Retail Sales Rise at Buffett-Owned Conglomerate

RAPAPORT... Revenue from the retail division of Berkshire Hathawayincreased 5% to $4.04 billion in the third quarter, the company reportedSaturday. 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 2% to $188 million in the three months ending September 30. Revenues from manufacturing of consumer products, whichincludes jewelry maker Richline Group, fell 5% to $2.9 billion. Image: A Borsheims store in the US. (Borsheims)