Howe Robinson Partners, based in Singapore, was formed in 2015 by the merger of the Howe Robinson Group and the Shipping division of ICAP plc, creating one of the largest privately owned shipbroking houses in the world, now employing over 180 brokers across a global network of 12 offices. The Howe Robinson Group of companies traces its origins to the foundation of Howe Robinson and Co Ltd in the City of London in 1883. It has since grown to become one of the world's largest privately owned shipbroking companies. It currently operates a shipbroking team of some 300 people in 12 different countries. It provides comprehensive shipbroking services to its global client base in the tanker, containership, dry bulk and offshore markets. Its shipbrokers are active in newbuilding contracting, sale and purchase, demolition, and chartering, as well as in providing valuation, and market research services. The company has grown organically and through a number of acquisitions including the businesses of Lambert Bros, Killick Martin, Erlebach Shipbrokers, R. B. Hunt and Partners, Angus Graham and Partners and Shyvers Savoy Shipping Ltd . In April 2015 the Howe Robinson businesses and the ICAP shipping businesses consisting of Capital Shipbrokers, Island Shipbrokers and J E Hyde were merged together to create Howe Robinson Partners.