TWO former directors of United Drug received an ex gratia payment of £104,000 between them, according to the group's annual report.

The group has not identified the directors but Mr David Butler and Mr Paul O'Brien retired last year. Mr Butler was marketing director having joined United Drug in 1975. Mr O'Brien was administration director and company secretary he joined the group in 1973.

Directors' remuneration for eight executive directors increased from £590,000 to £622,000. The figures, however, are not directly comparable as Mr Butler and Mr O'Brien were not directors for the full year.

Since the year end, Mr Terry Buckley announced his nation as operations director of United Drug from March 31st. He is to take charge of marketing at Allegro, the distribution company.