Farmers Group Inc.’s third-quarter earnings increased 6%...

Farmers Group Inc.’s third-quarter earnings increased 6% from a year ago to $66 million. Revenue totaled $302 million, up 5%. The Los Angeles-based insurer credited the results to growth in average premium levels, a greater average number of policies in force, lower taxes and higher miscellaneous fees, which more than offset higher operating expenses related to its proposed merger with Batus Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of BAT Industries PLC. The merger will be considered at a special stockholders’ meeting scheduled for Dec. 14.

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