Berkshire Hathaway to Acquire Lubrizol

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and The Lubrizol Corporation have announced a definitive agreement for Berkshire Hathaway to acquire 100% of outstanding Lubrizol shares for $135 per share in an all-cash transaction. The transaction, which was unanimously approved by the board of directors of each company, is valued at approximately $9.7 billion, including approximately $0.7 billion in net debt, making it one of the largest acquisitions in Berkshire Hathaway history. This price represents a 28% premium over Lubrizol’s closing price on March 11, and is also 18% higher than Lubrizol’s all-time high share closing price.

“Lubrizol is exactly the sort of company with which we love to partner-the global leader in several market applications run by a talented CEO, James Hambrick,” said Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. “Our only instruction to James: just keep doing for us what you have done so successfully for your shareholders.”

“This transaction provides compelling value to our shareholders and is a clear endorsement of the growth and diversification success Lubrizol has achieved,” said James Hambrick, chairman, president and CEO of Lubrizol. “We are very excited to have the opportunity to become part of the Berkshire Hathaway family. We believe its philosophy of supporting long-term global investments in technology, assets and employees will enhance execution of our growth strategies. Such a long-term commitment is more important than ever in today's global economy to deliver true market-leading products and services for our customers.”

The transaction is subject to the approval of Lubrizol’s shareholders and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the expiration of waiting periods and the receipt of approvals under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and applicable non-U.S. merger control regulations. Berkshire Hathaway and Lubrizol expect the transaction to be completed during the third quarter.

After the close of the transaction, Lubrizol will operate as a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. The company will remain at its Wickliffe, Ohio, headquarters and will continue to be led by its current management team.

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