Final answer:
Joe's hot dog stand's merger with a condiment supplier is an example of vertical integration, which allows a company to control more stages of its supply chain.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Joe's hot dog stand merges with a company that supplies the condiments to Joe's, this is an example of vertical integration. Vertical integration occurs when a company expands its operations into an area that serves its own supply chain. In this case, by merging with a condiment supplier, the hot dog stand is integrating with a supplier that provides it with essential products, potentially improving efficiencies and reducing costs. This type of business move is common in the corporate landscape and can give a company more control over its production process.