A merger is a combination of two or more companies into a single entity. Mergers can occur between companies in the same industry or in different industries, and can be structured in a variety of ways, which are:

Horizontal mergers: Horizontal mergers occur between companies that compete in the same market and offer similar products or services. The objective of a horizontal merger is to increase market power, reduce competition, and achieve economies of scale. Horizontal mergers allow companies to combine their operations, resources, and customer bases to create a larger, more efficient company.

Example: The merger of AT&T and Time Warner in 2018 is an example of a horizontal merger.

Vertical mergers: Vertical mergers occur between companies that operate at different levels in the supply chain. The objective of a vertical merger is to integrate the supply chain, reduce costs, and improve the efficiency and reliability of the production process. Vertical mergers allow companies to control the entire supply chain from raw materials to final product, and to better coordinate the flow of goods and services.

Example: The merger of Amazon and Whole Foods in 2017 aimed to create a vertically integrated company that sells groceries online and in stores.

Conglomerate mergers: Conglomerate mergers occur between companies that operate in different industries and do not have any operational overlap. The objective of a conglomerate merger is to diversify the company's operations, reduce risk, and increase the company's competitiveness. Conglomerate mergers allow companies to access new markets, technologies, and customer bases, and to reduce their dependence on a single product or market.

Example: The merger of Disney and Pixar in 2006 aimed to create a diversified entertainment company that produces animated films, theme parks, and consumer products.

Market extension merger: Market extension mergers occur between companies that operate in different geographical markets. The objective of a market extension merger is to expand the company's reach and access new customers and markets. Market extension mergers allow companies to leverage their existing strengths and products to enter new markets and increase their competitiveness.

Example: The merger of Coca-Cola and Glaceau in 2007 is an example of a market extension merger. Also, the merger of AT&T and Time Warner in 2018 aimed to create a media and telecommunications company with a wide reach across the United States and the world.

Cross-border merger: A cross-border merger occurs between companies located in different countries. The objective is to expand into new markets, access new resources, and take advantage of opportunities in different countries. The objective of a cross-border merger is to expand into new markets, access new resources, and take advantage of opportunities in different countries. This type of merger allows companies to diversify their operations and increase their competitiveness by accessing new customers, new suppliers, and new technologies.

Example: The merger of Daimler and Chrysler in 1998, which brought together two of the largest automobile manufacturers in Germany and the United States.

Reverse merger: A reverse merger occurs when a private company merges with a public company. The private company acquires the public company and becomes a publicly traded company without going through the initial public offering (IPO) process. The objective of a reverse merger is to allow a private company to become a publicly traded company without going through the initial public offering (IPO) process. This type of merger provides a quicker and less expensive way for private companies to access capital markets and raise funds for growth.

Example: The reverse merger of Tesla Motors with SolarCity in 2016, which allowed Tesla to become a publicly traded company and integrate its electric vehicle and solar energy businesses.

Pooling of interests merger: A pooling of interests merger is a type of accounting method used to record the combination of two companies. The assets and liabilities of both companies are combined on a pro rata basis, and the resulting entity is recorded as a single entity in the financial statements. The objective of a pooling of interests merger is to simplify the financial reporting of the combined company. This type of merger is used when two companies merge and the resulting entity is recorded as a single entity in the financial statements. The pooling of interests method is used when the combined company is expected to have a long-term synergy that will result in increased earnings.

Example: The merger of Hewlett-Packard and Compaq in 2002, which was recorded as a pooling of interests and combined the two companies into a single entity in the financial statements.

Reverse triangular merger:
A reverse triangular merger is a type of merger in which a subsidiary of the acquiring company merges with the target company, resulting in the target company becoming a subsidiary of the acquiring company. The objective of a reverse triangular merger is to allow the acquiring company to acquire the target company and make it a subsidiary of the acquiring company. This type of merger is often used as a way to structure the acquisition in a tax-efficient manner or to simplify the organizational structure of the combined company.

Example: The reverse triangular merger of Verizon Communications with MCI in 2005, which allowed Verizon to acquire MCI and make it a subsidiary of Verizon.

Joint venture merger:
A joint venture merger is a type of merger in which two or more companies form a new company to pursue a specific business opportunity. The joint venture company is owned by the parent companies, and both companies share in the risks and rewards of the venture. The objective of a joint venture merger is to pursue a specific business opportunity together with one or more partners. The joint venture company is owned by the parent companies, and both companies share in the risks and rewards of the venture. This type of merger is used when companies want to cooperate on a specific project or venture without fully merging or acquiring each other.

Example: The joint venture merger of Ford and Mazda in 1979, which created a new company called AutoAlliance International to produce and sell vehicles in North America.

Co-centric Merger:
A co-centric merger is a type of merger that occurs between companies that have similar operations and share a common center or core business. This type of merger is often used to consolidate industries, reduce competition, and increase economies of scale. In a co-centric merger, two or more companies merge their operations and resources to create a larger, more efficient company that can better compete in the market.

The objective of a co-centric merger is to achieve synergies by combining the strengths of each company, reducing duplicated efforts, and streamlining operations. Co-centric mergers can be structured in a variety of ways, including stock swaps, cash payments, and the creation of new entities.

Example: The merger between Pfizer and Warner-Lambert in 2000. Both Pfizer and Warner-Lambert were pharmaceutical companies that focused on developing and selling prescription drugs. By merging their operations, the companies were able to combine their expertise, technologies, and resources to create a larger, more efficient company with a more diversified product portfolio.

These are some of the most common types of mergers, and each type has its own specific objectives and outcomes. The specific circumstances and goals of each merger will determine which type of merger is most appropriate.