World’s largest distributor of electronic components and enterprise computing products Arrow Electronics, Inc. ( ARW - Analyst Report ) recently declared the acquisition of Global Link Technology, Inc. (Global Link). The financial terms and conditions of the deal are not disclosed yet.

Global Link, based in Centennial, Colorado, is mainly engaged in the distribution of a range of Electronics Asset Disposition (EAD) services, which includes elimination and protection of data, restoration as well as remarketing of electronic components.

The acquisition appears to be a quite profitable one for Arrow as it will diversify and broaden the company’s product portfolio. Management stated that this acquisition is likely to solidify the company’s foothold in the EAD market, especially in the Rocky Mountain region.

Arrow has retained a keen eye out for making profitable acquisitions for its market expansion; specifically in the EAD market, improving its product offerings and maintaining its leading position in the global market. The company recently declared its decision to acquire Redemtech, Inc. (Redemtech). The acquisition is expected to be quite beneficial for Arrow as Redemtech has been yielding favorable results of late and is likely to generate revenues of nearly $60 million in 2012.

However, the company recently reported total sales of $5.15 billion in the second quarter of 2012, down 7% year over year and 5.3% sequentially. The current macro-economic challenges prevailing in the European region and slow growth in China adversely affected the company’s business in the quarter.

Arrow currently faces ominous competition from major players of the industry, which includes Richardson Electronics Ltd. ( RELL - Snapshot Report ) and Avnet Inc. ( AVT - Analyst Report ) in the industry. In order to retain its position in the global market, it is imperative that the company continues to make such momentous undertakings, keeping in mind the betterment of the organization in both the long and short run.

The current Zacks Consensus Estimate for the third quarter of 2012 is $1.04, reflecting a year-over-year growth of (13.33%). Estimates for 2012 and 2013 are $4.54 and $5.06, representing annual growth of (12.50%) and 11.33%, respectively.

We currently maintain an ‘Underperform’ recommendation on Arrow. The stock carries a Zacks #3 Rank, translating into a short-term (1-3 months) ‘Hold’ rating.