Omaha, Nov 3 (THAINDIAN NEWS) The boards of directors of Omaha, Neb.-based Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and Fort Worth, Texas-based Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. announced today that Berkshire Hathaway is increasing its holdings in BNSF by 80% from the current 20% that they already own in BNSF.

BNSF is actually a holding company that owns and manages one of the largest North American railway systems. This particular system includes a rail yard in west-central Springfield and company offices at 3253 E. Chestnut Expressway in the nice Frisco Building.

This particular deal is estimated at approximately $44 billion, including $10 billion of outstanding BNSF debt, making it the largest acquisition in Berkshire Hathaway’s extravagant history.

“Our country’s future prosperity depends on its having an efficient and well-maintained rail system,” said Berkshire Hathaway Chairman and CEO Warren E. Buffett, in the release. “Conversely, America must grow and prosper to do well. Berkshire’s $34 million investment in BNSF is a huge bet on that company, CEO Matt Rose and his team, and the railway industry. Most important of all, however, it’s an all-in wager on the economic future of the United States. I love those bets.”