Pre Close Trading Update

4 January 2012

CLARKSON PLC

("Clarksons" or "the Group")

Pre Close Trading Update

The Board of Clarkson PLC is pleased to confirm that since its update on 8 November 2011, the Group has continued to deliver a positive trading performance against a challenging market backdrop, reflecting both an excellent performance by the teams and the strength and resilience of the Clarksons business model. In addition, due in part to the strengthening of the US dollar in the final months of 2011, Sale and Purchase activity in December and the recent receipt of some long outstanding debts that had been fully provided for, the Group's full year performance will now be ahead of market expectations.

Overall trading conditions remain difficult and the spot market continues to predominate. Nevertheless, against this background, the strength of Clarkson's teams and breadth and reach of its services together with a robust balance sheet continue to position the Group well.

Preliminary results for the year ending 31 December 2011 will be announced on 8 March 2012.

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