New Serco chairman opens account

A round-up of the biggest director deals today so far.

The wife of Serco's new chairman Alastair Lyons has opened the couple's account in the firm with the purchase of nearly £100,000 worth of shares.

Shauneen Lyons bought 15,000 shares in the company, paying 632.97p a time.

The purchase comes the day after Serco, whose activities include operating London's Docklands Light Railway, said it is on track to meet its financial guidance for 2010 after a strong performance in the first half of the year so far.

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Companies such as Serco are hoping to benefit from their ability to help run services more cheaply and efficiently as governments look to cut costs following the economic crisis.

'The global demand in the current economic environment for the efficient delivery of essential services is driving significant opportunities for us in both existing and new markets,' Serco said.

'This, together with our substantial order book, excellent revenue visibility, strong capabilities and operational track record, supports our expectation of achieving strong organic revenue growth in 2010 and making further progress towards our 2012 margin guidance.'

Lyons was appointed chairman of Serco in March. He has also been chairman of the car insurer Admiral and is deputy chairman of the housebuilder Bovis.

Top Director Buys

Serco Group (SRP) Director name: Mr Alastair Lyons CBEAmount purchased: 15,000 @ 632.97p Value: £94,946

COLT Telecom Group S.A. (COLT) Director name: Mr Stuart JacksonAmount purchased: 65,000 @ 122.66p Value: £79,729

Babcock International Group (BAB) Director name: Mr Kevin ThomasAmount purchased: 5,084 @ 590.00p Value: £29,996

Spirent Communications (SPT) Director name: Mr Alexander WalkerAmount purchased: 20,000 @ 110.00p Value: £22,000

St. Modwen Properties (SMP) Director name: Mr David N C GarmanAmount purchased: 10,000 @ 180.54p Value: £18,054

ZincOx (ZOX) Director name: Mr Rod BeddowsAmount purchased: 30,000 @ 51.50p Value: £15,450

Greggs (GRG) Director name: Ms Julie BaddeleyAmount purchased: 3,000 @ 476.90p Value: £14,307

Top Director Sells

Rolls-Royce Group (RR.) Director name: Mr Mike TerrettAmount sold: 180,556 @ 601.00p Value: £1,085,142

Fidessa (FDSA) Director name: Mr Andy MalpassAmount sold: 68,700 @ 1,305.00p Value: £896,535