this debt [4] - Occidental has executed nearly $4 billion in divestments since early 2024, indicating a strategic shift towards simplifying its portfolio and enhancing capital returns to shareholders [5] Industry Context - The acquisition of OxyChem marks a significant move in the petrochemical sector, as it is expected to be one of the largest standalone petrochemical transactions globally, valued near $10 billion [2] - The deal comes amid industry challenges, including oversupply and shrinking margins, leading Occidental to close a chapter in its decades-long chemicals business [6] - The acquisition strengthens Berkshire Hathaway's ties with Occidental, as the firm has been gradually increasing its equity stake in the company [5]

Core Viewpoint - Berkshire Hathaway announced the acquisition of Occidental Petroleum's petrochemical unit, OxyChem, for $9.7 billion, marking the largest deal by the firm in the last three years [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition is an all-cash transaction, with Berkshire paying $9.7 billion, of which Occidental plans to use $6.5 billion to reduce its debt below $15 billion [2]. - This deal is the largest for Berkshire since acquiring Allegheny Corporation for $11.6 billion in 2022 [2]. Group 2: OxyChem's Operations - OxyChem produces basic chemicals such as chlorine and sodium hydroxide, which are utilized in water treatment and healthcare [3]. - Occidental has lowered its full-year forecast for OxyChem's pre-tax income by approximately 15% to a range of $800 million to $900 million due to an ongoing market surplus [3]. Group 3: Leadership Transition - The announcement of the acquisition does not mention Warren Buffett, indicating a leadership transition to Greg Abel, who is set to assume the role of chief executive [4]. - Buffett will remain as chairman and continue to be involved in decision-making processes [4]. Group 4: Background on Berkshire's Investment - Berkshire has a long-standing investment in Occidental, initially supporting its acquisition of Anadarko Petroleum with a $10 billion commitment in 2019 [6]. - The firm has been gradually increasing its stake in Occidental, which currently stands at approximately 28.2% [2][6]. - Occidental has been focused on reducing its debt following its $10.8 billion acquisition of CrownRock and plans to sell around $4 billion in assets [6].

Core Insights - Berkshire Hathaway Inc is nearing a deal to acquire Occidental Petroleum Corp's petrochemical business for approximately $10 billion, marking its largest deal since the acquisition of Alleghany Corp in 2022 for $13.7 billion [1][2] Group 1: Deal Details - The transaction could be announced in the coming days, with discussions being confidential [1] - Occidental has been involved in nearly $4 billion of asset sales since the beginning of last year to reduce debt [3] Group 2: Financial Performance - OxyChem, Occidental's petrochemical division, is expected to generate pretax income of $800 million to $900 million this year [4] - Berkshire Hathaway's cash reserves totaled $344 billion at the end of June, close to a record high [3] Group 3: Strategic Moves - Warren Buffett appears to be returning to aggressive deal-making after a period of refraining from large transactions, having recently invested $1.6 billion in UnitedHealth Group Inc [2]