Booker non-exec shops for shares

A non-executive director of FTSE 250-listed Booker, a cash and carry firm, has bought £39,315 worth of shares in his first purchase.

Stewart Gilliland bought 50,000 shares at 78.63p each, having previously had none, just one week after the firm announced a 22% rise in its pre-tax interim profits.

54-year-old Gilliland joined the board at the end of last year having recently retired as chief executive of Muller Dairies UK and Ireland.

Subscribe to MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Sign up

In the 24 weeks to 9 September, Booker's pre-tax profits climbed to £45m from £36.9m over the same period the previous year, on sales that were up by 8.5% at £1.8bn.

On a like-for-like basis, total sales were up by 6.5% (or 5.1% when tobacco is stripped out). The interim dividend rises to 0.33p a share from 0.27p.

Top Director Buys

Booker Group (BOK)

Director name: Mr Stewart Gilliland

Amount purchased: 50,000 @ 78.63p

Value: £39,315

Healthcare Locums (HLO)

Director name: Mr Andrew McRae

Amount purchased: 200,000 @ 5.50p

Value: £11,000

NR