A corporate conglomerate is a large company that owns and operates multiple businesses across different industries. These businesses can range from manufacturing to services, allowing the conglomerate to diversify its investments and reduce risks. By spreading its operations across various sectors, a conglomerate can better withstand economic fluctuations. Conglomerates often acquire smaller companies to expand their portfolio. This strategy can lead to increased market power and access to new technologies or customer bases. Well-known examples of corporate conglomerates include General Electric and Berkshire Hathaway, which have interests in various fields such as energy, finance, and consumer goods.