Paul Polman, chief executive at Unilever, has been stocking up on shares in the Anglo-Dutch food and household goods giant, spending more than £360,000.
He took 19,000 shares at 1,898.9p a time. A spokesperson for the company said this takes his holding to 54,448 shares.
Polman was appointed as Unilever's chief executive in October 2008, the first time an external candidate was chosen for the role. He replaced Patrick Cescau, who had been at the company, whose brands include Flora spread, Knorr soups and Domestos bleach, for 35 years.
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Last month, the company posted better than expected full-year sales but cautioned that it expects continuing pressure on consumer spending and heightened levels of competitive activity in 2010.
Firms such as Unilever have faced competition in the recent subdued economic conditions from the likes of McBride, which makes household products for supermarkets to sell under their own names.
Unilever reported underlying sales growth of 3.5%. Turnover came to €39.82bn, down slightly from €40.52bn last year. Reported earnings per share of €1.21 were 33% lower than last year which was boosted by one-off profits on disposals of businesses.
Top Director Buys
Unilever (ULVR) Director name: Mr Paul PolmanAmount purchased: 19,000 @ 1,898.90p Value: £360,791
Serco Group (SRP) Director name: Mr Christopher R HymanAmount purchased: 42,379 @ 601.90p Value: £255,079
Serco Group (SRP) Director name: Mr Andrew JennerAmount purchased: 21,638 @ 601.90p Value: £130,239
Cable & Wireless Worldwide (CW.) Director name: Mr John BartonAmount purchased: 50,000 @ 91.65p Value: £45,825
Majedie Investments (MAJE) Director name: Mr Gerald (Gerry) AherneAmount purchased: 6,750 @ 202.00p Value: £13,635
Anglo Pacific (APF) Director name: Mr Chris OrchardAmount purchased: 5,000 @ 231.70p Value: £11,585
Anglo Pacific (APF) Director name: Mr Chris OrchardAmount purchased: 5,000 @ 231.40p Value: £11,570
Byotrol (BYOT) Director name: Dr. Till MedingerAmount purchased: 50,000 @ 22.00p Value: £11,000
Top Director Sells
Group NBT (NBT) Director name: Mr John M C ParcellAmount sold: 1,000,000 @ 308.00p Value: £3,080,000
First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Director name: Mr Martin R RowleyAmount sold: 5,905 @ 5,902.22p Value: £348,526
VT Group (VTG) Director name: Mr Matthew JowettAmount sold: 11,831 @ 724.32p Value: £85,694
BT Group (BT.A) Director name: Mr Tony ChanmugamAmount sold: 41,212 @ 121.08p Value: £49,899
VT Group (VTG) Director name: Mr Matthew JowettAmount sold: 3,086 @ 724.32p Value: £22,353
Mcbride (MCB) Director name: Mr Gary SaundersAmount sold: 8,000 @ 226.35p Value: £18,108
Byotrol (BYOT) Director name: Mr Stephen Brain FalderAmount sold: 50,000 @ 22.00p Value: £11,000
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