Connect Group directors sell shares in company

In a quiet day for director dealing, two directors of newspaper and books distributor Connect Group pocketed cash after selling shares as part of their deferred bonus plan awards.

Managing director Jonathan Bunting sold 75,671 shares at an individual price of 153.78p, pocketing £116,367, while strategy director Max Livingstone-Learmonth went home with £46,703, after selling 30,370 shares for 153.78p each.

The group enjoyed better-than-expected final results in November as its news distribution and education & care businesses remained robust and the books division numbers were not as bad as feared.

Chief executive Mark Cashmore welcomed the "solid" trading performance, which had been helped by additional sales momentum from the World Cup.

"Whilst the books division has had a disappointing year, management actions have now stabilised performance."

Top Director Buys

Aquarius Platinum Ld (AQP)
Director name: Mr Jean Nel
Amount purchased: 313,290 @ 23.20p
Value: £72,683

Aquarius Platinum Ld (AQP)
Director name: Mr Nicholas T Sibley
Amount purchased: 48,477 @ 16.92p
Value: £8,202

Top Director Sells

Connect Group (CNCT)
Director name: Mr Jonathan Bunting
Amount sold: 75,671 @ 153.78p
Value: £116,367

JPMorgan US Smaller Co. Inv Tst (JUSC)
Director name: Mr Alan Kemp
Amount sold: 15,000 @ 174.38p
Value: £26,157