Month: July 2019

Categories
Acquisitions Lubrizol

Lubrizol Corporation Acquires Bavaria Medizin Technologie GmbH

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

The Lubrizol Corporation has acquired Bavaria Medizin Technologie GmbH (BMT), an innovative designer and manufacturer of both intravascular (coronary, peripheral, and cranial) and nonvascular devices, including drug-coated balloons, by its German subsidiary Lubrizol Deutschland GmbH from its current majority shareholder Custos Vermögensverwaltungs GmbH as well as from the minority shareholders.

This acquisition builds upon Lubrizol’s expertise in precision thermoplastic extrusion and product development, establishing Lubrizol as a true end-to-end partner to the global medical device and pharmaceutical industries.

With over 100 employees, BMT is headquartered near Munich, Germany and operates a manufacturing facility in Sibiu, Romania. A pioneer in catheter-based technologies, BMT developed the first commercial drug-coated balloon, the Paccocath™ catheter. Today, BMT holds over 50 patents and continues to innovate through self-funded R&D projects, as well as contract R&D services.

Additionally, BMT offers private label manufacturing of proprietary catheters and balloons along with original equipment manufacturing (OEM) services, which include the manufacturing of subassemblies and components, sterilization, packaging and labeling, stent crimping, and logistics management.

The acquisition of BMT expands Lubrizol’s product design, development, and manufacturing expertise and provides access to proprietary catheter and balloon technologies. BMT’s experience and reputation in the drug-coated balloon (DCB) space aligns well with Lubrizol’s pharmaceutical CDMO business and positions Lubrizol as the ideal partner for developing next generation DCBs.

“Lubrizol continues to invest in opportunities that position us as a full-service development partner for innovative OEMs in the interventional space,” said Uwe Winzen, general manager of the Health business of Lubrizol Life Science. “Our customers will benefit from additional design capabilities, an increased global footprint, and synergies with our existing formulation and manufacturing services.”

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Categories
Mouser Electronics

Mouser Electronics Inks Global Deal With Xilinx

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Mouser Electronics, Inc. has signed a new global distribution agreement with Xilinx, Inc., the leader in adaptive and intelligent computing, to stock one of the industry’s broadest portfolios of Xilinx products, including digital downloads of development software and IP. Xilinx is the inventor of the FPGA, hardware programmable system-on-chips (SoCs) and the adaptive compute acceleration platform (ACAP), designed to deliver the most dynamic processor technology in the industry and enable the adaptable, intelligent and connected world of the future.

“Xilinx is an industry leader and proven innovator in new technologies. We are very excited to expand our product portfolio for our customers by now offering a broad in-stock suite of Xilinx products and tools,” said Glenn Smith, Mouser President and CEO. “We look forward to assisting Xilinx expand its global customer base and revenue with our focus on e-commerce and new product introductions for design engineers.”

“With Mouser’s exceptional customer service for engineers, world-class logistics, and expansive customer base, we are very excited to add them to our global distribution channel,” said Mark Wadlington, Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Xilinx. “We expect this to be the beginning of a long and successful relationship.”

Mouser is stocking the full breadth of Xilinx products, including Zynq SoCs and MPSoCs, plus ACAPS, FPGAs, 3D ICs, RFSoCs, accelerator cards, evaluation boards, system on modules, FPGA mezzanine cards, embedded development platforms, and more to help expedite the design process.

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Categories
Minority Stock Positions Stock Portfolio

BYD Opens New Global Design Center in Shenzhen

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Chinese battery and vehicle maker BYD has opened a new global design center at the company’s headquarters in Shenzhen.

Some 300 designers will be working in the 136,000 square-foot design center.

The team is led by an elite trio of European designers that have left their marks on top brands:

Global Design Director Wolfgang Egger. Egger previously served as Chief Designer for Audi. Egger has over 30 years of experience in automotive design. During his time at Audi, he created new designs for iconic models such as the A8, Q7 and TT and oversaw the Lamborghini sub-brand. Before joining Audi, he worked at Alfa Romeo where he led the team in developing stunning designs that received worldwide acclaim.

Global Exterior Design Director JuanMa Lopez came to BYD after eight years as head of exterior design at Ferrari, where he supervised the design of the F12 Berlinetta, LaFerrari, 812 Superfast, 488 Coupe and Spider, and many others. He began his career as an industrial designer and is known for his extraordinary skills in prototyping.

And, Michele Jauch-Paganetti, who has been named Global Interior Design Director, came to BYD after serving as Head of Advanced Interior Design at Daimler AG. During his 18 years at Daimler, he led teams creating Mercedes Benz interiors ranging from the everyday luxury of the C Class to the avant-garde vision of the Maybach 6. Before joining Daimler, he spent 8 years at Volkswagen.

BYD already has design centers in Shanghai and Los Angeles, and has various designers based in Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Germany.

BYD and Berkshire Hathaway

In 2008, Berkshire Hathaway bet on BYD’s potential, purchasing 225 million shares. It’s an investment that has paid off handsomely. Berkshire’s original investment of $230 million has grown in value almost ten-fold, and is now worth roughly $1.96 billion.

For More on BYD, read the Special Report: BYD, Berkshire’s Tesla.

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Categories
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Real Estate

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate Acquires Century 21 Adams Lawndale

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate has acquired Century 21 Adams Lawndale, a prominent real estate brokerage serving the Massachusetts towns of Belmont, Watertown and vicinity for more than 30 years.

The acquisition is Commonwealth Real Estate’s seventh since it joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in November 2018. Commonwealth Real Estate now counts more than 600 sales associates, 75 employees and 23 offices in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Century 21 Adams Lawndale was founded in 1989 by real estate veteran Jim Savas, a Watertown native and Belmont resident whose brokerage within two years became one of Century 21’s top companies in New England. In 2015, Savas merged his firm with independent brokerage Lawndale Realty, owned by Fred Pizzi and Sue Pizzi of Belmont, and the combined brokerage became Century 21 Adams Lawndale.

Savas and Pizzi will maintain active roles at the brokerage overseeing more than 30 sales associates transitioning with them. The Adams Lawndale office of Commonwealth Real Estate will continue operating at 486 Common St., Belmont, MA.

George Patsio, Commonwealth Real Estate founding partner, said the Adams Lawndale team is an integral part of the community with a legacy of strong service and expertise. “We are proud to welcome Jim, Fred, Sue and the entire team to our real estate family,” he said. “They give us a significant presence in Belmont and Watertown, and we look forward to helping the sales associates grow their businesses.”

Savas said he is eager to join forces with Commonwealth Real Estate and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand.

“We did our homework in researching firms to associate with,” he explained. “Commonwealth Real Estate has a strong reputation in the market and the brand is second to none.”

Fred Pizzi added, “Name brand in our market is important, and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand is an ideal match for Watertown and Belmont. As important, our new organization includes many good people and a strong emphasis on next-generation real estate technology, where the market is headed.”

Commonwealth Real Estate will provide the team with broad operational support and access to the tools, resources and brand strength of the world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network.

Agents at the Adams Lawndale office will have access to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ active referral and relocation networks, and its “FOREVER Cloud” technology suite, a powerful source for lead generation, marketing support, social media, video production/distribution and more. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has aligned with Salesforce to deliver world-class technology support to its network members far into the future.

The brand also provides global listing syndication, professional training and ongoing education, as well as the exclusive Luxury Collection marketing program for premier listings, which should be warmly embraced in Watertown and Belmont. The network’s Prestige Magazine showcases network members’ premium listings with a strong lineup of feature stories covering topics that appeal to high-end real estate consumers.

“We’re excited to go forward with the newest members of our brokerage,” said Patsio. “The combination of the Adams Lawndale team and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate will be hard to beat in Watertown and Belmont.”

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Categories
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Opens New Office in Cologne

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has appointed Andreas Krause as Country Manager for Germany and established a new office in Cologne.

BHSI also has an office in Munich, Germany, and underwrites property, casualty, medical malpractice, marine and executive & professional lines for a wide range of customers throughout the country.

“Drawing on his extensive experience in the European insurance industry, Andreas will lead our efforts to grow our team and our customer and broker relationships in Germany, and coordinate with colleagues throughout Europe and around the world to bring BHSI’s formidable underwriting, service and financial strength to the marketplace.” said Chris Colahan, President, BHSI, Europe and the UK. “We are pleased to further establish our geographic presence in Germany and our leadership team in Europe.”

Andreas comes to BHSI with nearly 20 years of industry experience. He was most recently General Manager, Germany, at QBE Europe. Before that he held various roles in both underwriting and distribution at AIG Europe, and was Director of Broking at AON Germany in Hamburg. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Johann-Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Catholic University Eichstätt.

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Categories
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Latter & Blum Team Joins Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Forms Brokerage

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, part of the HSF Affiliates LLC family of real estate brokerage franchise networks, has announced that a top-performing team from Latter & Blum has joined its network operating as a full-service brokerage named Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Shaw Properties.

The group is led by local real estate veteran Stephanie Shaw who is respected throughout the region for her knowledge, expertise and relentless client service. Shaw comes from stellar real estate lineage: Her mother Danette Shaw is recognized with REALTOR Emeritus status from the National Association of REALTORS for more than four decades of real estate service and leadership in Gulfport.

“We are delighted to welcome Stephanie Shaw and her team to the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network,” said Gino Blefari, chairman of the network. “This group shares a love for the real estate business and it shows in the service they provide to their clients. Stephanie wants to grow her business in the region and we will support her each step of the way.”

Stephanie Shaw brings with her a dozen skilled and experienced agents as the core of Shaw Properties and plans to grow the company with an ambitious recruiting campaign. She said her brokerage will emphasize a culture of continuous improvement with advanced real estate training and extensive use of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ Forever Cloud technology platform.

“We are thrilled to bring the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand to Gulfport and beyond,” Stephanie Shaw said. “The network is the fastest-growing in real estate for many important reasons, starting with powerful brand recognition, the extensive support and resources it provides its network members and the people behind the brand. We immediately feel like part of a big family and we’re ready to make the family proud.”

Stephanie Shaw added that her business principles and values match those of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “We are an ideal match,” she explained. “The network’s core values – Trust, Integrity, Stability and Longevity – are the same as Berkshire Hathaway Inc. itself and are the same values I’ve pursued since I’ve been in business. Trust and integrity are absolutely essential in business; without them you’re nothing.”

Shaw Properties will grow, said Stephanie Shaw, who expects to double the size of her brokerage and its market share in two years. “By joining the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network I’m able to provide my agents with the industry’s best real estate technology and services that I couldn’t begin to supply on my own. I’ve been tossed the keys to a performance race car and my team is ready to hit the gas for their clients.”

Shaw Properties agents now have access to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ active referral and relocation networks, and its “FOREVER Cloud” technology suite, a powerful source for lead generation, marketing support, social media, video production/distribution and more. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has aligned with Salesforce to deliver world-class technology support to its network members far into the future. The brand also provides global listing syndication, professional training and ongoing education and the exclusive Luxury Collection marketing program for premier listings. Its Prestige Magazine showcases network members’ premium listings with a strong lineup of feature stories covering topics that appeal to high-end real estate consumers.

Timing for her network membership is ideal, Stephanie Shaw added. The Mississippi Gulf Coast is an up-and-coming region with a percolating economic engine, two military bases and 27 miles of white-sand beaches. The area is a favorite of snowbirds and others through the U.S. and abroad, and its relatively modest average home price of $165,000 will only grow.

“There’s no question we’re excited about the future,” said Stephanie Shaw. “Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices gives us access to global real estate consumers and an active relocation and referral network. Those seeking Gulfport for their real estate investment will find us proudly ready to help.”

Chris Stuart, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, welcomed Shaw Properties. “Stephanie and her team will be wonderful brand ambassadors of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices,” he said. “The combination of her terrific team and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand will be difficult to beat in the region and it creates a compelling option for clients and agents alike.”

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Categories
Minority Stock Positions Stock Portfolio

BYD Opens Bus Assembly Plant in Canada

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Chinese battery and vehicle maker BYD has expanded its North American operations with the opening of its first bus assembly plant in Canada.

With buses already on order or in operation in Toronto, Victoria, Longueil, St. Albert and Grand Prairie, BYD will inaugurate the new 45,000-square-foot facility by assembling buses for the Toronto Transit Commission, Canada’s largest transit operator.

“We’re proud to establish a home in Canada; it re-affirms our commitment as a company to be rooted in this country and in this province,” said Ted Dowling, Vice President, BYD Canada.

BYD and Berkshire Hathaway

In 2008, Berkshire Hathaway bet on BYD’s potential, purchasing 225 million shares. It’s an investment that has paid off handsomely. Berkshire’s original investment of $230 million has grown in value almost ten-fold, and is now worth roughly $1.96 billion.

For More on BYD, read the Special Report: BYD, Berkshire’s Tesla.

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Categories
Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore & the Alpha Workshops Create Handmade Designer Wallpaper

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Benjamin Moore, a leading paint, color and coatings brand, along with The Alpha Workshops, the nation’s only nonprofit organization providing decorative arts education and employment to adults and youth with disabilities and other vulnerabilities, has announced the launch of their bespoke wallpaper capsule collection.

After decades of close collaboration, the Benjamin Moore color specialists have partnered with The Alpha Workshops wallpaper artisans to create this special edition of 15 hand-painted wallpapers featuring Benjamin Moore premium paints including CENTURY®, Aura® and Studio Finishes®.

“The Alpha Workshops has always used Benjamin Moore as our preferred paint since we first introduced our signature wallpaper offerings in 2001,” said Ken Wampler, Founder and Executive Director of The Alpha Workshops. “This ultra-premium collection enhances our longstanding partnership and exudes the highest level of quality while coating walls in an artful, new way.”

The Benjamin Moore and The Alpha Workshops Capsule Collection contains five patterns realized in three lustrous colorways. In Kimono, paints take the form of a radiant graphic floral, imprinted atop a rich, matte background. In Newport, they form delicate grids, stamped on the paper in layers to create a geometric masterpiece. In Topography, they’re slathered onto a stamp and applied in thick, glossy layers for a marbleized effect. While in Spencer and Horizon, they’re brushed on in feather-light strokes to textured paper that has been folded like origami. For most of the patterns, it takes a full day to create a single roll.

“The Collection speaks to the basic color groups of primaries and neutrals, but all with a layer of glamour,” said Ellen O’Neill, Benjamin Moore Director of Strategic Design Intelligence. “Benjamin Moore premium products coupled with the care and precision by Alpha’s team, create captivating prints in a palette that can be easily mixed and matched.”

The Benjamin Moore and The Alpha Workshops Capsule Collection will be available to order at select Benjamin Moore retailers throughout North America and internationally, as well as from The Alpha Workshops website at alphaworkshops.org. All wallpapers are made-to-order and cost $125 per yard. For a truly custom-made paper, customers and designers can add a touch of their hand by choosing a color scheme that is all their own.

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Categories
Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies Complete Pilot of Safe Drive Systems Radar Collision Avoidance Tech

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Safe Drive Systems (SDS), a leading developer and distributor of aftermarket advanced auto safety technologies, and its partner, Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies, have announced the end of the first stage of their ongoing fleet technology pilot project.

Ten months ago, Safe Drive Systems radar accident prevention systems were installed in the vehicles of selected fleet customers of Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies to evaluate whether the system and the provided service would reduce the frequency and severity of their claims. The vehicles were equipped with an integrated radar accident prevention system and fleet management system, including real-time tracking abilities, report generation software, driver behavior scoring, and the Fleet SDS mobile application.

According to Safe Drive System’s CEO Tuvi Cohen, “The system is currently installed in more than 580 vehicles that collectively have been driven more than 5,000,000 miles and showcases the driver education process to yield positive trends and results in driver performance.”

As noted by SDS’s Cohen, “The radar accident prevention system sends alerts and notifications to the driver which creates a subconscious awareness that was absent prior to installing the system. Ninety-two percent of drivers immediately reduced their speed whenever the radar system warned them of a potentially high-risk situation that could have caused an accident on the road.”

The radar accident prevention system works in all weather conditions and uses both radar and camera sensors to alert drivers of potential hazards. The system paired with the fleet management tool provides the owner or operator insight in “real time” to improve driver behavior and performance with ease.

Cohen notes “Our mission for years has been to make the road a safer place to be through technology. An ambitious idea that drives everything we do — from individual vehicle protection to entire fleet management solutions.”

Sy Foguel, President and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies added, “The SDS system helps our insureds manage their fleets and also provides us with telematics data. What we value most, however, is the potential of the system to help avoid auto accidents and save lives.”

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Categories
Pilot Flying J

Pilot Flying J Targets West Texas Oil Communities for Expansion

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Pilot Flying J continues to grow its presence in the Permian Basin, announcing the opening of six new travel centers in West Texas this year.

The new travel centers will provide more than 250 truck parking spaces to meet the needs of industry traffic and offer full amenities to the local communities along these routes. Pilot Flying J’s network of stores in Texas will grow to 92 locations, with more than 20 in the Permian Basin.

“We’re committed to making a better day for people living, working and traveling through Texas and across the nation,” said Ken Parent, president of Pilot Flying J. “We continue to invest in new stores located strategically across the country to bring convenience, quality, great food and amenities to those who are traveling the roadways. By expanding our network in the Permian Basin, we hope to better serve the exponential growth and rising traffic in the region.”

In June, the company is celebrating the grand openings of a Flying J Travel Center in Kermit, Texas and two Pilot Travel Centers located in Monahans and Midland, Texas. The new locations will add approximately 150 jobs and contribute more than $6.4 million in state and local tax revenue as a result of its increased presence in the state. Later this year, Pilot Flying J will open three more locations in Odessa, Midland and Andrews, Texas.

“Pilot Flying J is honored to be a part of the West Texas community and to contribute to the local school districts,” said Matt Testa, vice president of operations for Pilot Flying J. “We invite residents and those traveling through the West Texas region to visit our new locations. Our friendly team members look forward to serving our guests and providing a clean, all-in-one fuel stop with a variety of food, drinks, supplies and amenities.”

Berkshire Hathaway and Pilot Flying J

In October 2017, Berkshire Hathaway made a $2.76 billion investment in Pilot Travel Centers. Under the terms of the agreement, Berkshire will become the majority owner in five years.

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.