Arrow Electronics acquires RF, the communications services unit of Richardson Electronics

Arrow Electronics buys communication services firm

MELVILLE, N.Y. — Arrow Electronics Inc. is acquiring RF, the wireless and power division of Richardson Electronics Ltd., for $210 million.

Arrow intends to operate the communications services company, which will be called Richardson RFPD, as a separate business unit. The company’s headquarters will remain in LaFox, Ill.

Arrow said the acquisition gives it a global presence in the wireless and power conversion markets with specialized expertise in radio frequency engineering.

RF has approximately 400 employees and revenue of $350 million in its most recent fiscal year.

Arrow shares were down 18 cents at $26.55 in afternoon trading, while Richardson Electronics rose 48 cents, or 4.6 percent, to $10.98.

(This version CORRECTS name of Richardson Electronics in the headline, updates stock prices.)