Vertical integration is the integration of firms engaged in successive stages in the production of goods. Andrew Carnegie introduced the idea of vertical integration. There are three varieties of vertical integration: backward vertical integration, forward vertical integration, and balanced Vertical and Horizontal Integration. Vertical integration is the degree to which a firm owns its upstream suppliers and its downstream buyers. A monopoly produced through vertical integration is called a vertical monopoly, although it might be more appropriate to speak of this as some form of cartel. Where the products of both firms are similar, it is a merger of competitors. Vertical integration is also called backward (upstream), and forward (downstream) vertical integration.
Horizontal Integration Vs Vertical Integration
Horizontal integration takes place when one mobile phone company takes over another mobile phone company or one automobile company takes over another automobile company. Lateral Integration is an alternative term for Horizontal Integration, defining an enterprise pursuing a diversification strategy under a uniform management in the economy.
Vertically integrated companies are united through a hierarchy with a common owner. Each member of the hierarchy produces a different product or service, and the products combine to satisfy a common need. Vertical integration is one method of avoiding the hold-up problem.
The horizontal integration of production exists when a firm has plants in several locations producing similar products. Where all producers of a good or service in a market merge, it is the creation of a monopoly. If there are only a few competitors, it is termed an oligopoly. Horizontal integration in marketing is much more common than horizontal integration in production.
Backward vertical
integration
Here, the company sets up subsidiaries that produce some of the inputs used in the
production of its products. For example, an automobile company may own a tire company and
a metal company. Control of these subsidiaries is intended to create a stable supply of
inputs and ensure a consistent quality in their final product.
Forward vertical
integration
Here, the company sets up subsidiaries that distribute or market products to customers or
use the products themselves. An example of this is a movie studio that also owns a chain
of theaters.
Balanced vertical integration
Here, the company sets up subsidiaries that both supply them with inputs and distribute
their outputs.
A restaurant chain may own the farms where they produce agricultural products as
well as the factories that processes these agricultural products, and thus
practise backward
vertical integration. Forwards vertical integration would mean that they would own the
regional distribution centers and shops or fast food restaurants where the hamburgers are
sold. Balanced vertical integration would mean that they own all of these components.