Strategic Actions Mergers, Acquisitions, Joint Ventures
Strategic Actions Mergers, Acquisitions, Joint Ventures
Strategic Actions Mergers, Acquisitions, Joint Ventures
partnerships
Growing your business organically, we can also expand by joining forces with another business. While this can
create problems around decision-making and possible management and staff issues, there can be clear
advantages.
more resources
sharing of the managerial load
larger skills and talent base
bigger pool of contacts
increase in markets
diversification and organic growth using increased resources
reduced commercial risk
The right partner should complement your core brand and business development goals, so consider carefully
the type of partnership you plan to pursue to ensure the best chances of success.
An agreement or contract defining the terms of the partnership or joint venture is essential and further legal
protection is advisable. See how to create a joint venture agreement.
Teaming up should be a win-win situation for both parties. Businesses involved with complementary activities
or skills are usually the most appropriate candidates. For example, a group of sole traders - a carpenter, builder
and gas installer/electrician - could form a company to:
Acquisition and merger may not be suitable business growth strategies for all businesses. They are more
suited to established enterprises, as transactions may involve commercial lawyers and considerable legal work.
You should thoroughly plan, research your options and strategically pursue the right type of growth for your
business. If you decide that growth through partnerships isn't the right fit for your business, you may want
to grow your business organically.
Horizontal diversification
Horizontal diversification is when you acquire or develop new products or services that are complementary to
your core business and appeal to your current customers. For example, an ice cream business adds a new type
of confectionary into its product line. You may require new technology, skills or marketing approach to
diversify in this way.
Concentric diversification
Concentric diversification involves adding new products that have technological or marketing synergies with
existing product lines or industries, but appeal to new customers. For example, a PC manufacturer starts
producing laptops. You may be able to leverage your existing technologies, equipment and marketing to
diversify in this way.
Conglomerate diversification
Conglomerate diversification occurs when you add new products or services that are entirely different from
and unrelated to your core business. For example, a film studio opening up an entertainment park. The risks are
high, as this approach requires you not only to enter a new market, but also to sell to a new consumer base.
Vertical diversification
Vertical diversification or integration is when you expand in a backward or forward direction along the
production chain of your product. In this approach, you may control more than one stage of the supply chain.
For example, a film distributor produces its own content, or a technology manufacturer opens its own retail
store.
diverting funds and resources into diversification may limit potential growth in core areas of your
business
lack of knowledge or expertise in the new industry or market may lead to costly delays or mistakes
diversifying too quickly may cause you to lose track of or dilute your core products or services
if you stretch your resources too widely, you may struggle to provide a consistent level of service,
which can lead to dissatisfaction and customer losses
In general, diversifying with similar products or services and selling them to a familiar customer base is less
risky than some other business growth strategies, such as creating a product for a completely new market.
Diversification can be a great way to maintain business stability. It allows you to hedge your bets and, if one of
your markets or products fails, you have another to back you up until you recover.