With the merging of big players within and between such industries as insurance, business services, banking & finance, media and technology I propose to investigate the impact and feasability of a higher degree of vertical intergration in the form of mergers, acquisitions, convergence, complimentary shareholdings and alliances. I propose to investigate the feasibility of such corporate convergence and the impact it has on a company's shareprice and profitability (short & long term), as well as the advantages and disadvantages to the customer. Further ramifications that can be investigated include potential conflict of interests and privacy issues.
             The structure of this report will be as follows:
             Brief run down of current situation which sees definative boundries between different industries. This will include a historical look at the industries which are now beginning to murmer alliance and merger. Industries will include: - Accounting, Banking & Finance, Business Services, E-services, Media, Technology and the Internet, Insurance, IT and Telecommunications. Although many industries will be discussed in conjuction with the Internet, the report will not be confined to this.
             Once the industries are identified the report will investigate the pro's and con's of convergence at all levels to consumers, companies and shareholders alike. Although many of these will be general across all the industries attempting to intergrate, there will be a number of specific advantages and disadvantages that will be addressed.
             Industries presently seen or rumored to be converging will be identified and discussed. This will include the effect on shareholder value and the future potential such moves are seen to have.
             Following the historical view and interpretation of what has happened the report will then discuss future mergers within and between industries and substantiate predictions with their advantages bearing in mind the di
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