Horizontal Mergers: Definition, Benefits & Examples | [Your Company Name]

A horizontal merger occurs when companies operating in the same or similar industry combine together. The purpose of a horizontal merger is to more efficiently utilize economies of scaleEconomies of ScaleEconomies of scale refer to the cost advantage experienced by a firm when it increases its level of output.The advantage arises due to the, increase market power, and exploit cost-based and revenue-based synergiesM&A SynergiesM&A Synergies occur when the value of a merged company is higher than the sum of the two individual companies. 10 ways to estimate operational synergies in M&A deals are: 1) analyze headcount, 2) look at ways to consolidate vendors, 3) evaluate any head office or rent savings 4) estimate the value saved by sharing.

Reasons for a Horizontal Merger

When companies undergo a horizontal merger, the underlying principle is to create value. A successful merger should create value in which combining the companies would be worth more than if each company were under independent ownership. In a horizontal merger, 1 + 1 (referring to two independent companies) should be greater than 2 (the merged company).

Reasons for merging horizontally:

• Increase market share and reduce competition in the industry
• Further utilize economies of scale (thus reducing costs)
• Increase diversification
• Reshape the company’s competitive scope by reducing intense rivalry
• Realize economies of scopeEconomies of ScopeEconomies of scope is an economic concept that refers to the decrease in the total cost of production when a range of products are produced together rather than separately.
• Share complementary skills and resources

Problems in Achieving Merger Success

Although there are many benefits to a horizontal merger, they may not be fully realized and the merger may not actually create added value. Merging companies face problems such as:

• Integration difficulties: Merging two different corporate cultures can be difficult.
• Difficulty in building a working relationship: Due to differing management styles, it may be difficult to build a working relationship.
• Inability to achieve synergies: The expected synergies may never be realized and this may end up reducing overall value.
• Bureaucratic controls: There may be legal repercussions if the horizontal merger creates a company that may be considered a monopoly. Horizontal mergers are scrutinized in the US because the combination of competitors can create a monopoly and raise prices for the consumer.

Horizontal Merger vs. Vertical Merger

Though one is often confused with the other, there is a distinct difference between the two types of mergers.

1. Horizontal merger: When companies that sell similar products merge together.
2. Vertical merger: Occurs between companies at different stages in the production process (between companies where one buys or sells something from or to the company).

The diagram below shows the difference between the two:

Assuming Clothing Store A, B, and C are competitors. If Clothing Store A merges with Clothing Store B or Clothing Store C, it is a horizontal merger.

The production process: Textile Producer A → Shirt Manufacturer A → Clothing Store A. If Clothing Store A merges with Shirt Manufacturer A or Textile Producer A, it is a vertical merger.

Example of a Horizontal Merger

Consider a famous horizontal merger: HP (Hewlett-Packard) and Compaq in 2011. The structure was a stock-for-stock merger with an exchange ratio of 0.63 HP share per Compaq share, valued at approximately US$25 billion. The new company would be held 64% by HP and 36% by Compaq shareholders.

The rationale behind the horizontal merger of HP and Compaq was based on the following points:

• Combat the increasing competition in the industry from IBM and Dell
• Cut costs by nearly US$3 billion annually
• Share complementary resources and enhance business segments
• Respond quicker to changing customer demands in the industry and set a product standard
• Face the challenge of a shrinking market

The merger created a US$87 billion global technology leader offering the most comprehensive set of IT products and services for businesses and consumers. The new HP became the top global player in IT services, imaging and printers, and access devices. Cost and revenue synergies were established, creating substantial shareholder value and providing new growth opportunities.

Other Resources

Learn more about mergers and acquisitions by seeing the following CFI resources:

• Statutory MergerStatutory MergerIn a statutory merger between two companies (where company A merges with company B), one of the two companies will continue to survive after the transaction has completed. This is a common form of combination in the mergers and acquisitions process.
• How to Build A Merger ModelHow To Build A Merger ModelA merger model is the analysis of two companies combining to form a single business entity and the associated impact on financials.
• M&A Considerations and ImplicationsM&A Considerations and ImplicationsWhen conducting M&A a company must acknowledge & review all factors and complexities that go into mergers and acquisitions. This guide outlines important
• MonopolyMonopolyA monopoly is a market with a single seller (called the monopolist) but with many buyers. In a perfectly competitive market, which comprises