Diversified, Portland, Maine, a global business-to-business events and media company and parent company of WorkBoat magazine and the International WorkBoat Show, has closed its acquisition of Marine Money, a leading brand for ship finance events and publications, from International Marketing Strategies Inc., Stamford, Conn. The transaction was completed on Jan. 12.
Founded in 1987, Marine Money organizes events worldwide for the global shipping finance industry and produces a quarterly print magazine, email newsletters, research, and industry reports. Its offerings focus on networking and business development for C-suite executives. Marine Money’s conferences are held in key maritime cities such as New York, London, Hamburg, Athens, and Singapore, and its New Orleans event is held each year in conjunction with the International WorkBoat Show.
The acquisition expands Diversified’s commercial marine portfolio, which, in addition to Workboat and the International Workboat Show, also includes Pacific Marine Expo and National Fisherman. In total, Diversified operates 18 brands and 13 news websites spanning multiple industries, along with more than two dozen conference events each year.
As part of the transaction, Diversified has retained Marine Money’s team, including owners Matt McCleery and Mike McCleery. Both will join Diversified’s commercial marine group, led by group vice president Wes Doane.
“This acquisition represents a highly strategic step forward in expanding and deepening our commercial marine portfolio,” said Doane. “Just as important, we are gaining exceptional partners in both Matt and Mike, whose decades of industry leadership, trusted relationships, and commitment to the shipping finance community will be instrumental as we invest in growth, innovation, and long-term value for our customers.”
Matt McCleery said the acquisition creates new opportunities for Marine Money’s growth. “This is a transformational opportunity for us, and we couldn’t be more excited about it,” he stated. “Diversified’s family-owned culture and client-focused approach are a perfect fit for Marine Money, and with the support of Diversified’s expertise and resources, we plan to take Marine Money to the next level in terms of client service and digital technology, as well as training, content, data, and networking.”
Diversified has been seeking to expand its commercial marine offerings, according to Oakley Dyer, the company’s corporate vice president of strategy and corporate development. “Marine Money is a clear complement, and we are eager to see what we can accomplish with the Marine Money events and the support of Diversified’s in-house central services,” he said.
In a letter to the Marine Money community, Matt McCleery said the company had spent several years evaluating potential partners to support its next phase of growth and modernization, with a focus on expanded digital technology, event platforms, and engagement across the global maritime finance sector.
Marine Money co-founder Jim Lawrence, a well-known and deeply respected figure in the global maritime industry, passed away in June 2025.
Sullivan & Worcester LLP served as legal counsel to Diversified. Marine Money worked with broker Fusion Corporate Partners and financial advisor White Fir Global Inc.
