Berkshire's National Indemnity Takes Stake in Mitsubishi Corp

Berkshire's National Indemnity has become a major shareholder of Mitsubishi Corp, a Japan-based company with diverse business segments including natural gas, metals, consumer goods, and more. The move is likely to have significant implications for both companies, as Berkshire's investment could bring new opportunities and partnerships for Mitsubishi, and potentially impact Berkshire's portfolio diversification.

Berkshire Hathaway's National Indemnity Company has significantly increased its stake in Mitsubishi Corp., a Japan-based trading house, to 10.23% from 9.74%, according to recent filings with the Tokyo Stock Exchange [1]. This move, executed through National Indemnity, comes as part of Berkshire Hathaway's broader strategy to deepen its investment in Japanese trading houses.

The increase in stake, announced on August 28, 2025, has sparked a positive reaction in the market, with Mitsubishi Corp. shares rising by 1.85% on the same day [2]. This is part of a larger trend where Berkshire Hathaway has been raising its stakes in Japanese trading houses, including Mitsubishi, Mitsui & Co., and others, as a strategic bet on their long-term value creation potential.

Mitsubishi Corp. operates across various sectors, including natural gas, metals, and consumer goods, which makes it an attractive investment for Berkshire Hathaway. The company's diversified portfolio and shareholder-friendly policies, such as a 10% annual dividend and $1 billion in share repurchases, align with Warren Buffett's investment philosophy [3].

The move also signals Berkshire's confidence in Japan's ongoing corporate governance reforms and the country's role as a hub for innovation in sectors like semiconductors and green technology. Japanese trading houses, or sogo shosha, are uniquely positioned to thrive in volatile markets due to their diversified portfolios and operational efficiency [4].

For Mitsubishi Corp., the increased stake by Berkshire Hathaway could bring new opportunities for partnerships and strategic investments. Berkshire's influence may also drive further governance reforms and transparency within the company, aligning it more closely with global best practices.

This strategic investment by Berkshire Hathaway underscores its long-term focus on capital-efficient businesses with durable competitive advantages. As global markets become increasingly fragmented, Japanese trading houses are well-positioned to act as intermediaries in the transition to a more decentralized and sustainable economy.

References:
[1] https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/berkshire-hathaway-hikes-mitsubishi-stake-to-1023-shares-rise-4213705
[2] https://www.reuters.com/business/berkshire-raises-stake-japans-mitsubishi-above-10-2025-08-28/
[3] https://www.ainvest.com/news/berkshire-hathaway-strategic-deepening-stake-japan-mitsubishi-corp-2508/
[4] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/japans-trading-houses-from-empire-builders-energy-craig-peacock-wqmlf