What is Buffett’s Motivation in Purchasing BNSF?

By Kellyn Brown, 11-04-09

The Wall Street Journal has a roundup of reactions to Warren Buffett’s acquisition (the American investor’s biggest and, perhaps, riskiest move ever) of Burlington Northern Sante Fe Corp.

Over at Salon, Andrew Leonard wonders what motivated Buffett to purchase the company. Is the billionaire betting on climate change or coal?

Carbon sequestration technology is not, by anyone's estimation, ready for a large-scale roll out. Seems to me that the bet that properly priced carbon will boost railroad freight doesn't work so well when what the railroad happens to be carrying is a whole lot of coal.

Maybe Buffett just likes playing with trains?

In Montana, Gov. Brian Schweitzer and the state’s U.S. delegation have already asked that the company consider lower shipping costs, but don’t seem too concerned about the new owner.

"Warren Buffett is known for investing in the future of America, and you can be sure I'll be keeping a close eye to make sure Montana producers get a fair shake on shipping rates," (U.S. Sen. Max) Baucus said.

[End of article]