Understanding Horizontal Integration in Business

Which situation best describes horizontal integration?

a. a burger restaurant stops selling burgers and starts selling cars

b. a burger restaurant buys a hardware store

c. a burger restaurant buys another burger restaurant

d. a burger restaurant buys the cattle farms they use for their beef

Answer:

Horizontal integration refers to a business strategy where a company acquires or merges with other companies that operate in the same industry or produce similar products. In this case, the best description of horizontal integration is option c: "a burger restaurant buys another burger restaurant."

Understanding Horizontal Integration

Horizontal integration is a strategic approach where a company expands its presence and market share by acquiring or merging with other companies that are at the same level of the industry value chain. This type of integration allows businesses to increase their market power, gain economies of scale, and potentially eliminate competition.

When a burger restaurant buys another burger restaurant, it is engaging in horizontal integration. This strategic move allows the acquiring restaurant to expand its customer base, reach new markets, and strengthen its position in the industry.

Comparison to Other Types of Integration

Diversification: Option a, where a burger restaurant stops selling burgers and starts selling cars, represents diversification. This involves expanding into a new industry or market that is unrelated to the company's current operations. It is different from horizontal integration, which focuses on consolidating within the same industry.

Conglomerate Integration: Option b, where a burger restaurant buys a hardware store, illustrates conglomerate integration. This occurs when a company acquires businesses in various industries that are not necessarily related to its core operations. Unlike horizontal integration, conglomerate integration involves diversifying across different sectors.

Vertical Integration: Option d, where a burger restaurant buys the cattle farms they use for their beef, demonstrates vertical integration. This strategy involves acquiring businesses along the supply chain, either backward (suppliers) or forward (distributors). Vertical integration aims to enhance control over the production process and reduce dependency on external partners.

Benefits of Horizontal Integration

By engaging in horizontal integration, a burger restaurant can benefit in several ways:

• Increased Market Share: Acquiring another burger restaurant can help expand the customer base and market presence of the acquiring restaurant.
• Economies of Scale: Consolidating operations and resources can lead to cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Elimination of Competition: By absorbing a rival restaurant, the acquiring company can reduce competition in the market.

Overall, horizontal integration can be a strategic move to strengthen a company's position in the industry, drive growth, and enhance competitiveness.