Abcam co-founder sells shares

Professor Tony Kouzarides, a co-founder of online catalogue-based antibodies distributor Abcam, has sold more than one-quarter of his shareholding.

Professor Kouzarides sold 29,000 shares at 1187p each. That is just below the all time high of 1259p a share. He is left with 85,244 shares.

Abcam floated at 167p a share in November 2005.

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Cambridge-based Abcam's sales in the six months to December 2009 jumped 37.8% to £31.8m from £23.1m the year before, or by 25.3% on a constant currency basis.

Profit before tax surged 64% to £11.2m from £6.8m as the company increased its range of products from 47,870 at the end of 2008 to 57,960 at the end of 2009.

Net cash was £33m at the end of 2009. The company doubled its interim dividend to 5.42p a share and this was paid on 1 April.

Top Director Buys

Emerging Metals (EML) Director name: Mr James MellonAmount purchased: 2,000,000 @ 8.9625p Value: £179,250

Antofagasta (ANTO) Director name: Mr Ramon JaraAmount purchased: 1,260 @ 1072p Value: £13,507

Top Director Sells

Abcam (ABC) Director name: Prof Tony Kouzarides Amount purchased: 29,000 @ 1187p Value: £344,230

Group NBT (NBT) Director name: Mr Keith YoungAmount purchased: 50,000 @ 315p Value: £157,500