Acquisition

Clarkson PLC
9 July 2001



                         CLARKSON FURTHER STRENGTHENS

                             ITS GLOBAL PRESENCE


Clarkson PLC ('Clarksons'), the world's leading integrated shipping services
group, is pleased to announce the acquisition of a 49 per cent shareholding in
prominent European broking company 'Agence General d'Affretement' ('AGA').
Both parties consider the link up to offer significant synergies to both
companies in terms of the optimisation of mutual client bases and research
capabilities. AGA has offices in Paris and the Ukraine, further complementing
Clarkson's already significant global presence.


Gary Weston, CEO Clarkson's broking, commented: 'We are pleased to form this
relationship with one of Europe's most prominent brokers. This deal expands
the group's customer base with clients of strength and quality. AGA, with our
backing, intends to grow in areas where the London market has traditionally
found access difficult. By this deal, Clarkson again signals continued
expansion of its shipping services in depth, quality and quantity.'


Chairman of AGA, Pierre Paul Richou, welcomed the co-operation: 'This gives us
a stronger base on which to expand and consolidate the broking market and will
be beneficial to AGA's clients,' he said. Meanwhile, the AGA Managing
Director, Herve Poux, emphasised that the access to Clarksons Securities
(derivatives) and other shipping services would be beneficial to AGA.


This move is more evidence of Clarkson's strategy of expanding into new areas,
both geographically and in terms of product diversification. Clarkson has just
opened an office in Greece, further reflecting the company's decision to
expand within Europe. It already has offices in Shanghai, Hong Kong,
Singapore, Sydney, Melbourne, Johannesburg, San Francisco and Dallas. Over the
last two years the company has diversified into business areas that complement
its traditional activities, including the acquisition of a 50 per cent stake
in ship manager, Univan.


A joint venture with Barry Rogliano Salles called 'LNG Solutions', was
recently forged to concentrate on this rapidly expanding market. Clarkson is
involved in e-commerce ventures Level Seas (freight trading platform),
OceanConnect (bunker procurement), Shipvalue.net (ship valuations) and the
newly re-launched Shipping Intelligence Network (SIN 2001) (shipping data).
Clarksons Financial Services and Clarksons Fund Management has also recently
been formed and the publications business is expanding its product range.


                                    -Ends-


For further information:

Gary Weston                    Clarkson                   Tel: [phone]

Pierre-Paul Richou             AGA                        Tel: [phone]

Sarah Bagnall / Barnaby Fry    Citigate Dewe Rogerson     Tel: [phone]