Clarksons profit rises 41%

Clarksons profit rises 41% London shipping services company Clarkson PLC today reported 41 percent higher first half operating profit of '9.6 million ($20 million), compared to '6.8 million in the same period in 2006.
   The increase came despite costs of '1.4 million ($3 million) from defending legal cases in Russia.
   Clarksons' revenue in the period ended June 30 reached '73.2 million ($150 million), up 39 percent from '52.6 million a year ago.
   The company completed three acquisitions in the first six months: Cofimar SA in France, LNG Shipping Solutions United Kingdom, and Normarine Offshore Consultants in the United States.
   'The result for the first half was encouraging and reflected both a strong shipping market and the benefits which are now coming through from the acquisition of businesses and teams in key business lines. This solid first half result establishes a good platform for the full year,' said Chairman Tim Harris.