Which statement regarding corporate chains is most accurate? Multiple Choice

a. Corporate chains generally own most if not all of their suppliersa practice known as forward integrationso they can save distribution costs.

b. Corporate chains are multiple outlets under common ownership.

c. Consumers have fewer choices in merchandise since all buying decisions are made by a decentralized buying committee.

d. Corporate chains cannot bargain with a manufacturer to obtain product volume discounts due to federal anticompetitive legislationthe Clayton Act as amended by the Sherman Act.

e. Corporate chains offer the least benefit to consumers since they are the farthest removed from the ultimate consumer.