Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway said Thursday that Burlington Northern Santa Fe shareholders have cleared the track for its takeover of one of the largest rail operators in North America.

Preliminary results showed that approximately 70 percent of BNSF shares were voted in favor of the transaction, above the 66-2/3 percent required, the rail group said.

"Tomorrow begins the first century of ownership of BNSF by Berkshire Hathaway. I’m looking forward to every day of it as our railroad does its part to ensure the future prosperity of the country," said Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway chairman and chief executive and one of the world’s richest people.

Buffett had announced "an all-in wager on the economic future of the United States" when Berkshire Hathaway said three months ago it would purchase the 77.4 percent of BNSF that it did not currently own for 100 dollars per share in cash and stock.

The offer valued the rail operator at 44 billion dollars, including 10 billion dollars in debt.

The November 3 takeover bid represented a 31 percent premium over BNSF’s closing share price.

Buffett, known in financial circles as the "Oracle of Omaha" for his investing acumen, is investing about 26.3 billion dollars for the new stake.

BNSF Railway Company operates 32,000 route miles (51,499 kilometers)in 28 states and two Canadian provinces.