SAN FRANCISCO -- The clients and some personnel of electronics regulatory consulting firm Design Chain Associates are moving to Environ International Corp., the company's founder said.

DCA's current clients and consulting practice, which was founded 12 years ago by Michael Kirschner, will be integrated with Environ, a much larger environmental consultancy based in the US, but with a solid international presence, Kirschner said in an email to clients.

"[In] looking at the growing complexities of upcoming requirements (regulatory, customer, and competitive), it became clear that a broad range of expertise will be required to support manufacturers' needs. Environ has that expertise -- toxicologists, chemists, chemical engineers, and more," Kirschner said.

Technically, DCA is ceasing operations and is not being acquired by Environ. Kirschner is being hired by Environ and bringing certain clients with him to the new firm.