Sector

22 September 2025

Bell Laboratories acquired by multinational investment firm

INDUSTRY NEWS 

BPCA M&D member, Bell Laboratories announced it has been acquired by Berkshire Hathaway.

Bell-Laboratories-acquired-by-multinational-investment-firm-hero

The acquisition marks a new chapter in Bell Laboratories’ history. Bell Laboratories said it remains committed to delivering high-quality products and services to customers worldwide.

Under Berkshire Hathaway ownership, Bell will continue to operate independently, maintaining its leadership, culture and strategic direction.

Bell Laboratories welcomed Warren Buffett, Greg Abel, Howard Buffett and members of the Berkshire Hathaway team to its corporate headquarters in August.

In a conversation between Bell President and CEO Steve Levy and Berkshire Hathaway Chairman and CEO Warren Buffett, Buffett congratulated the company on its 50-year legacy and offered his perspective on its future.

“Mr. Buffett congratulated Bell on 50 years of success,” Levy said. “He shared that, because of this transaction, Bell can expect to be around for the next 50 years.”

Patrick Lynch, chief commercial officer of Bell and president of Bell Sensing, said the company is excited to welcome Berkshire Hathaway to the pest control industry.

“Due to Berkshire’s commitment to maintaining our leadership and culture, we are happy to reassure our partners that Bell will continue to lead our industry, providing the widest breadth and highest quality rodent control tools on the market,” Lynch said.

Bell Laboratories was founded in 1974 by Malcolm Stack, who launched the business following a successful career managing a pesticide formulation business.

Following his passing in 2006, the company had been solely owned by his daughters, Linda Hughes and Anne Connor, both of whom are now nearing retirement age. The sale to Berkshire Hathaway marks the first change of ownership from the Stack family.

Bell Laboratories said it remains committed to delivering innovative, science-driven rodent control solutions while upholding the values that have defined the company since its founding.

Levy said, “We are grateful for the enduring commitment the Malcolm Stack family has made to the pest control industry, and we look forward to building on that legacy in partnership with Berkshire Hathaway.” 

WHAT'S THE LATEST? 

Catch up on the big stories in the pest industry by signing up to PPC Now - our monthly email bulletin.

ppconline.org/subscribe

Source: Online

Highlights View all news

08 January 2026

Latest news

Glue trap sales changes can move forward after committee backs regulations

The Draft United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020 (Exclusions from Market Access Principles: Glue Traps) Regulations 2025 cleared an important hurdle yesterday.

Read more

05 January 2026

Latest news

Glue trap SALES ban moves a step closer following BPCA lobbying

Proposals to pave the way for a ban on the sale of rodent glue traps across the UK will be debated in Parliament this week.

Read more

15 December 2025

Latest news

BPCA wrapped 2025: a message to members from Rosina Robson

In this video, Rosina Robson, Chief Executive of the British Pest Control Association, reflects on a year of momentum, challenge and progress for the Association.

Read more
Latest View all news

15 January 2026

Latest news

VIDEO: Pest equipment maintenance – getting ready for insect season with Anna Iversen

We spend a lot of time talking about products, pests and labels. But what about the equipment that actually puts chemistry where it needs to be?

Read more

15 January 2026

Latest news

Full PestEx 2026 Technical Theatre programme released

BPCA has unveiled the full Technical Theatre seminar schedule for PestEx. Two days of focused talks built for pest professionals.

Read more

14 January 2026

Latest news

Free local training days at BPCA’s revamped Training Forums – first stop: Glasgow!

BPCA is inviting the whole industry to our refreshed in-person Training Forums for 2026, giving pest professionals more chances to learn, debate and get hands-on with practical skills across the UK.

Read more