Sears’ Lampert Ups AutoNation Stake

Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Sears Holdings Corp. chairman Edward Lampert has brought his stake in AutoNation to about 39%, according to an article in the South Florida Business Journal.

According to Securities and Exchange Commission filings on Tuesday, Lampert bought about 521,000 shares on May 22 for between $15.44 and $16 each. He now holds about 69.6 million shares.

Lampert has been steadily growing his stake in the Fort Lauderdale-based auto retailer.

Last week, he bought 145,600 shares for between $16.14 and $16.25 each. When he stepped off AutoNation's board in March 2007, Lampert held a 24% stake in the company. By March 14, 2008, he owned 37.2%, and by May 6, he owned 37.9%.