What is the difference between horizontal merger and a vertical merger?

Answer 1

Horizontal Merger A horizontal merger is a merger between two competitors. Suppose, for example, that tomorrow Nokia were to buy Sony ericsson. This would be a horizontal merger. Vertical Merger A vertical merger occurs when a supplier buys a reseller, or vice versa. The key point is that the two companies have a buyer-seller relationship. Suppose that a food retailer purchased a company that manufactures food. This would be a vertical merger. Or, suppose that a pharmaceutical company acquired a drugstore chain. Vertical mergers are more likely to be approved by regulatory authorities. Consumers can benefit from the increased efficiencies that result from supply chain integration--- often in the form of lower prices and/or better service. Conglomerate Merger A conglomerate merger is a union of two companies that a.) are not competitors, and b.) not part of the same supply chain. If Oracle were to purchase a fast food chain, this would be a conglomerate merger. Software has no relationship to fast food; fast food has no connection to software (other than providing sustenance for programmers who work long hours.)