Buffett's latest investment strategy: baubles and trinkets (1 Viewer)

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We've come full circle from 1620 when the Dutch "bought" Manhattan for 60 guilders worth of trade goods:

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (A) agreed to buy closely held Oriental Trading Co., the U.S. direct retailer of party and craft supplies. The acquisition of the firm, based in Buffett’s hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, will be completed this month, Berkshire said today in a statement, without disclosing terms. Berkshire will pay about $500 million for Oriental Trading . . .

Buffett, 82, has been making smaller acquisitions as he searches for larger takeovers to expand the firm he built over four decades by buying stocks (2FA) such as Coca-Cola Co. and companies including railroad Burlington Northern Santa Fe. The billionaire’s acquisitions (2FA) this year include a food distributor, newspapers and a building insulation maker. The addition of Oriental Trading will add to Berkshire’s retail operations, which span jewelers to candy stores.

“We are delighted to have them join the Berkshire Hathaway family and continue their quest to make the world more fun,” Buffett said in the statement.

Berkshire to Buy Oriental Trading as Buffett Bets on Toys - Businessweek