Clarkson PLC, the world’s leading provider of integrated shipping services, acquired the Link Crude Resources, LLC, Link Data Services, LLC and Link Futures, LLC , 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.”