horizontal integration

…in the same field (horizontal integration) and to gain control of the central points of the production, distribution, and exchange processes (vertical integration). These strategies sought to reduce external market uncertainties produced by, for instance, several strong competitors in the circuit of production and increase overall rates of return.

In horizontal integration, by contrast, a company attempts to control a single stage of production or a single industry completely, which lets it take advantage of economies of scale but results in reduced competition.