A combination of two or more firms that compete in the same market with the same goods or services constitutes a specific type of business consolidation. A practical example is the union of two automobile manufacturers or the consolidation of two major airlines. The resulting entity often enjoys a significantly larger market share than either company held individually before the transaction.
These integrations are notable for their potential to generate efficiencies through economies of scale and scope. Benefits can include reduced production costs, streamlined distribution networks, and enhanced pricing power. Historically, such combinations have been scrutinized by regulatory bodies to ensure they do not unduly restrict competition or harm consumers by creating a dominant market player.