Conglomerate
Multiple business entities in different industries, under one corporate group
Real World Example
During the Postwar Boom from 1946-1960, American businesses grew rapidly, and many formed conglomerates to diversify their investments and reduce risks. This was important because it allowed companies to stabilize their profits by owning different types of businesses, even if one industry struggled. For example, a conglomerate might own a car company, a food company, and a media company, so if car sales dropped, the other businesses could still succeed. Today, conglomerates like Disney impact our lives by owning various companies, from movie studios to theme parks, providing diverse entertainment options. This matters because it affects the variety of products and services available to us, influencing our choices and experiences in daily life.