Horizontal IntegrationLike 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.
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