Clarkson Regulatory News (CKN)

5 Sep 2006 16:03

Clarkson PLC05 September 2006 CLARKSON PLC Acquisition of Anchor Cross Clarkson PLC ('Clarksons') wishes to announce it has acquired the business ofAnchor Cross Shipbrokers Pty Limited ('Anchor Cross'). The Anchor Cross businesswill be merged with the Melbourne office of Clarksons. The combined entity willemploy in excess of 20 people Michael Davies, Director of Anchor Cross commented: "We are delighted to bejoining forces with Clarkson Australia. This will enable all our existing andnew clients, especially those with global freight operations to receive anenhanced service from our combined Melbourne operation." Richard Fulford-Smith, CEO of Clarksons said: "Anchor Cross services qualityclients who will greatly benefit from working with a diverse public group suchas Clarksons. Acquiring Anchor Cross will enhance our opportunities to addglobal growth to the dry bulk area of our activities." The acquisition cost of Aus$10 million will be satisfied as to an initial Aus$6million in cash and Aus$4 million by the issue of new ordinary shares inClarksons over the next three years based on the share price at the appropriateallocation date. In addition, deferred consideration of up to Aus$2 millionmay be payable in new ordinary shares dependent upon the achievement ofperformance targets over that period. For further information: Richard Fulford-Smith Clarkson PLC Telephone: +44 774 7334 3139 Michael Davies Anchor Cross Telephone: +61 3 9642 4433 David Oakley Clarkson Australia Telephone: +61 3 9867 6622 5 September 2006 Notes to editors Background to Clarkson PLC Clarkson PLC (which is listed on the London Stock Exchange) is acknowledged asthe world's leading shipping services group. Through its unrivalled andextensive global network of offices it is able to give its clients unique accessto a wide range of shipping services. Clarksons covers shipbroking, research,publications, derivatives and logistics. Clarksons' strategy is to expand anddevelop the group around these key activities. For further information on Clarkson PLC, please visit the company's website atwww.clarksons.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange