Andi Case News

The UK Chamber of Shipping's CEO Guy Platten and its president Dr Grahaeme Henderson were among a delegation of international shipowners and major figures from the shipping industry that visited 10 Downing Street on Monday as part of London International Shipping Week 2017. The delegation, led by Maritime UK, took part in a round-table debate with government ministers to discuss both the challenges and opportunities facing the UK's maritime industry, and how the government can strengthen the country's appeal as an attractive business centre. UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling chaired the debate, which was attended by Liam Fox, Secretary of State for International Trade…

Shipping company Clarksons has  published profits of GBP6.2mln, down 36.7 per cent on the first six months of the previous year, citing “severe challenges faced by the dry bulk market” (of unpackaged raw commodities) as the primary cause of the decline. Its interim results showed its pre-tax profit fell to GBP10.8 million from GBP14.1 million in the same period last year,  despite the shipping services company reporting a strong performance in the 1H. It reported a strong performance in tankers, but rates in the dry bulk markets halved compared to the same time last year. The company's broking division saw returns of GBP22 million, up from GBP15.1 million in the 1H14, led by a strong tanker market, and a rise in sale and purchase activity for container ships towards the end of the half.

Clarkson PLC, world’s leading shipping services group, reported robust performance during the six months ended 30th June 2015. Andi Case, Chief executive, commented, “The multi-cyclical and volatile nature of our markets has once again been demonstrated by the sudden shift in oil and other commodity prices, giving rise to a consequential change in the demand supply balance in many markets. Across our broking and banking businesses, this backdrop has created both opportunities and challenges. The group made a solid start to the year, testament to the strength and breadth of our strategy and unique client offer. “The acquisition of RS Platou completed during the first quarter and we are delighted with the level of interaction between the teams…

On Monday 13 April 2015, Clarkson PLC entered the FTSE 250 index on the London Stock Exchange.  This marks a significant moment in both Clarksons 163 year history and 18 years of trading on the exchange. In thanking all staff for their hard work and committment to the company Andi Case, CEO Clarkson PLC said: "Despite challenging global markets, recent years have seen "Team Clarksons" expand, develop and shape our unique client offer.  We are now a world leading integrated shipping and offshore services group with over 1400 people operating across 48 offices in 20 countries"

Top ship broker Clarkson is seeking to acquire Norwegian brokerage and investment bank RS Platou for 281.2 million pounds ($441 million) in a deal that would create one of the sector's biggest players globally. The deal would be the latest in an industry which has suffered one of its worst-ever downturns in the past five years. Owners ordered large numbers of vessels between 2007 and 2009, just as the global economy started to slow, creating a glut. Prospects have brightened recently as world trade picks up and the glut of ships is absorbed, but recovery remains fragile. In the meantime, many ship brokers view larger operations with global teams as the best way to position for a full market revival.

Clarkson Capital Markets, the investment banking arm of shipping services group Clarkson PLC,  says it has enhanced its equity research coverage with the appointment of Omar Nokta as Managing Director of Shipping Research. Omar will be based in CCM's New York office. Omar brings significant sector experience and expertise to Clarkson Capital Markets. He joins CCM from Global Hunter Securities LLC where he was Senior Shipping Analyst. Prior to this he was Senior Research Analyst at Dahlman Rose, where he helped build the company into one of the leading shipping focussed investment banks, advancing its energy, commodities and metals and mining product offering.

Leading shipping services group, Clarksons PLC reports strong strong financial performance in the first half of 2014. Clarksons increased revenues by 25% to £111.7m in the first six months of 2014 (2013: £89.1m) despite the weaker US dollar against sterling, which averaged US$1.68 (2013: US$1.53). Administrative expenses increased by 17% to £89.3m (2013: £76.1m) predominantly reflecting additional staff costs. Underlying profit before taxation was £15.8m (2013: £10.8m), which after acquisition costs of £1.7m and £nil exceptional costs (2013: £1.8m after acquisition and exceptional costs), turned into a reported profit of £14.1m (2013: £9.0m). Basic reported earnings per share was 53.1p (2013: 32.7p).

Leading shipping services group, Clarkson PLC, says that James Hughes-Hallett will join the Board as a Non-Executive Director with immediate effect and will take over as Chairman from 1 January 2015 when Bob Benton will retire from the Board. Clarksons explain that James Hughes-Hallett brings a wealth of experience in the world of shipping, transportation, offshore and global trade, having worked for the Swire group since 1976. He is currently chairman of John Swire & Sons Limited, a Non-Executive Director of Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd, Swire Pacific Ltd and Swire Properties Ltd. He is a Director of Steamships Trading Co Ltd and is Chairman of United States Cold Storage Inc.

Leading shipping services group Clarkson PLC (Clarksons) has reported its unaudited Interim Results for the six months ended 30, June 2014. "Clarksons' strong performance in the first half of 2014 once again underlines the strength of the company's strategy and business model. Clarksons continues to make positive strides despite the challenges that remain in shipping markets and the weakness in the US dollar. "We have seen some tentative signs of recovery in certain areas of the market.

Clarksons say that Philip Green has decided to step down as chairman of Clarksons in order to focus on his other responsibilities. His resignation from the board will take effect from the AGM on 9 May. Bob Benton, chairman until last year, will remain a non- executive board member and assume the role of interim Chairman with effect from the next Board meeting on 6 March 2014. Since Philip's appointment early last year he has taken on a number of new roles including chairman-designate of Williams & Glyn, steering its IPO process, and chairman designate of Carillion plc.

Clarkson PLC (Clarksons) a leading worldwide shipping services group, releases its unaudited interim results for the 6 months ended 30, June 2013. "Clarksons has delivered a resilient performance in the first half of 2013, achieved in global shipping markets which have seen significant challenges over the period. In these difficult times we have remained focused on the key elements of our strategy by developing our full service client offering, taking advantage of opportunities to strengthen our core broking teams with new hires and enhancing both our research product portfolio and support infrastructure. "The industry outlook remains challenging with the continued focus on the spot market limiting visibility.