Does vertical integration provide a ÔÇ£shelterÔÇØ in a downturn situation?

In the article published on CemWeek last week,┬áwe examined the reasons that cement and concrete managers offered in support of vertical integration. In this note we will examine the following topics: Does vertical integration provide a ÔÇ£shelterÔÇØ in a downturn situation? The behavioural impact of vertical integration on market participants versus economic arguments? What are the characteristics of a market ready to vertically integrate?