Unilever boss Paul Polman takes another bite

30th Mar 2010 15:14

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.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 BuysUnilever (ULVR) Director name: Mr Paul PolmanAmount purchased: 19,000 @ 1,898.90p Value: £360,791Serco Group (SRP) Director name: Mr Christopher R HymanAmount purchased: 42,379 @ 601.90p Value: £255,079Serco Group (SRP) Director name: Mr Andrew JennerAmount purchased: 21,638 @ 601.90p Value: £130,239Cable & Wireless Worldwide (CW.) Director name: Mr John BartonAmount purchased: 50,000 @ 91.65p Value: £45,825Majedie Investments (MAJE) Director name: Mr Gerald (Gerry) AherneAmount purchased: 6,750 @ 202.00p Value: £13,635Anglo Pacific (APF) Director name: Mr Chris OrchardAmount purchased: 5,000 @ 231.70p Value: £11,585Anglo Pacific (APF) Director name: Mr Chris OrchardAmount purchased: 5,000 @ 231.40p Value: £11,570Byotrol (BYOT) Director name: Dr. Till MedingerAmount purchased: 50,000 @ 22.00p Value: £11,000Top Director SellsGroup NBT (NBT) Director name: Mr John M C ParcellAmount sold: 1,000,000 @ 308.00p Value: £3,080,000First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Director name: Mr Martin R RowleyAmount sold: 5,905 @ 5,902.22p Value: £348,526VT Group (VTG) Director name: Mr Matthew JowettAmount sold: 11,831 @ 724.32p Value: £85,694BT Group (BT.A) Director name: Mr Tony ChanmugamAmount sold: 41,212 @ 121.08p Value: £49,899VT Group (VTG) Director name: Mr Matthew JowettAmount sold: 3,086 @ 724.32p Value: £22,353Mcbride (MCB) Director name: Mr Gary SaundersAmount sold: 8,000 @ 226.35p Value: £18,108Byotrol (BYOT) Director name: Mr Stephen Brain FalderAmount sold: 50,000 @ 22.00p Value: £11,000