Choice Homes Inc. built its reputation by building high$-$quality new homes, often at prices less than $$used$$ ones. Choice Homes used mass$-$purchasing power, innovative high$-$tech communications among employees to coordinate the building process, and other entrepreneurial strategies to hold costs down. Its homes are primarily targeted at first$-$time homeowners$-$to$-$be in an effort to get people out of apartments so they can experience the dream of home ownership for the same price as rent. Choice Homes later developed the $$Choice Classic$$ brand name for higher$-$end homes targeted at wealthier dual$-$income couples. The Choice Classic name was designed to capitalize on the reputation of Choice Homes, especially for current Choice homeowners who are ready to move up to a larger home. Recently, Choice Homes started a third line of homes called $$Reflections$,$ which are expensive, custom$-$designed homes located in exclusive, prestigious neighbourhoods.

Refer to the scenario. Choice Homes is considering acquiring a mortgage company to add to its marketing power in selling homes. What would this acquisition expand?

a$.$ the firm$$s product mix width

b$.$ the firm$$s product item width

c$.$ the firm$$s product line length

d$.$ the firm$$s line breadth