berkshire hathawayJanuary 7, 2005 Registered Exchange Offers Commence

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation have commenced two registered exchange offers. The first offers to exchange up to $700 million in 3.40% senior notes due 2007 for an equal amount of privately placed notes. The second offers to exchange up to $400 million in 5.10% senior notes due 2014 for an equal amount of privately placed notes. The exchange notes are substantially identical to the original notes except that they have been registered and will not bear any transfer restrictions. Berkshire and BHFC will accept validly tendered original notes until February 7, 2005 unless extended. The exchange offers are made pursuant to prospectuses dated January 7, 2005.