Clarksons has completed its acquisition of Norwegian rival RS Platou.

The GBP281.2m ($440.8m) deal creates a broking and shipping services giant with 1,400 employees in 21 countries. Peter Anker and Birger Nergaard from Platou have joined the board of Clarksons.

“I am delighted to announce the completion of the acquisition of RS Platou and we look forward to welcoming the Platou team into the enlarged group,” said Andi Case, chief executive of Clarksons. “The priority now is to implement our integration plans and we are excited about the enhanced offering we will be able to provide our clients following the combination of the two businesses.”