Monday 12th May 2008
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Hilton boss beefs up stake

Hilton boss beefs up stake

16.04.2008

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Hilton Food chief executive Robert Watson topped up his holding in the meatpacker yesterday after it reported strong full year results, the company confirmed today.

Watson, who received an OBE in 2000 for services to the meat industry, bought 40,000 shares for 180p each, or a total of £72,000, lifting his stake to just over 2.9m shares, around 4.2% of the company.

Shares in the Huntingdon-based company jumped yesterday after it reported higher 2007 revenues even after the poor summer weather slowed sales of meat for barbecues.

Revenues in the year to December rose to £577.7m from £526.7m in 2006, while operating profit before LSE flotation costs climbed to £17.4m from £15.7m.

However, pre-tax profits fell to £13.7m from £15.5m due to £1.8m in costs associated with listing the company in May last year.

Turnover at Hilton's operations in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands and Sweden rose to £551.8m from £517.9m. Central European turnover rose to £25.9m from £8.8m.

"I am very pleased to report that 2007 has seen continuing progress, in line with the board's expectations, with strong volume growth across all territories, the completion of two key capacity expansion projects, developing opportunities in Central Europe and continued strong cash generation," Watson said.

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FTSE 100 - 12 May 08