In 2 Design, Inc., manufactures and sells unique kitchen and dining room table sets. The headquarters of the company is in Portland, Oregon, with manufacturing facilities in North Carolina. The owners are ready to expand their client base to Canada and Mexico, both logistically manageable with longer-term plans to expand to Europe. After some initial research, the owners of In 2 Design thought that offering their company name and logo to a foreign company to manufacture and sell their product line in return for a royalty would be beneficial for both parties. After more thought and discussion with other company owners who have contemplated doing the same thing, the owners of In 2 Design are even more unsure of what step to take next.

While the owners of In 2 Design first considered a minimal, entry-level experience in working in Mexico and Canada, they now are thinking that exporting may be their best tactic. They're considering starting at the most basic level, selling their products directly to a wholesaler who then will sell their furniture to retailers in Mexico and Canada. This would be a.

a joint venture.

b. using an export-import merchant.

c. a direct investment strategy.

d. a strategic alliance.

e. a licensing agent.