By Jessica Hall

Merger activity in the United States dropped 29 percent in the second quarter, faring better than the 40 percent global slump, as corporations filled the void left by buyout firms and targeted big consumer brands such as Anheuser-Busch Cos Inc <BUD.N> and Wm. Wrigley Jr Co <WWY.N>.

Like a lot of people, Nate Towne is cutting back on spending. He's carpooling to work and only shops at grocery stores that take coupons or offer discount "rewards" cards. But he will still pay for premium candy.

Warren Buffett tried to reassure his shareholders Saturday that Berkshire Hathaway will be fine once he is gone, but the 77-year-old billionaire offered few new details of the company's succession plan.

As Warren Buffet told CNBC this week, "A good time to buy a really great business is when you can."

Berkshire Hathaway, the insurance and investment company run by Warren Buffett, has been preparing succession plans for when the 77-year-old billionaire steps down.

Warren Buffett will be the center of attention on Saturday at the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting.

Warren Buffett will be the center of attention on Saturday at the annual shareholder meeting for Berkshire Hathaway, his roughly $200 billion holding company.

M&M's candy maker Mars has teamed up with billionaire Warren Buffett to buy No. 1 chewing gum manufacturer Wm Wrigley Jr for $23 billion.

Mars, the makers of M&M’s, was near a deal last night to acquire the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, the chewing gum concern, for more than $22 billion, people involved in the talks said.