Staff reports, The Examiner
2007-11-01 10:00:00.0
Current rank: Not ranked

SAN FRANCISCO -

Oakland-based Clorox Co. (CLX) reported first-quarter profit that fell below analysts’ estimates and agreed to buy Burt’s Bees, the maker of natural lip balm and hand cream, for $925 million, its biggest acquisition in nine years. Closely held Burt’s Bees, based in North Carolina, uses bee’s wax, flowers and other natural ingredients in its soap, moisturizers and shampoo.

WHITE TRUFFLES

Gourmets are going to have to dig even deeper into their pockets to buy white truffle — a delicacy Italians refer to as “white gold.” Experts said Wednesday that this year’s harvest has been one of the poorest in recent years. This year, 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of white truffle could cost between 300 euros ($432) and 600 euros ($864), about 60 to 70 percent more than last year, he said.