One of Warren Buffett's top lieutenants -- seen by many as his likely successor -- took part in the negotiations to buy Lubrizol Corp (LZ.N), according to a source familiar with the matter. David Sokol, chairman Berkshire Hathaway (BRKa.N) (BRKb.N) units MidAmerican Energy and NetJets, was involved in the process, though Buffett made the final decision, the source said. Berkshire Hathaway struck a deal to buy lubricant maker Lubrizol for $9 billion in cash in a bet on industrial growth in emerging economies. [ID:nL3E7EE1FG] The process began toward the beginning of the year, with Berkshire approaching the chemical company, according to the source. (Reporting by Michael Erman; Additional reporting by Ben Berkowitz)
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