Warren Buffett heir apparent quits after stock purchases

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Warren Buffett's leading heir apparent David Sokol resigned from Berkshire Hathaway <BRKa.N>, and Buffett said in a statement on Wednesday that Sokol bought shares in a company he later pushed Buffett to purchase.

Buffett said he did not feel Sokol's purchase of shares in Lubrizol <LZ.N> was unlawful. Buffett said Sokol's March 28 letter of resignation from his role as chairman of MidAmerican and NetJets mentioned his desire to pursue philanthropic

efforts.

(Reporting by Ben Berkowitz)