The founders of Nantwich-based global accessibility consulting firm Direct Access Group have sold the company’s US operations to Matrix Design Group.
Steven and Judith Mifsud said the sale will strengthen Direct Access’s “vision and commitment to creating environments that work for all”.
The award-winning US arm of Direct Access will continue as a wholly owned subsidiary of Matrix Design Group under the leadership of Mr Mifsud.
Matrix and Direct Access have already collaborated on various projects in the US and are currently working together on ADA Transition Plans for the City of Scottsdale, Arizona.
As part of the acquisition, Mr Mifsud MBE will resign from his current role as Chief Executive Officer of Direct Access to become Chairman of the Direct Access Board of Directors.
He will begin working directly with Matrix Design Group, while UK-based Direct Access continues to operate independently, delivering its services across the UK and Europe.
He said: “It’s the end of an era for me.
“After 21 incredible years, my wife Jude Mifsud and I have sold Direct Access in the US.
“This business has been such a huge part of my life, and stepping down as CEO is bittersweet.
This change has been in the works for some time as I sought a healthier work-life balance.
“I’m pleased to share that I’ll now be joining Matrix Design Group, Inc. who have acquired the business, and will continue leading Direct Access in the US as Matrix’s Director of Accessibility.
“Going forward, I’ll be working from home three weeks a month and spending one week in the US – something I’m really looking forward to. I’m also looking forward to working with all the incredible individuals at Matrix.
“Direct Access needed to join a much larger group to gain a bigger stage and create an even greater impact. I felt I had taken it as far as I could, and this move provides the platform to achieve more globally.
“Direct Access in the US now holds global rights outside of the UK and Europe, and I’m excited to keep driving our mission to make accessibility a reality for all.”
The UK division will now be headed by Judith Mifsud as interim CEO, who is also on the group board of directors.
Under the leadership of Mr Mifsud, Direct Access has grown from its UK roots to deliver transformative projects across the US, Europe, and the Middle East.
The company has advised clients in sectors including housing, municipalities, hospitality, airports, retail, and theme parks, designing spaces that meet the needs of all users, including disabled individuals, older adults, parents with children, and anyone who benefits from improved accessibility.
“Direct Access has been an exceptional partner on our ADA projects,” said Sal Nodjomian, CEO of Matrix.
“By bringing them fully into our family, we strengthen Matrix’s services and capabilities, enabling us to deliver innovative, thoughtful solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients across multiple industries.”
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