Berkshire Hathaway completes $9.7 billion OxyChem acquisition, securing a leading essential chemicals producer with stable leadership and diversified end markets.
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. has formally completed its acquisition of OxyChem from Occidental in a transaction valued at $9.7 billion, subject to standard post-closing purchase price adjustments. The completion of this deal marks another significant step in Berkshire Hathaway’s long-term strategy of investing in durable, cash-generative businesses that provide essential products and services across the global economy.
OxyChem, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is widely recognized as a leading producer of fundamental chemical products that are deeply embedded in everyday life. The company operates an extensive manufacturing and distribution footprint across the United States, Canada, and Latin America, supplying critical materials to a broad range of industries. Its scale, reliability, and technical expertise have positioned it as a cornerstone supplier in the North American chemical sector.
Within the United States, OxyChem ranks among the top three manufacturers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlor-alkali products, chlorinated organic chemicals, and calcium chloride. These materials are essential inputs for multiple downstream markets. PVC, for example, is a vital component in construction and infrastructure, used extensively in pipes, fittings, windows, and other building materials. Chlor-alkali products, including chlorine and caustic soda, are foundational chemicals used in water treatment, paper production, and numerous industrial processes. Calcium chloride is widely applied in road maintenance, dust control, food processing, and oil and gas operations.
The company’s product portfolio supports critical applications across water treatment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, manufacturing, automotive production, personal hygiene products, and both residential and commercial construction. Through these applications, OxyChem’s materials contribute to public health, infrastructure resilience, industrial efficiency, and overall quality of life. This broad end-market exposure also provides the business with a level of diversification that helps stabilize performance across economic cycles.
From a strategic perspective, the acquisition aligns closely with Berkshire Hathaway’s long-standing investment philosophy. The conglomerate has consistently favored businesses with strong market positions, predictable demand, and the ability to generate sustainable cash flows over long periods. OxyChem’s role as a supplier of essential chemical building blocks, combined with its established customer relationships and operational scale, fits squarely within this framework.
Importantly, continuity of leadership will remain a defining feature of the transition. OxyChem will continue to operate under the direction of Wade Alleman, who will retain his roles as president and chief executive officer. Maintaining the existing management team underscores Berkshire Hathaway’s confidence in OxyChem’s leadership, operational discipline, and strategic direction, while also ensuring stability for employees, customers, and partners.
Overall, the completion of this acquisition strengthens Berkshire Hathaway’s industrial portfolio and positions OxyChem to continue expanding its role as a reliable supplier of essential chemical products. With long-term ownership, operational independence, and stable leadership, OxyChem is expected to build on its existing strengths while supporting critical industries across the Americas.
