REG - Clarkson PLC - Acquisition of the Link Group

ClarksonAnnouncement

Wed 13:30

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RNS Number : 1876X  Clarkson PLC  18 March 2026

 

CLARKSON PLC

("the Company" or "Clarksons")

 

18 March 2026

 

Clarksons acquires leading US commodities business, the Link Group

 

Clarkson PLC, the world's leading provider of integrated shipping services, is
pleased to announce the acquisition of Link Crude Resources, LLC, Link Data
Services, LLC and Link Futures, LLC (the "Link Group"), the market-leading
North American physical crude and derivatives oil brokerage business and data
provider. The acquisition represents a significant step in Clarksons' strategy
to enhance and grow its capabilities in physical commodities, derivatives and
data. It also serves to expand Clarksons' presence in the Americas and deploy
capital in line with the Group's core strategy.

 

The Link Group is renowned for its expertise in both physical and derivatives
brokering. It assists its clients in seamless execution of physical
commodities and derivatives contracts, enabling its clients to execute
physical deals and implement corresponding hedges in real time. With WTI now
part of the Brent pricing complex, market participants are increasingly using
the CME HTT (WTI Gulf Coast) contract to hedge WTI price and cargo exposure,
and Link is the leading broker in the physical WTI market across West Texas
and the U.S. Gulf Coast. There is growing adoption of these products with
trading activity extending into European markets, aligning with the existing
capabilities and client base of Clarksons' futures business. A separate data
and analytics business enhances the Link Group's offering by delivering
market‑leading intelligence to clients.

 

This acquisition strengthens Clarksons' ability to serve clients across the
full spectrum of physical commodities and linked derivatives, further
diversifying its product offering, and reinforces its position as a global
leader. It will also augment Clarksons' existing data capabilities, and the
Link Group's innovative approach to data solutions aligns closely with
Clarksons' strategic initiatives.

 

The Link Group has a strong track record of profitability and is expected to
be immediately earnings enhancing, contributing positively to Clarksons'
results and supporting its long-term objectives for geographic and product
diversification. The business has been acquired for a total cash consideration
of USD 80 million funded from the Company's existing cash resources.

 

Andi Case, CEO of Clarksons, commented:

"This acquisition is a clear demonstration of our commitment to enhancing our
investment in cargo and its journey while also expanding our presence in the
Americas. The Link Group is the leader in its markets, and we are thrilled to
add another best-in-class business to our Group. The team at Link is highly
talented and well-respected, and together we believe we can achieve
significant growth synergies to our global business and widen our service to
our clients."

 

David Hermes, Founder of the Link Group, said:

"Founding and building the Link Group of Companies has been one of the most
rewarding experiences of my career. What started as a vision to create a more
dynamic and client-focused crude brokering business became a thriving brand
because of the exceptional team and partners behind it and the trust placed in
us by our clients. Becoming part of the Clarksons Group creates a powerful
platform for future growth and global expansion, and I am confident the Link
Group will continue to grow and thrive in its next chapter."

 

Garth Roe, President and incoming CEO, said:

"We are delighted to join Clarksons and contribute to its global leadership in
shipping and commodities. This partnership creates exciting opportunities to
expand our market reach while maintaining the entrepreneurial culture and
client focus that have driven our success in North American markets. We look
forward to collaborating with Clarksons' teams around the world to deliver
even greater value to our clients."

 

Ends

 

 

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 2,250 people in over 60 offices across its four
divisions.

 

The Company has delivered 23 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 (http://www.clarksons.com)

 

About Link

 

The Link Group is a leading US derivatives and physical crude oil brokerage
business, operating through Link Crude Resources, LLC, Link Futures, LLC, and
Link Data Services, LLC. Link serves over 300 clients, including oil
producers, refiners and traders, and is recognised for its market-leading
position and innovative data solutions.

 

For more information, visit www.linkcrude.com (http://www.linkcrude.com)

 

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of
EU Regulation 596/2014 as it forms part of domestic law of the United Kingdom
by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended (together,
'MAR'). Upon the publication of this announcement, this inside information is
now considered to be in the public domain.

 

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