Retail Sales Rise at Berkshire Hathaway

RAPAPORT... Revenue from the retail division of Warren Buffett'sBerkshire Hathaway increased 2.5% to $4.03 billion in the second quarter, thecompany reported Saturday. The improvement in the division, which includes jewelrychains Borsheims, Helzberg Diamonds and Ben Bridge Jeweler, was buoyed in largepart by the company's car business, including sales of pre-owned vehicles, automotive financing, and repair work. Pretax earnings for the entire retailunit climbed 6% to $243 million. Revenues from manufacturing of consumer products, whichincludes jewelry maker Richline Group, fell 9% to $2.95 billion. Image: A Helzberg Diamonds store in Washington, DC. (Alphama)