In an attempt to capture port-related business, L.A. lobbying firm Englander Knabe & Allen announced Wednesday that it has purchased the practice of Long Beach lobbyist and former port official Alex Cherin.

Cherin had served as executive officer and managing director at the Port of Long Beach before leaving in early 2010 to start up his lobbying and consulting practice. Cherin Group’s main focus was attempting to bring green technology companies to Long Beach.

At Englander Knabe & Allen, Cherin will lead the firm’s clean technology and transportation groups.

“This transition allows me to grow my practice on a larger platform and in partnership with one of the most respected advocacy firms in the state,” Cherin said in the press release announcing the acquisition.

Englander Knabe & Allen is the largest public relations firm headquartered in Los Angeles County with $6.8 million in 2010 billings, according to the Business Journal’s list of public relations companies.

The firm’s specialty is high-profile policy or land use controversies, such as the airport-area hotels opposition to the city’s living wage mandate.