Mr Brian Kearney, chief executive and director of Powerscreen International, stands to gain £1.5 million sterling (€2.3 million) if the offer from US group Terex, recommended by the Powerscreen board, is successful. Under the terms of his contract he is entitled to a lump sum equal to two years salary and bonus if there is a change in control of Powerscreen. This together with share options could come to over £1.5 million.

His current salary is £280,000 and the bonus is guaranteed at 50 per cent in the first 12 months. That would give him a severance payment of £840,000 if the same bonus is assumed for the second 12 months.