General Electric profits boosted by acquisitions

General Electric said first-quarter profit rose, helped by acquisitions in businesses including healthcare and consumer finance and a rebound in orders at some industrial units.

Net income climbed 8% to $3.2 billion, or 32 cents a share, from $2.9 billion, or 30 cents, a year earlier.

Sales rose to $33.4 billion from $30.5 billion, the Fairfield, Connecticut-based company said in a statement.