REG - Clarkson PLC - Acquisition of Zuma Labs Limited

ClarksonAnnouncement

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RNS Number : 2113O  Clarkson PLC  08 January 2026

 

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 (http://www.clarksons.com) .

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