Horizontal Integration

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What is Horizontal Integration? Description

Like its counterpart, Vertical Integration, Horizontal Integration is a potential strategic move which a firm may consider. Horizontal Integration means to acquire business activities at the same level of the value chain. This can mean:

• Acquiring activities dealing with similar products, so that synergies accrue and there is a degree of ‘sensible’ diversification. For example complementary confectionary products supported by the same basic marketing messages.
• Acquiring activities that are substitutes for one’s products. Hence a firm can cover the threat from substitutes implicated as one of Porter’s 5 Forces. For example Canon moving into digital camera's.
• Acquiring competitors. In this way reducing the threat from competition.
• Completing the product range which is ‘expected’ by the customer. For example, Microsoft has pursued this strategy with its Microsoft Office Software.

Usage of Horizontal Integration. Applications

Strategic Planning.

Steps in Horizontal Integration. Process

See: Acquisition Integration Approaches

Strengths of Horizontal Integration. Benefits

• Economies of scale.
• Synergy. Economies of scope.
• Defense against substitutes.
• Reduction in competition.
• Fulfilling customer expectations.
• Increased negotiation power. Get more leverage over powerful suppliers or customers.

Limitations of Horizontal Integration. Disadvantages

• Synergies may be more imaginary than real. A famous example was SAAB with its cars and aircraft.
• Substitutes market is often very different. To turn an acquisition into a success is a big and lengthy management challenge.
• Reduction in competition, or even a monopoly, may lead to anti-trust issues.

Forum Forum discussions about Horizontal Integration. Below you can ask a question about this topic, share your experiences, report a new development, or explain something. Start a new topic about Horizontal Integration Share your knowledge here (or ask a question)   Disadvantages of Horizontal Integration Are there besides the limitations mentioned above still more disadvantages of horizontal integration? Why?... 6   3 comments 🔥 NEW Examples and Case Studies of Horizontal Integration Who can share and explain an example of horizontal integration? Thanks...... 3   2 comments Advantages of Horizontal Integration Are there besides the benefits mentioned above still more advantages of horizontal integration? Why?... 1   2 comments

Expert Tips Advanced insights about Horizontal Integration. Here you will find professional advices by experts. Two More Forms of Strategic Integration Strategy, Corporate Integration In academic literature there is a mention of at least two more types of developing strategy considered a midddle way bet...

Information Sources Various sources of information regarding Horizontal Integration. Here you will find powerpoints, videos, news, etc. to use in your own lectures and workshops. Mergers, Acquisitions & Corporate Control Corporate Control, Mergers and Acquisitions, Anti-takeover Measures, Synergies This presentation is about corporate control and mergers and acquisitions, including the following sections: 1. What is... Vertical Integration and Horizontal Integration Difference Between Vertical Integration and Horizontal Integration Simple explanation of the essence of the 2 main models for corporate expansion (vertical and horizontal integration) by ... Antitrust Enforcement Horizontal Mergers The DOJ-FTC Merger Guidelines were developed for and best deal with horizontal mergers where the theory of harm is coord... Horizontal Mergers Competition policy, prices This paper by David M. Spector addresses the effect of horizontal mergers on prices. It is shown that if firms compete... Open Source Projects Horizontal Innovation Networks Innovation development, production, distribution and consumption networks can be built up horizontally – with actors con...

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Compare with Horizontal Integration: Vertical Integration  |  Value Chain  |  Porter Five Forces  |  Leveraged Buy-out  |  Acquisition Integration Approaches  |  Parenting Styles  |  Core Competence  |  Insourcing  |  Co-opetition

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