A(n) is an agreement among two or more two companies to join forces to pursue specific opportunities without actually merging their operations.

Gerda, a real estate agent, is selling a moderately priced house in a subdivision. she knows from her uncle that the factory being built half a mile from the subdivision will be manufacturing dog food, using a process that creates a very strong odor that permeates the surrounding neighborhood. a buyer, who is unaware of the type of factory under construction, makes an offer on one of the houses gerda is selling, and within a short time, the deal goes through. what does this scenario best illustrate?