A conglomerate merger occurs when two firms with either a horizontal or a vertical business relationship combine.

Conglomerate Merger

Occurs when unrelated enterprises combine, such as Mobil Oil and Montgomery Ward.

Horizontal

Term often used in analysis to indicate a flat or level condition, such as a horizontal merger, which occurs between companies in the same industry.

Vertical Business Relationship

A business model where a company is involved in multiple stages of the production process, from raw material to final product, often through acquisitions or partnerships.