Clarksons Wraps Up RS Platou Buy

London-based shipbroker Clarkson PLC has completed its USD 441 million acquisition of the Norwegian RS Platou ASA today.

The UK shipbroker said that the number of ordinary shares that Clarksons has in issue is 30,116,758.

The acquisition plan was confirmed by Clarkson in November 2014 and approved by Clarksons’ shareholders later in December.

“I am delighted to announce the completion of the acquisition of RS Platou ASA and we look forward to welcoming the Platou team into the enlarged group. The priority now is to implement our integration plans and we are excited about the enhanced offering we will be able to provide our clients following the combination of the two businesses,” said Andi Case, Clarkson PLC’s Chief Executive Officer.

The Platou Group is Oslo-based international broker and investment bank focused on the offshore and shipping markets, providing  brokerage, financial and advisory services to shipping and offshore companies globally.

According to Clarksons, the combination of the groups will create a leading global shipping and offshore services business headquartered in London and employing approximately 1,400 people in 21 countries in key global financial and shipping centres.