In the wake of revealed merger plans and alliances that swept across the shipbroking market over the recent period, ship brokerage firm Maersk Broker may also be swayed into the trend.
The broker firm’s Chief Executive Anders Hald told Reuters that Maersk Broker is also looking into possible mergers and joint ventures as growing customer demands push brokerage top players into joining forces.
However, according to Hald, the Copenhagen-based company was not up for sale and it would continue to buy and sell vessels and act as broker between shipowners, charterers and shipbuilders, writes Reuters.
Mergers have become a very popular option as firms strive to secure greater market foothold amid ever growing competition.
The most recent merger saw London-based shipbroker Clarkson PLC acquire Platou shipbroking firm. Braemar Shipping Services Plc. has finalised the merger with ACM Shipping Group Plc. (ACM).
In addition, two top shipbrokers in the specialist offshore market Pareto JGO Shipbrokers and Derrick Offshore decided to join forces as well, as announced in August.
World Maritime News Staff