New Thomas Cook chairman opens his account

3rd Oct 2011 15:46

Frank Meysman has purchased shares in troubled travel company Thomas Cook, the firm he is soon to take charge of. The Belgium national bought 100,000 shares at 39.09p each for a total of £39,090. Meysman, 59, was recently announced as the firm's new chairman, and will take over from Michael Beckett when he retires at the end of the year. The businessman has most recently occupied the role of executive vice-president of food group Sara Lee. He has also held executive positions at numerous global brand companies, such as household products group Procter & Gamble, and has been a non-executive director, including chairman, of a number of public and private international companies. When his new role was announced, Meysman said: "The group currently faces a number of significant challenges, but in the medium to longer-term we will be well positioned to build shareholder value on the back of premium brands and a fine heritage in the UK as well as internationally."Thomas Cook, which has seen its share price fall 77.99% in the past year, recently binned its dividend after reporting that September had been a more challenging month than July and August. Meysman's purchase marks his confidence in the firm, which has issued three profit warnings this year. NRTop Director BuysAvanti Communications Group (AVN) Director name: Mr David J BestwickAmount purchased: 20,000 @ 275.00p Value: £55,000Avanti Communications Group (AVN) Director name: Mr David J WilliamsAmount purchased: 18,360 @ 269.30p Value: £49,443Thomas Cook Group (TCG) Director name: Mr Frank MeysmanAmount purchased: 100,000 @ 39.09p Value: £39,090Silence Therapeutics (SLN) Director name: Mr Thomas Christély Amount purchased: 1,662,162 @ 1.80p Value: £29,919Avanti Communications Group (AVN) Director name: Mr F E John G BrackenburyAmount purchased: 10,000 @ 267.12p Value: £26,712Hiscox Ltd. (HSX) Director name: Ms Andrea RosenAmount purchased: 5,826 @ 366.56p Value: £21,356Silence Therapeutics (SLN) Director name: Mr Max HerrmannAmount purchased: 1,114,864 @ 1.80p Value: £20,068Hiscox Ltd. (HSX) Director name: Mr Ernst JansenAmount purchased: 4,891 @ 366.56p Value: £17,928Mission Marketing Group (TMMG) Director name: Mr Stephen BoydAmount purchased: 70,000 @ 17.00p Value: £11,900Personal Assets Trust (PNL) Director name: Mr Stuart Paul Amount purchased: 30 @ 33,680.00p Value: £10,104NR