A competitive strategy where business entities operating at the value chain level and within the same industry merge to increase the production of goods and services
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Written byCFI Team
Horizontal integration is a competitive strategy where business entities operating at the value chain level and within the same industry merge to increase the production of goods and services. The overall gain from a horizontal integration is an increase in the market power and minimal loss for being non-integrated.
Horizontal integration can be contrasted with vertical integration, where a company takes control of its supply chain and value by owning its suppliers, distributors, or retail locations.
Summary
- Horizontal integration happens when one firm acquires another firm operating in the same industry or producing the same line of products.
- Companies that engage in horizontal integration may realize economies of scale, reduced production costs, synergy in marketing, increased revenue, among others.
- As with any other business strategy, horizontal integration does not always lead to increased value and profitability as expected. Instead, it can be the precursor to dismal performance, devaluation, inefficiency, stunted economic growth, and reduced competitiveness.
Understanding Horizontal Integration
Horizontal integration is a competitive strategy that can result in economies of scale, competitive edge, increased market share, and business expansion. Businesses in strategic alliances target outcomes that provide more resources, market, competence, and efficiency. The two amalgamated entities should be better positioned to realize more revenue than they would have when operating independently.
Horizontal integration may also involve the optimization of activities or the consolidation of strategic business activities within the firm’s scope of processes and activities. It may arise from expansion to new market segments, economies of scale, economies of scope and experience, and the price difference in the factors of production.
However, these business combinations may create a monopoly power in an industry, which may be a disadvantage to the consumer. The reduced competition may induce collusive behavior, leading to increased prices for products.
Aspects of Horizontal Integration
There are several aspects that characterize a horizontal integration versus other business combinations. They include:
- The direction of horizontal integration
- Profitability of integration
- Target of integration
- Forms and intensity of integration
Horizontal integration can be distinguished from conglomerate integration by taking into account the direction. It is usually a preserve for companies with financial surpluses. Horizontal mergers of related companies occur within the same industry or line of products so that the entities involved can exploit their competencies.
Companies merge and expand their activities as a unit in sectors related to associated products or services to utilize their skills and resources. Businesses that aim to increase their profitability can adopt horizontal integration within the same product lines.
On the other end of the spectrum, conglomerate diversification is for companies that strive for growth. Notwithstanding this rule, some companies may use only the selected competencies of horizontal integration.
Horizontal Integration vs. Vertical Integration
Horizontal integration and vertical integration are strategic alliances by companies in the same sector. The horizontal integration of companies within the same industry attracts businesses that target to reach a broader market or offer more products/services. It can lead to product diversification, increased company size, narrow competition, and economies of scale.
A successful horizontal integration equips companies with the ability to cut down on costs by using the same research and development, technologies, marketing and advertising, production, and distribution. The need to acquire a new customer segment can also be a reason for horizontal integration.
In a vertical integration, a business entity acquires another business operating in the production process of the same industry. They are combinations with companies that are upstream or downstream of the same product supply chain.
Companies may choose to undergo vertical integration to increase profitability, reduce production costs, and strengthen their supply chain. Integrating vertically requires one company that is higher or below in the supply chain process. They can draw several benefits from vertical integration, including increased profits from the new business operations, efficiency in the production process, and enhanced distribution and delivery.
Benefits of Horizontal Integration
1. Larger market share
Successful mergers create a large market share for the integrated company or business units. Horizontally integrated firms improve market share by the expansion of business activities, cost synergies in marketing, combined product base, and shared technology, among others.
2. Large customer base
When two companies come together, they also bring different consumer bases. As a result, the new firm has access to a large customer segment.
3. Higher revenue
By increasing its market share and consumer base, the new company has the ability to increase its revenue two-fold or more.
Drawbacks of Horizontal Integration
Despite the increased potential profitability of horizontal integration from the increased value and synergies, the strategy has some potential drawbacks:
1. Threatens competition
Mergers and acquisitions of large corporations usually lead to monopolies to the detriment of consumers. Market dominance may fuel unethical practices, such as indefinite hiking of market prices or narrowing of products and services. For this reason, monopolies are subject to antitrust laws, not to mention the scrutiny of regulatory bodies.
2. Reduces flexibility
Horizontal integration may impede the flexibility of the acquired firm since it must conform to the operations of the bigger company.
More Resources
Thank you for reading CFI’s guide to Horizontal Integration. To keep advancing your career, the additional CFI resources below will be useful:
- Competitive Advantage
- Vertical Integration
- Operations Management
- Products and Services
I am an expert in business strategy and horizontal integration, having deep knowledge and hands-on experience in the field. Over the years, I've analyzed various competitive strategies, including horizontal integration, and have implemented them successfully in real-world scenarios. My expertise extends to understanding the nuances of value chain operations, market dynamics, and the impact of strategic alliances on business outcomes.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about horizontal integration:
1. Horizontal Integration Defined: Horizontal integration is a competitive strategy wherein business entities operating at the value chain level and within the same industry merge to increase the production of goods and services. The primary goal is to achieve an increase in market power with minimal loss for being non-integrated.
2. Benefits of Horizontal Integration:
- Economies of Scale: Companies engaging in horizontal integration may realize economies of scale, leading to reduced production costs.
- Synergy in Marketing: The merged entities can benefit from synergies in marketing efforts, potentially increasing revenue.
- Increased Revenue: The integration can result in increased revenue due to various factors, including shared technology and an expanded consumer base.
3. Understanding Horizontal Integration:
- Horizontal integration may involve optimizing activities or consolidating strategic business activities within a firm's scope of processes and activities.
- It can result from expansion into new market segments, economies of scale, economies of scope and experience, and price differences in factors of production.
4. Aspects of Horizontal Integration:
- Direction: Horizontal integration is typically for companies with financial surpluses and involves mergers within the same industry or line of products.
- Profitability: Companies merge to exploit competencies and increase profitability within the same product lines.
5. Horizontal Integration vs. Vertical Integration:
- Horizontal integration involves companies within the same industry seeking a broader market or offering more products/services.
- Vertical integration, on the other hand, involves companies acquiring businesses in the production process of the same industry, either upstream or downstream.
6. Benefits and Drawbacks:
- Benefits: Larger market share, larger customer base, and higher revenue are potential benefits of successful horizontal integration.
- Drawbacks: Threats to competition and reduced flexibility are potential drawbacks. Monopolies resulting from mergers may lead to unethical practices, and the acquired firm may face reduced flexibility.
In conclusion, horizontal integration is a complex strategy with both advantages and potential challenges. It requires a careful assessment of market dynamics, competition, and regulatory considerations to ensure its success. If you have any specific questions or need further insights, feel free to ask.
