History

When Ragnar Stoud Platou established the company together with his nephew Hans Thomas Gram in 1936, it was with the idea to widen the scope of services that a shipbroking company could provide its clients. At that time, most brokers being “jack of all trades”, Platou specialised. This was particularly noteworthy in the sale and purchase of second-hand ships and in contracting of newbuildings, fields which have remained one of Platou’s strengths throughout the years. This idea later resulted in the company branching out into such areas as market research, venture capital and providing services as consultants.

Since oil was first discovered in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea, we have served the offshore oil and gas industry in the field of marine equipment. On many occasions, Platou has also been instrumental, or participated, in developing new vessel designs, both in the shipping and offshore sectors.

Our policy is to constantly adapt our services to the changing needs of our clients, but carefully preserving our reputation and traditions. Seventy years among the world leaders in our field demonstrates that we have kept moving in the right direction.

Below is an overview of the key events in RS Platou's history:

Year	Event
1936	RS Platou Founded as shipbrokers in Oslo
1960	Started offshore broking services
1973	RS Platou Offshore established
1987	Management buy-out
1990	Aquired RS Platou Economic Research
1990	Established presence in Houston and Singapore
2000	Founding partner in IMAREX (exit in 2006)
2001	Acquired 34% of Petroadvisor AS (exit in 2008)
2004	Extended business into financial services
2007	Established offices in Shanghai
2008	Acquired 100% of Stewart Group Ltd., Aberdeen and London
2008	Acquired 50.01% of RS Platou Markets previously owned by Glitnir Banki hf
2009	RS Platou Markets established in Singapore
2009	RS Platou LLP established in London, headed by Richard Fulford-Smith
2009	Established RS Platou Real Estate