When companies come together to form a new joint venture, what is this process called?

The process where companies come together to form a new joint venture is best described as merging. This involves two or more companies collaboratively establishing a new entity, where they share resources, risks, and profits. The aim is typically to leverage each company's strengths and capabilities to achieve a common goal that may be difficult to attain individually.

In the context of a joint venture, merging highlights the collaboration and partnership aspect, as existing companies combine efforts rather than one company simply buying another or taking full control, which aligns with the concept of a joint venture where both parties maintain their identities while working together on a specific project or business undertaking.