Unaudited Interim Results for the six months ended 30 June 2015

Clarkson PLC (Clarksons) is the world's leading shipping services group. From offices in 20 countries on six continents, we play a vital intermediary role in the movement of the majority of commodities around the world.

Summary 

• Robust performance despite continued challenging market conditions in some of our markets
• Strong performance from broking division in tankers, specialised products and gas markets
• Clarksons Platou Securities completed a number of significant transactions with pipeline looking strong for the second half of 2015
• Completed acquisition of RS Platou ASA and integration progressing in line with plans
   Rebranding of broking and financial services under the banner Clarksons    Platou now complete
   Merged teams in London, Oslo and New York

Financials

•  Revenue1 increased by 30% to £145.3m (2014: £111.7m)
•  Underlying profit before taxation*1 49% ahead at £23.6m (2014: £15.8m)
•  Underlying earnings per share*1 54.3p (2014: 62.2p)
•  Increased interim dividend 22p per share (2014: 21p per share)
•  Strong balance sheet, with £86.7m of net funds2 underpinning long-term growth
      1 Including 5 months post-acquisition results of RS Platou ASA
      2 Net funds is cash and cash equivalents, less overdrafts and bonus    entitlements
      * Before exceptional items and acquisition costs

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, the pace of integration and the reaction of our clients to the improved service.

"As previously outlined, the delivery profile of our activities in broking and financial will result in a weighting in performance towards the second half of the year. Whilst we are mindful of the ongoing headwinds in a number of our markets, our strategy has proven to be robust in this trading environment and with a strong balance sheet underpinning our business model we have confidence in Clarksons' prospects for continued progress in the second half."

Enquiries:
Clarkson PLC - 020 7334 0000
Andi Case, Chief executive
Jeff Woyda, Finance director

Hudson Sandler - 020 7796 4133
Kate Hoare
Katie Matthews

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