Shares in Brasil Foods have jumped in value after reports that US billionaire Warren Buffett’s investment vehicle, Berkshire Hathaway, has started buying shares in the world’s largest poultry exporter.

According to Brazilian newspaper Valor Economico, Berkshire Hathaway began buying up shares in the company after fund managers visited Brasil Foods last week. The report cites an unnamed investor familiar with the matter.

Shares in the company, which climbed 4.2% to GBP18.19 (US$29.5) on Friday (21 February), up from an open of GBP17.95.

When contacted by just-food, Brasil Foods declined to comment on its share price or investor profile. Berkshire Hathaway was unavailable at time of press.