Clarksons In Dubai

Clarkson PLC 01 December 2004 CLARKSONS IN DUBAI Clarkson PLC ('Clarksons') today announces the establishment of a new office in Dubai as from January 2005. The Managing Director of the Dubai office will be Mr Esam Balla, formerly Managing Director of Khedivial London. Richard Fulford-Smith Chief Executive of Clarksons, commented, 'The Clarksons group is committed to global expansion. An office in the Middle East to service the region is a key part of this strategy. The location brings hugely exciting opportunities in all areas of our broking and logistics businesses as a local presence will bring added value to our important clients in that region'. Esam Balla commented, 'I have been an enthusiastic supporter of Dubai as a business service centre for the region for some time. I am delighted to be joining Clarksons, with its unrivalled name in the shipping services industry. The best way to assist shipping companies in this region is to offer them the benefits of Clarksons expertise locally. We hope to grow the office rapidly' For further information: Nick Collins Clarkson PLC Telephone 020 7334 3049 Esam Balla Clarkson FZE Telephone 0771 033 1960 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 cover shipbroking, research, publications, securities and logistics. Clarksons strategy is to expand and develop the group around these key activities. The opening of a new office in Dubai follows similar developments recently in Athens, Genoa, Paris, Houston and Auckland, all of which add to the group's global reach. For further information on Clarkson PLC please visit the company's website at www.clarksons.co.uk This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange