________ are mergers or acquisitions where the companies are not in the same industry or do not provide access to customers or supplies.

Conglomerates are indeed mergers or acquisitions involving companies that operate in completely different industries or sectors. This type of merger allows a company to diversify its business portfolio and reduce risk by entering into new markets that are not directly related to its primary business operations.

One of the primary motivations behind conglomerate mergers is the opportunity for growth and stability through diversification. By acquiring or merging with companies in unrelated fields, a business can benefit from new revenue streams and lessen its dependency on any single market. This can be especially beneficial during economic downturns, where volatility in one industry may not affect the performance of another.

In contrast, horizontal mergers occur between companies within the same industry, often aiming to increase market share or reduce competition. Vertical mergers involve companies that operate at different levels of the supply chain, such as a manufacturer acquiring a supplier. Joint ventures are collaborative efforts where two or more companies establish a new entity, often to pursue specific projects or enter new markets, but still maintain their independence. Thus, these other types do not share the characteristic of operating in unrelated industries.