7.27.2009

CONSOLIDATE / COMBINE / MAKE FIRM >< DIVIDE / DISJOIN / DISPERSE / SEPARATE

CONSOLIDATE: (v. tr.):
1. To unite into one system or whole; combine: consolidated five separate agencies into a single department.
2. To make strong or secure; strengthen: She consolidated her power during her first year in office.
3. To make firm or coherent; form into a compact mass.
(v.intr.): 1. To become solidified or united. 2. To join in a merger or union: The two firms consolidated under a new name. To combine the assets, liabilities and other financial items of two or more entities into one.
Investopedia Says: This term is generally used in the context of consolidated financial statements. When statements are consolidated, all subsidiaries report under the umbrella of the parent company.

Source: Answers.com