Berkshire Hathaway builds stakes in Japan's top 5 trading companies

In August 2020, Berkshire's average ownership in each of the five companies was five percent; by June 2023, that figure had risen to over 8.5 percent.

At that time, Berkshire also said it could further increase stakes at a suitable price, but Buffett promised it would not buy more than 9.9% in any of those five companies before seeking approval from their boards. Hyodo notes that a suitable moment may come soon.

"According to the information I have, there is a build-up of stakes in all five companies, not just Sumitomo," Hiodo said. "His (Buffett's) stake is growing every day".

source: bloomberg.com