The most generous billionaire in the world Warren Buffett surprised a lot by giving a record of $ 6 billion in Berkshire Hathaway actions to charitable works.
It is his biggest donation to date and adds to the tens of billions that he has already given on almost 20 years.
The money given of the billionaire goes to the Gates Foundation and four charity organizations managed by his family.
The donation of approximately 12.36 million class B shares of Berkshire pushed Buffett’s charitable donation to more than $ 60 billion.
He gave 9.43 million actions to the Gates Foundation, 943,384 actions at the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation and 660,366 actions each with three foundations led by his children – the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, the Sherwood Foundation and the Novo Foundation.
Despite the donation, Buffett still holds 13.8% of Berkshire’s actions, according to published figures.
With a net value of $ 152 billion before Friday’s gift, Buffett ranked like the fifth richest person in the world, according to Forbes. The gift drops it in sixth place. It exceeds $ 5.3 billion he gave last June. He also gave $ 1.14 billion more to family foundations in November.
In a press release, Buffett reiterated that he did not intend to sell any of his actions in Berkshire.
Now 94, Buffett began to give his wealth in 2006.
He revised his will last year to ensure that 99.5% of his remaining succession will go to a charity trust supervised by his children after his death.
The brothers and sisters – Susie (71), Howard (70) and Peter (67) – will have about ten years to distribute funds and must make decisions unanimously.
Buffett has managed Berkshire Hathaway, based in Omaha, Nebraska since 1965. The conglomerate of $ 1.05 Billion has nearly 200 companies, notably Geico Insurance and BNSF Railway, and holds important participations in companies like Apple and American Express.
Susie Buffett heads the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, named after her mother, the first wife of Buffett. The Foundation supports the causes of boresic health.
The Sherwood Foundation finances programs for non -profit organizations and early childhood education based in Nebraska. The Howard G. Buffett Foundation focuses on food security, anti-traitory efforts and attenuation of conflicts. The Novo Foundation supports marginalized girls and women, as well as indigenous communities.
Buffett said last June that donations from the Gates Foundation would stop after his death.
