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| No Changes Expected Locally Following BNSF Sale Announcement -- CONTACT WGIL WITH YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE SALE |
UPDATED 3:42pm 11/3/09 The largest employer in Knox County and the City of Galesburg is now under new ownership, but that should not mean anything for the firm's 1,100 local employees.
That's according to a spokesperson for Burlington Northern Santa Fe. BNSF Public Affairs Director Steve Forsberg told WGIL in an interview Tuesday there are no expected changes planned for the Galesburg rail yard, or anywhere else in their system, now that Berkshire Hathaway, led by billionaire investor Warren Buffet, has announced it's purchasing the Fort Worth, Texas-based railroad.
Berkshire Hathaway already owned about a quarter of the company, and announced it is purchasing the rest for about $44 billion, which includes about $10 billion in debt.
Forsberg says BNSF CEO Matthew Rose used a conference call with investors to congratulate employees on the move.
CNN reports Buffet believes having a good rail system will help the future prosperity of the national economy.
Berkshire Hathaway already owns Geico Auto Insurance, a candy company, and Fruit of the Loom, among others.
The deal must still be approved by shareholders and is expected to be finalized early next year.
BNSF became Galesburg's largest employer after the Galesburg Maytag plant closed several years ago.
Are you a current employee of Burlington Northern Santa Fe, or do you know one? WGIL News would like to talk with you. Call the WGIL News Room at 342-5200, or e-mail News Director Will Stevenson by CLICKING HERE. Please include your name, telephone number, and the best time we can reach you.
For more on the BNSF purchase from CNN Money, CLICK HERE.
(Galesburg City Manager Dane Bragg, right, speaks to Senator Dick Durbin during an April 16th meeting at the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Galesburg yards, while Knox County Board Chairman Greg Bacon, and GREDA Interim President Greg Mangieri, Center, listen. Story by Will Stevenson and Dominic Fortini. WGIL News File Photo by Dominic Fortini.) |
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| 11 03 09 by Newsroom |
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