NEW YORK (February 14, 2013)--H.J. Heinz Co. says it agreed to be acquired by an investment consortium that includes billionaire investor Warren Buffett in a deal valued at $28 billion.

The ketchup company said Heinz shareholders will receive $72.50 in cash for each share of common stock they own.

The deal value includes the assumption of Heinz's debt.

Based on Heinz's number of shares outstanding, the deal is worth $23.3 billion excluding debt.

The per share price represents a 20 percent premium to Heinz's closing price of $60.48 on Wednesday.

Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital said Heinz will remain headquartered in Pittsburgh.

Berkshire Hathaway purchased the Waco Tribune-Herald last summer.