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P.M. BRIEFING : Buffett Seeks U.S. OK to Boost Coca Cola Share to 15% From 7%

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<i> From Times wire services</i>

Billionaire investor Warren E. Buffett said today he plans to seek government approval to boost his holdings in Coca-Cola Co. from almost 7% to 15%.

The news sent Coke stock sharply higher and the share price rose $1.50 to $65 by midday in active New York Stock Exchange trading.

In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. investment company said it intends to seek to buy as much as 15% of the soft drink and entertainment company’s voting shares.

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The influential Omaha, Neb.-based investor, whose stock purchases are widely imitated, said he currently holds 6.75% of Coca-Cola’s common stock outstanding.

Buffett, chairman and principal shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway, on July 20 was named to Coca-Cola’s board of directors.

Analysts said it was highly unlikely that Buffet would seek to take control of the company.

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In SEC filing, he said his interests in the company remain limited to a passive investment and he has no plans for any extraordinary corporate transactions.

Coca-Cola’s products include its soft drinks and Minute Maid orange juice. It also owns 49% of movie studio Columbia Pictures Entertainment Inc.

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