Many large ________ manufacturers have found a middle ground between purchasing from few suppliers and vertical integration. These manufacturers are often financial supporters of suppliers through ownership or loans. The supplier then becomes part of a company coalition known as a keiretsu. Members of the keiretsu are assured ________ relationships and are therefore expected to function as partners, providing technical expertise and stable quality production to the manufacturer. Members of the keiretsu can also have suppliers further down the chain, making second-and even third-tier suppliers part of the coalition.