Briefly

Warren Buffett, the billionaire who says he prefers to invest in simple businesses, found a complex way to raise money for his investment company, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Berkshire sold $400 million of a new five-year security designed by Goldman, Sachs & Co. that packages a senior note with a warrant to buy Berkshire shares, and was advertised as the “first-ever negative coupon” security: In effect, buyers are paying Buffett for the right to buy Berkshire shares in the future.

Holders gain the right to buy Berkshire shares at a 15% premium to Tuesday’s closing prices.