Acquisition of Zuma Labs Limited
Summary by AI BETAClose X
CLARKSON PLC
("the Company" or "Clarksons")
8 January 2026
Clarksons Acquires Zuma Labs to Transform FFA Market Technology
Clarkson PLC ("Clarksons") is pleased to announce the acquisition of 100% of the issued share capital of Zuma Labs Limited ("Zuma"), a leading technology provider serving stakeholders in the Forward Freight Agreement ("FFA") and commodities markets.
Zuma, founded in 2020, was created to meet the rising demand for data and the growing appetite among FFA participants to leverage technology for a more efficient approach to trading. Zuma's flagship product, Venetian, is a hybrid voice and electronic application that provides market participants with the ability to collect, record and distribute live pricing within a single interface. Venetian delivers advanced liquidity management and critical data insights for demanding markets. Venetian is powered by Prism, Zuma's AI product, which gathers real-time intelligence from multiple sources enabling users to act on data quickly. Today, Zuma is trusted by leading broking houses worldwide, who leverage its capabilities to deliver enhanced insight and efficiency to their customer base.
This acquisition will expedite Zuma's strategy to expand Venetian's market reach, be at the forefront of technology for FFA, commodity and maritime markets and support AI enabled technology adoption.
Chase Bennett, CEO of Zuma Labs, commented:
"Venetian was built from the ground up to meet the real-world needs of brokers and traders. It is the modern way to broker, analyse and assist in trading FFA markets. Today, we have a significant presence in the Dry FFA market but with Clarksons as a strategic partner - bringing unmatched market coverage, expertise, and a shared vision of technology as an enabler - we're well-positioned to accelerate adoption across multiple markets.
"Furthermore, the potential of Prism, our AI product, combined with Clarksons' depth of market knowledge, can create a powerful platform for progress, not just for clients, but for the markets as a whole."
Andi Case, CEO of Clarksons, commented:
"Chase and the Zuma team showcase tools for trade with AI capabilities that unlock significant opportunities across our markets. Innovation has always been at the heart of our strategy, and this acquisition reinforces our commitment to technology enhanced engagement, growth, and delivering on the evolving needs of all market brokers and their clients in an increasingly complex global trading environment."
Zuma will continue to trade under its own name and brand, operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of Clarkson PLC.
For further details please contact:
Company enquiries:
Andi Case, Chief Executive Officer
Jeff Woyda, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer
Tel: +44(0)20 7334 000
Camarco:
Billy Clegg
Jennifer Renwick
Tel: +44(0)20 3757 4980
About Clarkson PLC
Clarkson PLC is the world's leading provider of integrated services and investment banking capabilities to the shipping and offshore markets, facilitating global trade.
Founded in 1852, Clarksons offers its diverse and growing client base an unrivalled range of shipbroking services, sector research, on-hand logistical support and full investment banking capabilities in all key shipping and offshore sectors. Clarksons continues to drive innovation across its business, developing digital solutions which underpin the Group's unrivalled expertise and knowledge with leading technology.
The Group employs over 2,100 people in over 60 offices across its four divisions.
The Company has delivered 22 years of consecutive dividend growth. The highly cash-generative nature of the business, supported by a strong balance sheet, has enabled Clarksons to continue to invest to position the business to capitalise on opportunities in its markets.
Clarksons is listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker CKN and is a member of the FTSE 250 Index.
For more information, visit www.clarksons.com.
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