Greene King Share News (GNK)

(ShareCast News) - Greene King's newest director has put his money behind the company he'll chair later this year.Philip Yea joined the board last Tuesday, ahead of the retirement of chairman Tim Bridge who is due to step down in May when Yea will take up the role.Yea bought his first stake in the company on Thursday, snapping up 30,000 shares for nearly £258,000.It followed a strong trading update from the FTSE 250 pub operator and brewer on Wednesday, which said for the 40 weeks to 7 February 2016 Greene King Retail like-for-like sales were up 2.2%, with a 5% increase in sales over the two Christmas weeks.Spirit Managed life-for-like sales also rose 1.1% for the period, with Christmas sales up 5.2%.Chief executive Rooney Anand said it was a strong performance, with all divisions trading well during the festive period."Our positive trading results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teams who gave our guests great experiences, with value, service and quality central to our offer." Top Director BuysGreene King (GNK)Director name: Yea,PhilipAmount purchased: 30,000 @ 858.98pValue: £257,694.00Rm (RM.)Director name: Martin,NeilAmount purchased: 35,000 @ 136.43pValue: £47,750.50Renold (RNO)Director name: Allkins,JohnAmount purchased: 69,500 @ 35.50pValue: £24,672.50Matchtech Group (MTEC)Director name: Dyer,TonyAmount purchased: 4,605 @ 445.15pValue: £20,499.16Matchtech Group (MTEC)Director name: Dyer,TonyAmount purchased: 3,818 @ 445.15pValue: £16,995.83Matchtech Group (MTEC)Director name: Dyer,TonyAmount purchased: 3,706 @ 445.15pValue: £16,497.26Pinnacle Technology Group (PINN)Director name: Duckworth,Simon D'OlierAmount purchased: 150,000 @ 8.20pValue: £12,300.00Polar Capital Technology Trust (PCT)Director name: Bates,SarahAmount purchased: 2,000 @ 513.74pValue: £10,274.80Enterprise Inns (ETI)Director name: Maloney,DavidAmount purchased: 25,000 @ 0.74pValue: £185.00Share Plc (SHRE)Director name: Stone,Richard WilliamAmount purchased: 546 @ 27.50pValue: £150.15Share Plc (SHRE)Director name: Birkett,Mike Amount purchased: 546 @ 27.50pValue: £150.15Share Plc (SHRE)Director name: Tolkien,RichardAmount purchased: 546 @ 27.50pValue: £150.15Share Plc (SHRE)Director name: Ecsery,Francesca Eva Amount purchased: 546 @ 27.50pValue: £150.15Share Plc (SHRE)Director name: Thomas ,Gareth Amount purchased: 545 @ 27.50pValue: £149.88Zotefoams (ZTF)Director name: Stirling,DavidAmount purchased: 50 @ 297.00pValue: £148.50Zotefoams (ZTF)Director name: Hurst,Clifford GAmount purchased: 50 @ 297.00pValue: £148.50Top Director SellsMatchtech Group (MTEC)Director name: Dyer,TonyAmount purchased: 8,427 @ 445.00pValue: £37,500.15London & Associated Properties (LAS)Director name: Thapar,AnilAmount purchased: 111,847 @ 25.00pValue: £27,961.75Matchtech Group (MTEC)Director name: Dyer,TonyAmount purchased: 3,708 @ 445.00pValue: £16,500.60