CKN Clarkson Plc

RNS Number:6960Z
Clarkson PLC
05 July 2007

                                                                     5 July 2007



                                  Clarkson PLC

                            Pre-Close Trading Update


On entering its close period, Clarksons PLC are pleased to announce the
following update:


Trading


For the 6 months ended 30 June, 2007, the buoyant trading conditions outlined at
the time of our Preliminary Results in March and our AGM in May, have continued
to deliver growth across the business.  As a result, despite the continuing weak
US Dollar and on-going absorbed legal costs associated with the Soviet shipping
cases, the Group's trading in the first half continues to be significantly ahead
of the comparable period last year and in line with management expectations.


Acquisitions and newly formed businesses established in line with our strategy
to further spread our base of business are performing well and contributing
revenue growth as expected.  Our Fund Management business had a successful first
year, with performance for the year to 30 April delivering returns of 19.28% to
investors, net of fees.  Performance continued to be good through May and June
and funds under management as at 2 July stand at USD 77 million (December 2006 -
USD 47million).


As anticipated, the new senior members of our global Sale and Purchase team have
already delivered significant growth in turnover. Newbuilding activity has been
particularly strong with significant additions to the forward order book.
Second hand markets have remained positive and spot billings for this year will
also demonstrate clear improvement on the same period last year.


Dry cargo market conditions remain strong and increased volumes of period and
spot business, particularly in our futures broking arm, have delivered both
revenue and profit growth during the first half.  Our dry cargo global footprint
is substantial and as a consequence of the extremely positive freight market
most of our overseas offices show continued growth.


Our tanker and gas businesses continue to trade profitably despite relatively
weaker freight market conditions, particularly in the gas markets.


Acquisition


We are also pleased to announce today that Clarkson has agreed to merge its
Houston operation with Normarine Offshore Consultants (USA) Inc ('NOC'). NOC
acts as a broker in the sale and purchase, newbuilding, and charter of mobile
offshore drilling units. Clarksons Offshore acts as a broker in the sale and
purchase, financing, newbuilding and chartering of vessels supporting oilfield
operations such as anchor handlers, platform supply, diving , production and
subsea Vessels.


The total consideration of #2.7 million will be satisfied by the issue of shares
and as a result, application will be made to the UK Listing Authority and to the
London Stock Exchange for admission to the Official List for a listing of
291,132 Ordinary Shares of #0.25 each. These shares, ranking pari passu in all
respects with the existing shares in issue, will be allotted to Mr Steve
Lawrence, the owner of NOC.  It is expected that admission of the Ordinary
shares will become effective on 10 July 2007.


Interim Results


Interim results for the 6 months ending 30 June will be announced on Wednesday 5
September 2007.


Commenting, Richard Fulford-Smith, Chief Executive said:


"We are delighted to see continuing expansion of business lines in accordance
with our strategy to further spread our base within shipping and shipping
related products.  The merger of our Houston based business with Normarine's
will further add to our ability to deliver the fullest possible range of
products and services to our global customer base.


The Board remains confident of further progress in the second half."

Enquiries:

Clarkson PLC                                                       020 7334 0000
Richard Fulford-Smith, Chief Executive Officer
Jeff Woyda,  Finance Director

Hudson Sandler                                                     020 7796 4133
Jessica Rouleau


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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