Clarksons eyeing Platou acquisition

NOVEMBER 14, 2014 — Clarkson PLC, the world’s largest shipbroker, today disclosed that it is in take-over talks with the board of Norwegian rival RS Platou ASA.

“Given the complementary activities, in terms of geographic locations, operations and industry specialization,” Clarkson says in a regulatory filing, “the boards of both Clarksons and Platou believe the enhanced offering of the combined business positions the enlarged group as a leading integrated global shipping and offshore group. Whilst discussions regarding the combination of these two businesses continue, there can be no certainty that any transaction will occur.”