Berkshire Hathaway’s new chief executive, Greg Abel, has signaled a potential departure from Warren Buffett’s long-held hands-off operating model, following the announcement of a $6.8 billion acquisition of homebuilder Taylor Morrison.
Abel indicated in the deal announcement that he intends to consolidate Taylor Morrison with Berkshire’s existing site-built homebuilding operations, which are part of its Clayton Homes subsidiary. For six decades under Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway largely promised to leave acquired companies alone, allowing their executives to continue day-to-day operations without significant interference.
