Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman announced plans to build a modern-day Berkshire Hathaway ( BRK.A 1.68%) ( BRK.B 1.79%). Although Ackman and his investors would own most of it, it would be available to invest in as a publicly traded company.

Ackman has unveiled his vision to form a new business out of Howard Hughes Holdings “that would acquire controlling interests in operating companies.”

Born into a wealthy New York family, Bill Ackman has amassed a fortune estimated at more than $9 billion, according to Forbes. As he tries to buy The Woodlands-based Howard Hughes Holdings, here's what you should know about the creator of Pershing Square Capital Management.