n $2014,$ Apple made a substantial acquisition, purchasing Beats Music and Beats Electronics for $$3$ billion dollars. This is an example of the strategy of acquisition. The fastest and easiest way for a firm to diversify its portfolio of businesses is through acquisition because

a$.$ it is difficult and time intensive for companies to develop products that differ from their current product line.

b$.$ innovation in both the acquired and the acquiring firm is enhanced by the exchange of competencies resulting from acquisition.

c$.$ unrelated acquisitions are usually uncomplicated since the acquired firm is allowed to continue to function independently as it did before acquisition.

d$.$ of barriers to entry in many industries.