CDI Corp., which ranks on Staffing Industry Analysts’ list of largest IT staffing firms in the US, sold Management Recruiters International Inc. to a company controlled by Bert Miller. Management Recruiters International is a Philadelphia-based franchisor of permanent placement and retained search businesses that operates as MRINetwork.

Miller founded Miami-based search firm Protis Global, which he said was one of the 10 largest members of the MRINetwork. It joined the network in 1995.

“I understand intimately the challenges faced by independent search and recruitment firms in our rapidly changing industry,” Miller said in a statement. “I also have direct experience and appreciation for the leadership the MRI demonstrates in enabling such firms to overcome those challenges, through its unique network-centric service model.”

The deal closed on May 28; terms were not announced.

MRI’s network includes nearly 400 independent search and recruitment firms, according to the company.

CDI, which is owned by private equity firm AE Industrial Partners LP, was a public company before being acquired by AE in 2017.

Miller will take on the role of president and CEO of MRI. Nancy Halverson will continue as general manager. Day-to-day management of Miller’s firm, Protis Global, will be handled by Michael Bitar, who will be that firm’s general manger.