Bester checks out with £16m share sale

TOPPS Tiles’ former chief executive Barry Bester has ended his association with the firm after selling his remaining shares for £16m.

Mr Bester, who acquired the business with Stuart Williams in 1984, has sold 22.9 million shares at 70p.

He held nearly 12% of the company which now has its administrative base in Handforth, Cheshire and its head office in Leicestershire.

The decision to sell comes two years after Mr Bester stepped down as chairman to focus on other business interests. He was replaced by Michael Jack who has been on the group’s board since 1999.

Topps, which sells flooring as well as tiles, trades from around 320 stores.