forward integration

Forward Integration

A business model whereby a company takes direct control of how its products are distributed. For example, a company may market its products directly to consumers rather than selling them to a retailer. Alternatively, forward integration may involve the company simply acquiring the retailer. See also: Backward integration.

forward integration

see VERTICAL INTEGRATION.

forward integration

the joining together in one FIRM of two or more successive stages in a vertically related production/distribution process; for example, flour millers acquiring their own outlets for flour, such as bakeries. The main motives for forward integration by a firm are to secure the market for the firm's output and to obtain cost savings. See VERTICAL INTEGRATION, BACKWARD INTEGRATION.