Which of the following benefits can companies expect to gain from a horizontal integration?
Horizontal integration is the process of acquiring or merging with competitors, leading to industry consolidation. Horizontal integration is a strategy where a company acquires, mergers or takes over another company in the same industry value chain. It is a type of integration strategies
pursued by a company in order to strengthen its position in the industry. A corporate that implements this type of strategy usually mergers or acquires another company that is in the same production stage. For example, Disney merging with Pixar (movie production), Exxon with Mobile (oil production, refining and distribution) or the infamous Daimler Benz and Chrysler merger (car developing, manufacturing and retailing). The purpose of horizontal integration (HI) is to grow the company in size, increase product differentiation, achieve economies of scale, reduce competition or access new markets. When many firms pursue this strategy in the same industry, it leads to industry consolidation (oligopoly or even monopoly). HI can occur in a form of mergers, acquisitions or hostile takeovers. Merger is the joining of two similar sizes, independent companies to make one joint entity. Acquisition is the purchase of another company. Hostile takeover is the acquisition of the company, which does not want to be acquired. HI may be an effective strategy when:
The following diagram illustrates HI in manufacturing industry: Difference between horizontal and vertical integrationsHI is different from vertical integration, where a firm usually expands into another production stage rather than merging or acquiring the company in the same production stage. For example, a company is vertically integrating if it expands from manufacturing industry to retailing industry, while HI would mean buying other firms in the same manufacturing industry. Horizontal integration examples
Source: Strategic Management Insight Advantages of horizontal integration
Disadvantages of the strategy
Sources
What are the benefits of horizontal and vertical integration?Horizontal integrations help companies expand in size, diversify product offerings, reduce competition, and expand into new markets. Vertical integrations can help boost profit and allow companies more immediate access to consumers.
Which of the following is a benefit that firms should expect to gain from the use of horizontal?An advantage of horizontal integration is that it can lower a company's cost structure by creating increasing economies of scale.
Which of the following is a benefit that firms should expect to gain from the use of horizontal integration quizlet?An advantage of horizontal integration is that by staying in one industry, a firm can focus its resources and capabilities on competing successfully in just one area.
What is the biggest reason 2 companies would want to merge horizontally?The goal of a horizontal merger is to create a new, larger organization with more market share. Because the merging companies' business operations may be very similar, there may be opportunities to join certain operations, such as manufacturing, and reduce costs.
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