WH Irelands buy big again

Bosses at the stockbroker WH Ireland have been snapping up more shares in the company, continuing a recent spate of buying.

Chief executive Paul Compton took 150,000 shares and now has about 1.07m, more than 5% of the company. Chairman Rupert Low took 145,000 and has some 1.06m.

They paid 58.5p a share, significantly more than the 50p a time they paid last week when they bought bigger stakes.

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WH Ireland, which traces its heritage back to the old Manchester stock exchange, made pre-tax loss of £0.3m in the 12 months to November, much less than the £2.1m deficit reported the year before.

Turnover fell 25% to £18.4m, but the new financial year has started well, in line with the firm's internal budget and much better than for the previous year.

"Overall, I would say that the year ended with WH Ireland being in much better shape than it has been in recent years, but it is just the 'end of the beginning' rather than cause for congratulation," boss Compton, who joined the company last year, said.

Top Director Buys

Dialight (DIA) Director name: Mr Roy BurtonAmount purchased: 50,251 @ 775.00p Value: £389,445

W H Ireland Group (WHI) Director name: Mr Christopher Paul Compton Amount purchased: 150,000 @ 58.50p Value: £87,750

W H Ireland Group (WHI) Director name: Mr Rupert J G LoweAmount purchased: 145,000 @ 58.50p Value: £84,825

Unite Group (UTG) Director name: Mr Stuart BeevorAmount purchased: 9,968 @ 214.50p Value: £21,381

Mission Marketing Group (TMMG) Director name: Mr Robert Andrew DayAmount purchased: 75,000 @ 15.00p Value: £11,250

Top Director SellsPetro Matad Ltd. (MATD) Director name: Mr Douglas John McGayAmount sold: 175,000 @ 200.00p Value: £350,000

JD Wetherspoon (JDW) Director name: Mr John HutsonAmount sold: 17,474 @ 420.19p Value: £73,424