What does vertically integrated refer to in business?

Vertically integrated refers to a business structure where a company controls multiple stages of production or distribution within the same industry. This means that one company owns and operates different parts of the supply chain, which can include everything from raw material sourcing to manufacturing to distribution and retail. This integration allows the company to streamline operations, reduce costs, and gain more control over the production process, ultimately leading to increased efficiency and potentially higher profits.

In this context, the correct answer highlights the importance of a single ownership overseeing various linked operations, ensuring that the company can manage its resources and processes effectively while remaining focused within its specific industry. This contrasts with other options that either narrow the company's activities to singular functions or describe business strategies that do not fit the definition of vertical integration, such as focusing solely on manufacturing, offering only services, or merging with companies outside of the same industry.