ATHENS, Greece, May 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Paragon Shipping Inc. (NASDAQ: PRGN) (the "Company") announced today that it has received written notification from The Nasdaq Stock Market ("Nasdaq") dated May 14, 2015, indicating that because the closing bid price of the Company's common stock for the last 30 consecutive business days was below $1.00 per share, the Company no longer meets the minimum bid price requirement for the Nasdaq Global Market, set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1). Pursuant to the Nasdaq Listing Rules, the applicable grace period to regain compliance is 180 days, or until November 10, 2015.

The Company intends to monitor the closing bid price of its common stock between now and November 10, 2015 and is considering its options in order to regain compliance with the Nasdaq Global Market minimum bid price requirement. The Company can cure this deficiency if the closing bid price of its common stock is $1.00 per share or higher for at least ten consecutive business days during the grace period. In the event the Company does not regain compliance within the 180-day grace period and it meets all other listing standards and requirements, the Company may be eligible for an additional 180-day grace period if it transfers to the Nasdaq Capital Market.

The Company intends to cure the deficiency within the prescribed grace period. During this time, the Company's common stock will continue to be listed and trade on the Nasdaq Global Market.

The Company's business operations are not affected by the receipt of the notification.

About Paragon Shipping Inc.
Paragon Shipping is an international shipping company incorporated under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands with executive offices in Athens, Greece, specializing in the transportation of drybulk cargoes. Paragon Shipping's current fleet consists of sixteen drybulk vessels with a total carrying capacity of 980,399 dwt. In addition, Paragon Shipping's current newbuilding program consists of two Ultramax drybulk carriers and three Kamsarmax drybulk carriers that are scheduled to be delivered in 2015. The Company's common shares and senior notes trade on NASDAQ under the symbols "PRGN" and "PRGNL," respectively. For more information, visit: www.paragonship.com. The information contained on the Paragon Shipping's website does not constitute part of this press release.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risk factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values, changes in demand for drybulk shipping capacity, changes in our operating expenses, including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs, the market for our vessels, availability of financing and refinancing, charter counterparty performance, ability to obtain financing and comply with covenants in such financing arrangements, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, vessels breakdowns and instances of off-hires and other factors, as well as other risks that have been included in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, all of which are available at www.sec.gov.

Contacts
Paragon Shipping Inc.
ir@paragonshipping.gr

DresnerAllenCaron
Rudy Barrio (Investors)
r.barrio@allencaron.com
(212) 691-8087

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SOURCE Paragon Shipping Inc.