Home Retail boss opens Hammerson account

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

Terry Duddy, chief executive of Argos and Homebase owner Home Retail Group, has opened his account at Hammerson having joined the board of the shopping centre operator in December.

He took 20,000 shares at 394p a time in his first purchase of shares in the company, paying a total of £78,800.

In a trading update in February, Hammerson, whose portfolio includes the Bullring shopping centre in Birmingham, said it had a much better second half, although a profit for the last six months of the year failed to offset weakness in the first half, leaving the real estate giant nursing a big annual loss.

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The value of Hammerson's portfolio fell 9% in 2009.

"Recently there has been a recovery in property markets, supported by strong investor demand and the policy of central banks supporting financial markets," said chairman John Nelson.

"The economic outlook, however, remains uncertain, and against this background the board intends to maintain a prudent approach to financing."

Duddy became chief executive of the catalogue retailer Argos in 1998 when it was owned by retail giant GUS. Following the demerger of Argos and Homebase from GUS in 2006, he became chief executive of the new company, Home Retail Group.

Top Director Buys

Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC) Director name: Mr William Anthony RiceAmount purchased: 1,997,743 @ 55.71p Value: £1,112,943

British Land Co (BLND) Director name: Mr Chris GriggAmount purchased: 39,366 @ 479.60p Value: £188,799

Centamin Egypt (CEY) Director name: Mr Harry Michael Amount purchased: 75,000 @ 133.68p Value: £100,260

Hammerson (HMSO) Director name: Mr Terry DuddyAmount purchased: 20,000 @ 393.90p Value: £78,780

British Land Co (BLND) Director name: Mr Timothy Andrew RobertsAmount purchased: 16,402 @ 479.60p Value: £78,664

British Land Co (BLND) Director name: Mr Graham C RobertsAmount purchased: 14,393 @ 479.60p Value: £69,029

MS International (MSI) Director name: Mr Michael J BellAmount purchased: 53,000 @ 120.00p Value: £63,600

Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC) Director name: Mr Simon BallAmount purchased: 80,000 @ 55.00p Value: £44,000

Aer Lingus Group (AERL) Director name: Mr Colm BarringtonAmount purchased: 60,000 @ € 0.73 Value: € 43,800

Axis-Shield (ASD) Director name: Dr Ian GilhamAmount purchased: 10,565 @ 410.00p Value: £43,316

Top Director Sells

London Mining (LOND) Director name: Mr Graham HossieAmount sold: 1,837,722 @ 264.75p Value: £4,865,369

Schroders NV (SDRC) Director name: Mr Michael W R DobsonAmount sold: 128,217 @ 1,138.00p Value: £1,459,109

Schroders (SDR) Director name: Mr Michael W R DobsonAmount sold: 98,431 @ 1,408.50p Value: £1,386,401

Carillion (CLLN) Director name: Mr Richard TappAmount sold: 191,047 @ 324.61p Value: £620,158

F&C Asset Management (FCAM) Director name: Mr Alain GrisayAmount sold: 886,000 @ 61.57p Value: £545,510

Shire Plc (SHP) Director name: Mr Matthew EmmensAmount sold: 15,147 @ 1,460.12p Value: £221,164

Bunzl (BNZL) Director name: Mr Brian MayAmount sold: 39,278 @ 722.06p Value: £283,611

SWP Group (SWP) Director name: Mr J A F WalkerAmount sold: 1,500,000 @ 12.75p Value: £191,250

SDL International (SDL) Director name: Mr Cristina Maria Elisa LancasterAmount sold: 32,974 @ 482.00p Value: £158,935

Aegis Group (AGS) Director name: Mr Jerry BuhlmannAmount sold: 100,000 @ 126.50p Value: £126,500