Clarkson Regulatory News (CKN)

24 May 2006 14:35

Clarkson PLC24 May 2006 CLARKSON PLC CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS FROM ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ON 24 MAY 2006 TRADING STATEMENT "Trading in 2006 is meeting management's expectations. Our shipbroking business is benefiting from a strong forward order book and,whilst freight rates have fallen from last year's high, continues to see goodvolumes of business being written. However, since the end of 2005 the US dollar,the trading currency in which the majority of the group's income is invoiced,has weakened significantly. Set against our concerns about the currency is ourenthusiasm about new acquisitions in S&P and potential additions to our existingspecialised products and dry bulk portfolios.All our other business activities are performing at or above expectation. Your company remains well placed to produce another excellent result in 2006. I would also like take this opportunity once again to thank all our employeeswho made such a significant contribution in achieving the record result in2005." 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