Merger and acquisition strategies

a$)$ tend to be the most often$-$used and most effective strategic options available to multibusiness companies.

b$)$ are one of the best ways for helping a company strongly differentiate its product offering.

c$)$ are often driven by such strategic objectives as to expand a company's geographic coverage or extend its business into new product categories.

d$)$ are aimed at facilitating a company's shift from a broad differentiation strategy to a low$-$cost provider strategy.

e$)$ provide superior means for firms to rapidly increase the vertical scope of their core business.