Clarkson hoping to acquire Platou, while Icap and Howe Robinson also say they are considering their options
Plunging oil prices have triggered merger talks among Londons shipping and offshore brokers, with key companies including Clarkson, Icap and Howe Robinson all in discussions.
With shipping in the doldrums, brokers have been relying over the last couple of years on the offshore oil industry to boost profits but a 30% plunge in the crude price has caused panic.