Within the Discussion Board area, write 400 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas.

Mergers and acquisitions are gaining popularity as the health care industry continues to determine how to best provide services to a wide variety of patients. Answer the following questions:

• What is a horizontal merger?
• Why is it beneficial?
• Why would a health care organization merge with another?
• How do stakeholders benefit?