By Ulrike Dauer
Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
<\/pre>\nFRANKFURT (Dow Jones)–Munich Re AG (MUV2.XE) Thursday said billionaire investor Warren Buffett owned financial instruments as of Jan. 19 that could lift his voting rights in the company to 5.029%. <\/p>\n
Munich Re said in a regulatory filing that Buffett, the chairman of investment company Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRKA, BRKB), said “he directly or indirectly held financial instruments that granted him the right to subscribe to shares in our company” carrying 1.945% of voting rights. <\/p>\n
Buffett already held 3.084% in the company on that day, Munich Re said. The exercise date of the financial instruments is March 11. <\/p>\n
Financial instruments that Buffett held directly were through Berkshire Hathaway Inc., OBH Inc. and National Indemnity Company, which are controlled by Buffett, Munich Re said. <\/p>\n
A Munich Re spokeswoman said the company is “pleased about every investor, that’s a confirmation of our sustainable strategy.” She declined to comment further on the type of financial instruments and whether they will have to be exercised on March 11. <\/p>\n
According to the figures, Buffett was Munich Re’s largest investor on Jan. 19, ahead of Blackrock Inc. (BLK), which reported in December that it held 4.58% in the company. <\/p>\n
On Tuesday, Munich Re, one of the world’s largest reinsurers, said Buffett’s stake had gone above the 3% threshold on Jan. 18 to stand at 3.045%. <\/p>\n
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