BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC. NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE 24, 1997 Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE; BRK.A and BRK.B) and Star Furniture Company of Houston, TX announce that they have signed a definitive agreement for the merger of Star with a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary according to a joint announcement by Melvyn Wolff and Shirley Toomim, co-owners of Star and by Warren Buffett, Chairman of Berkshire. The transaction, which is subject to certain customary closing conditions, is expected to be consummated on July 1, 1997. "We couldn't be more pleased than to have the opportunity to become a part of what we believe to be the finest family of companies ever assembled under one corporate name", said Wolff. "Warren Buffett has demonstrated a legendary track record for growth and we want to be part of it." Star was founded in 1912 and the Wolff and Toomim families have been involved for nearly all of it's 85 year history. Star is listed as the 32nd largest furniture retailer in the nation in Furniture Today's list of the top 100 retailers, and has posted significant sales increases in recent years. Star associates learned of the merger at a company wide breakfast held at the George R. Brown Convention Center at which Mr. Buffett and Mr. Wolff spoke about the transaction. Star becomes the third furniture retailer to be acquired by Berkshire Hathaway, joining Nebraska Furniture Mart (27th in the Top 100 list and in which Berkshire Hathaway owns 80% of the stock) and R.C. Willey (20th in the Top 100 list). Total combined revenues for the three companies are estimated at $684 million. Officers of Star include Melvyn Wolff, Chairman/CEO; Shirley Toomim, Vice Chairman of the Board; Mark Schreiber, President; Bill Ward, Vice President/Operations; Gary Gibson, Vice President, Finance/CFO; Steve Robinson, Vice President/MIS; Larry Eshelman, Vice President/Credit and Collections and Alan Kramer, Vice President/Merchandising. There will be no changes in the management or the management style of the company according to Mr. Wolff. Mr. Buffett expressed his confidence in the current management team and especially in the positive results the company is enjoying. Contact: Marc D. Hamburg (402) 346-1400 * * * * * * *