Billionaire Warren Buffett sparks criticism for saying that 'if a lady says no, she means maybe'
Mr Buffett has a reputation for recounting folksy tales to illustrate business practices and the psychology of investing
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Finance billionaire Warren Buffett has triggered a wave of criticism after comparing Heinz Kraft’s attempt to takeover Unilever to a woman responding to sexual advances.
Mr Buffett, the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway which is a major shareholder of Heinz Kraft, was asked by an interviewer on CNBC why the massive consumer goods company had made an offer for its Anglo-Dutch rival even though the latter was clearly not interested in a tie-up.
He said that “if a diplomat says yes, he means maybe. If he says maybe, he means no. And if he says no, he’s no diplomat.”
He then added that “if a lady says no, she means maybe. And if she says maybe, she means yes. And if she says yes, she's no lady.”
Mr Buffett has a reputation for recounting folksy tales to illustrate business practices and the psychology of investing, but this time he appeared to cross a line, triggering a wave of disapproval and mockery.
“Warren Buffett’s analogy for Kraft’s failed Unilever takeover is cringeworthy,” news outlet Fortune tweeted from its official account.
In a letter to investors in 2007, Mr Buffett compared unsuccessful business deals to "ugly" women saying: “A line from Bobby Bare’s country song explains what too often happens with acquisitions: 'I’ve never gone to bed with an ugly woman, but I’ve sure woke up with a few.'”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments