UK broking giant Clarksons is in talks to acquire rival Maersk Broker, in the latest consolidation move to hit the sector.
According to sources in the shipbroking and shipping markets, a deal could be close, with Clarksons undertaking due diligence on a move that is being widely discussed in industry circles.
Clarksons declined to comment on the market talk.
In an email response to TradeWinds, a spokesperson for the Andi Case-led broker said: “Clarksons never comments on market speculation.”
Industry pundits believe Clarksons views the acquisition as an opportunity to expand in Denmark and also boost its container ship chartering desk.
It will be the most significant move for Clarksons since it acquired Norway’s Platou in 2015.
In an interview with TradeWinds in 2021, Case said his company would be part of the consolidation trend in the industry.
“The shipbroking sector is ripe for consolidation and most major shops have communicated that they are on an acquisition mission. Clarksons is no different — but not only within the broking space,” he told TradeWinds.
Since then, there has been a major consolidation in the industry when Ifchor merged with Galbraiths last year to form a top-five shipbroking company.
Maersk Broker, which employs around 250 people worldwide, has reportedly been seeking a buyer since the spring.
A number of broker departures has heightened speculation over its future.
It is now a diversified business with additional consultancy, research and valuation services.
Maersk Broker, which was established in 1914, is owned but no longer governed by the Maersk family. Kristian V Morch is chairman of the board, and the company is run by a management team of five headed by chief executive Anders Hald.
Maersk Broker has been approached for comment.
London Stock Exchange-listed Clarksons is a highly profitable business. It reported revenue of £603.8m ($790m) in 2022 with a profit before tax of £100.1m, its best-ever result.
It employs 1,841 people with 56 offices in 24 countries.
