Acquisition

Clarkson PLC
03 November 2005


CLARKSON PLC


CLARKSONS AND PLOWRIGHT

Clarkson PLC ('Clarksons'), the world's leading shipping services group, and
J O Plowright (Holdings) Ltd ('Plowright') today announce that they are in
discussions with a view to merging their operations.  Plowright, based in
London, is a privately owned shipbroker with 26 staff, before affiliates, which
predominantly serves the petrochemical, products, lubricant, gas, vegetable oil
and molasses freight markets.

Richard Whittet, Managing Director of Plowright commented: 'The industry that we
serve offers considerable scope for growth by our merging with such an
innovative company.  I am delighted that my colleagues and I have the
opportunity of considering this exciting new venture with its potential to offer
more comprehensive services to our global shipping customers.'

Richard Fulford-Smith, CEO of Clarksons said: 'Joining forces with Plowright
will give us an expanded operating platform from which we can respond
proactively to the needs of our present and future customers within this
specialised sector of our industry.  We fully expect this proposed new entity to
benefit our regional and global crude, cpp and gas businesses.'

The transaction is subject to due diligence and final contract.  In accordance
with the UK Listing Authority Rules, further details of this Class 2 transaction
will be made upon completion.



For further information:

Richard Fulford-Smith           Clarkson PLC
                                Telephone:  [phone]

Richard Whittet                 J O Plowright (Holdings) Ltd
                                Telephone:  [phone]

END



Notes to editors

Background to Clarkson PLC

Clarkson PLC (which is listed on the London Stock Exchange) is acknowledged as
the world's leading shipping services group. Through its unrivalled and
extensive global network of offices it is able to give its clients unique access
to a wide range of shipping services. Clarksons covers shipbroking, research,
publications, derivatives and logistics. Clarksons' strategy is to expand and
develop the group around these key activities.

For further information on Clarkson PLC, please visit the company's website at
www.clarksons.com



                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange