Progressive Digital's Danson in buying mood

7th Jul 2009 17:02

News that the chairman and chief executive of Progressive Digital Media Group have splashed out more than £400,000 on shares sent the digital marketing firm the right way Tuesday.Chairman Mike Danson added 2.2m shares to his stake, which now approaches 316m, or 85.5% of the business.The purchase at 12.5p a share cost the publishing entrepreneur nearly £277,000, leaving his total holding worth almost £43m.Simon Pyper was also in spending mood. The chief executive picked up 1.2m shares at the same price, setting him back £150,000.Danson bought TMN Group, a quoted company in which he had a 28% stake, in June. He injected some his own businesses and changed the name to Progressive. He made his money from the £502m sale of the research company he founded, Datamonitor, to business publisher Informa in 2007. That's said to have netted him over £80m.Earlier this year, he took full control of the New Statesman magazine from Labour MP Geoffrey Robinson, buying the remaining 50% he didn't own for an undisclosed sum.Top Director BuysProgressive Digital Media Group (PRO) Director name: Mr Michael DansonAmount purchased: 2,213,000 @ 12.50p Value: £276,625Volga Gas (VGAS) Director name: Mr Mikhail IvanovAmount purchased: 258,350 @ 61.90p Value: £159,919Bank Of America (BAC) Director name: Mr William P. BoardmanAmount purchased: 10,984 @ $13.05 Value: $143,341Bank Of America (BAC) Director name: Mr Susan S. BiesAmount purchased: 10,984 @ $13.05 Value: $143,341Bank Of America (BAC) Director name: Mr Donald E. PowellAmount purchased: 10,984 @ $13.05 Value: $143,341Bank Of America (BAC) Director name: Mr D. Paul JonesAmount purchased: 10,984 @ $13.05 Value: $143,341Volga Gas (VGAS) Director name: Mr Steven OgdenAmount purchased: 100,000 @ 61.90p Value: £61,900Volga Gas (VGAS) Director name: Mr Ronald FreemanAmount purchased: 50,000 @ 61.90p Value: £30,950Volga Gas (VGAS) Director name: Mr Tony Maria AlvesAmount purchased: 25,000 @ 61.90p Value: £15,475Xtract Energy (XTR) Director name: Mr Mark NicholsAmount purchased: 650,000 @ 3.50p Value: £22,750Top Director SellsBlackstar Group (BLCK) Director name: Mr John MillsAmount sold: 288,672 @ 67.00p Value: £193,410Caledonia Investments (CLDN) Director name: Hon Charles W CayzerAmount sold: 4,552 @ 1,532.50p Value: £69,759