Mergers and acquisitions represent a major strategy employed by businesses to gain a competitive advantage and create value. They refer to the acquisition of a controlling interest in another company, either through the purchase of its assets or shares or the combination of two or more companies. Each type of acquisition or merger has its own advantages and disadvantages and is based on a variety of factors, including the relationship between the companies and the method by which one company becomes the owner of its target. To understand the different types of mergers and acquisitions, it is important to have an understanding of the relationship between the buyer and seller and the different techniques used to negotiate the transaction. Below is a look at these four main types of mergers and acquisitions: horizontal, vertical, conglomerate, and congeneric.
Horizontal Mergers and Acquisitions
A horizontal merger is a merger of two companies within the same industry operating in the same market, selling similar products or services. The main purpose of a horizontal merger is to increase market share, build economies of scale, and minimize competition. This type of acquisition is also attractive for companies looking to expand into new markets or add to their customer base. However, due to the high level of regulatory scrutiny, horizontal mergers require extra diligence and research to ensure success. Companies must also consider the potential downside of a horizontal merger, such as the loss of value due to insufficient post-merger integration. Overall, a horizontal merger can be a powerful tool to increase market share and reduce competition, and careful consideration of the advantages and disadvantages must be taken before moving forward.
Vertical Mergers and Acquisitions
A vertical merger involves combining two companies from the same industry but from different stages of production. For instance, a wholesaler merging with a manufacturer. This type of merger is beneficial for enhancing efficiency, cutting costs, and making the supply chain more streamlined. The new entity formed by the merger will have more resources and be able to operate more efficiently than the two companies separately. However, it can also reduce flexibility and create new complexities for the company to manage. Moreover, it can lead to monopolistic practices and can affect the markets in which the merged companies operate. As these mergers involve two companies in the same industry, regulatory bodies are often involved to ensure that the merger is fair and doesn’t hinder competition.
Congeneric Mergers and Acquisitions
A congeneric merger also referred to as a concentric merger, is a type of merger or acquisition where the acquirer and target company are in the same industry and selling to the same customers but have different products or services. These companies may be indirect competitors, as their products tend to complement one another. This is an attractive option for companies as the aim of this type of merger is to consolidate their market share, as well as to expand the available product lines. What is unique about this type of merger is due to their relatedness, the potential for further diversification is limited. But the combined entity can benefit from their existing shared distribution channels, production, and technology, resulting in increased efficiency and cost savings than other types of M&A. Overall, a congeneric merger is a great option for companies who want to increase market share while still staying within their industry.
Conglomerate Mergers and Acquisitions
A conglomerate merger is a type of merger and acquisition that typically involves two companies whose business activities and industries may be completely unrelated. This type of reorganization occurs when a company involved in the real estate business acquires an insurance company, for example. The diversification of products and services that conglomerate mergers may bring about offers the potential for increased market share and the stabilizing of a company’s finances. If one product or service is not performing well, this minimizes the risk that comes with relying on one product or service. However, these types of mergers and acquisitions can also be challenging to integrate due to the cultural and operational differences between the two companies. During a conglomerate merger, the two companies may continue to operate independently, each in their market, to maintain productivity, or they can pursue more market reach. Great care must be taken if an organization is to successfully acquire another in this manner in order to ensure that losses and disruption to business operations are kept to a minimum.