Acquisition

Clarkson PLC
18 March 2005


                                  CLARKSON PLC

                            Acquisition of Ferrobulk


Clarkson PLC today announces that it has successfully completed the acquisition
of the Ferrobulk group of companies ('Ferrobulk').  Ferrobulk, based in Genoa,
is a privately owned shipbroker with 30 staff predominantly serving the dry bulk
sector.


The initial consideration for the acquisition of £4.2 million, will be satisfied
as to £3.4 million in cash and £0.8 million by the issue of 86,234 new ordinary
shares in Clarksons.  Deferred consideration of up to £6.0 million may be
payable over the next 3 years dependent on the achievement of earnings targets
over that period.  Ferrobulk had a post tax profit of £0.5 million in the year
ended 31 December 2004 and had net assets of £1.1 million at that date.


As indicated in the announcement of 12 January 2005 Clarkson's Italian business,
Clarksons Italia, will be merged with Ferrobulk to create a substantial
operating platform in the Italian market.  This deal, which enables Clarksons to
take advantage of the strong Ferrobulk franchise, offers significant
opportunities to enhance the services offered by Clarksons to local clients in
the Italian shipping market.


Application will be made to the UK Listing Authority and to the London Stock
Exchange for the new ordinary shares to be admitted to trading on the Official
List.


For further information:


Richard Fulford-Smith        Clarkson PLC
                             Telephone: [phone]



Massimo Dentice              Ferrobulk Srl
                             Telephone: + 39 010 55 401


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