Published: Friday November 20, 2009 MYT 12:33:00 PM

Warren Buffett's Berkshire gets US$8bil to buy railway

OMAHA, Nebraska: Warren Buffett's company has lined up an US$8 billion loan to help pay for its $26.3 billion acquisition of railroad Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. said in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission Thursday that it signed the financing deal with JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo on Wednesday.

Buffett has said Berkshire, which is based in Omaha, plans to borrow half of the $16 billion cash needed for the deal, and pay back the loan over three years.

Berkshire has agreed to pay $100 a share in cash and stock for all the Burlington Northern shares it doesn't own.

Berkshire holds a 23 percent stake in the railroad, which is based in Ft. Worth, Texas.

The deal is expected to be completed early next year if shareholders and regulators approve. - AP

On the Net:

Berkshire Hathaway Inc.:

www.berkshirehathaway.com

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.:

www.bnsf.com

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