Australian investment firm Soul Pattinson is set to take over building products company Brickworks in a $9 billion merger that will simplify a 56-year cross-shareholding relationship between the two businesses. The merger has been described as a buyout and has led to a surge in the stocks of both companies. The deal aims to address Australia's housing undersupply, with the CEO of a major Australian company highlighting the nation's housing challenges following a related $14 billion merger with an investment firm. Soul Pattinson's CEO previously noted similarities between his firm and Berkshire Hathaway, emphasizing a convergent business approach rather than direct imitation. This merger marks a significant consolidation in the Australian building products sector.