Mars Inc., an oil and gas incorporation, opened its first unique service station in Mexico. The service station consisted of pumping islands, convenience stores, and separate food courts. Owing to the station's success, the company opened more than $300$ service stations worldwide. Identify the offensive strategic goal that can explain why Mars expanded its services globally.

To avoid being locked out of markets by arriving too late

To preempt competitors from opening similar stores

To prevent global consolidation

To increase long$-$term growth and profit prospects