Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman has been attempting to use real estate developer Howard Hughes Holdings ( HHH 2.82%) to create a "modern-day Berkshire Hathaway " for some time. Now, it looks like a deal has finally been reached that could allow him to get started.

Bill Ackman has his sights set on being this generation's Warren Buffett. Though the activist turned long-term investor is hesitant to say he thinks he will be the next Oracle of Omaha. "Warren's an icon,

Howard Hughes Holdings Inc.’s stock rose Monday as billionaire Bill Ackman reached a final agreement to acquire a controlling interest in the real-estate-development company that he plans to turn into a modern Berkshire Hathaway.