Warren Buffett Acknowledges Overpaying For Kraft

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett acknowledged in a CNBC interview Monday morning overpaying for Kraft Heinz Co KHC when Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE: BRK-A) (NYSE: BRK-B) teamed up with Brazil's 3G to buy the food company in 2013.

What Happened

Kraft's stock plunged 25 percent Friday in reaction to the company's earnings report, which included a $15.4-billion asset writedown, a dividend reduction and the disclosure of an SEC investigation. On Monday, Buffett told CNBC's Becky Quick he "overpaid for Kraft," but said it remains a "wonderful business" that boasts one key advantage over smaller rivals.

As a top-tier food brand, it can "go toe-to-toe" with major retailers in negotiating terms, the 88-year-old CEO said. On the other hand, weaker brands "tend to lose out."

The company's legacy position in the food market also makes it one of a small handful of companies that oversees multiple billion-dollar brands, Buffett said. 

"How many new products really become big?" he asked. 

Buffett: Close To Making A Big Deal In Q4

Buffett also told Quick in the Monday morning interview that he was close to closing on a "very large" deal in the fourth quarter. Investors hoping to gain any insight into what Buffett is considering will likely be disappointed. The only hint Buffett offered: the company is located "on this planet."

"We continue, nevertheless, to hope for an elephant-sized acquisition," he said.

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