Horizontal Merger When a merger between companies in the same industry occurs it is called a horizontal merger. Horizontal mergers usually happen in industries with fewer companies, because competition tends to be higher and potential gains in these kinds of mergers often deliver better results. (MBDA, n.d.).
Example
A merger between Nike and the Rebook shoe companies, for example, would be an example of a horizontal merger. The purpose of a horizontal merger is to create a larger organization with more market control. Because the two companies' operations will be similar, there may be opportunities to join certain operations, like manufacturing, to reduce costs.
Vertical Merger A merger between two companies producing different goods or services for one specific finished product. A vertical merger occurs when two or more firms, operating at different levels within an industry's supply chain, merge operations. Most often the logic behind the merger is to increase synergies created by merging firms that would be more efficient operating as one. (MBDA, n.d.).
Example
A vertical merger joins two companies that may not compete with each other, but exist in the same supply chain. Microsoft joining with Intel would be an example of a vertical merger. Such a deal would allow the Microsoft to obtain better pricing on parts and have better control over the manufacturing process. The parts division, in turn, would be guaranteed a steady stream of business.
Conglomerate
A merger between firms that are involved in totally unrelated business activities. There are two types of conglomerate mergers: pure and mixed. Pure conglomerate mergers involve firms with nothing in common, while mixed conglomerate mergers involve firms that are looking for product extensions or market extensions. (MBDA, n.d.).
Example
Electronic Data Systems, specializing in information