The primary reasons that companies opt to expand into foreign markets are to

raise the entry barriers for industry newcomers, neutralize the bargaining power of important suppliers, grow sales faster, and increase the number of loyal customers.

grow sales faster than the industry average, reduce the competitive threats from rivals, and open up more opportunities to enter into strategic alliances.

boost returns on investment, broaden their product lines, avoid tariffs and trade restrictions, and escape dealing with strong labor unions.

avoid having to employ an export strategy, avoid the threat of cross$-$market subsidization from rivals, and enable the use of a global strategy instead of a multidomestic strategy.

gain access to new customers, achieve lower costs, enhance the company's competitiveness, capitalize on core competencies, and spread business risk across a wider market base.