Anglo American boss digs deep again

Anglo-American's chairman Sir John Parker has added to his stake in the company again with the purchase of nearly £100,000 in shares.

He bought 2,890 at 3,282.5p a time. Last week he bought 3,000 at 3,238p each.

Anglo American announced earlier this month that it is merging its UK cement, aggregates and ready-mixed concrete business Tarmac with French giant Lafarge's UK operations - in a 50:50 joint venture. The combined sales of the two businesses in 2010 were £1.8bn and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) was £210m.

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Anglo American almost doubled profits in 2010 thanks to surging metals prices. Underlying earnings jumped to $4.98bn last year from $2.57bn in 2009 on revenue up 34% to $32.93bn. Profit before tax rose 171% to $10.93bn and underlying earnings per share of $4.13 was better than expected.

Top Director Buys

Anglo American (AAL) Director name: Sir John ParkerAmount purchased: 2,890 @ 3,282.50p Value: £94,864

Avanti Communications Group (AVN) Director name: Mr D Alan FosterAmount purchased: 10,610 @ 500.00p Value: £53,050

RPC Group (RPC) Director name: Mr Jamie PikeAmount purchased: 20,244 @ 253.75p Value: £51,369

Craneware (CRW) Director name: Mr Keith NeilsonAmount purchased: 8,430 @ 588.00p Value: £49,568

Anglo Pacific Group (APF) Director name: Mr Chris OrchardAmount purchased: 5,000 @ 322.64p Value: £16,132

Eckoh (ECK) Director name: Mr Nicolas B PhilpotAmount purchased: 150,000 @ 6.75p Value: £10,125

Top Director Sells

Carnival (CCL) Director name: Mr Howard S FrankAmount sold: 180,000 @ 2,643.25p Value: £4,757,850

Harmony Gold Mining Co Ltd. (HRM) Director name: Mr Harry E. MashegoAmount sold: 14,252 @ R82.69 Value: R1,178,498