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Refer to the Scenario Below to Answer the Following Questions

question 19

Multiple Choice

Refer to the scenario below to answer the following questions.
Megabyte Centre (Scenario)
Your old friend Ariel Eskenazi is the owner and general manager of Megabyte Centre, a computer reseller and systems integrator located in Panama City, Panama. Since leaving IBM Canada to start a business in his home country, Ariel has watched his company grow steadily, due in large part to the business partnerships he's established over the years with large foreign computer and software firms, such as Goldstar and Microsoft. These relationships have helped his company win considerable market share in Panama, as well as in other parts of Latin America. However, in recent years, there has been a huge influx of foreign capital into Panama. For example, several large Asian firms have established subsidiaries in Panama to launch their North American operations. Tourism is also on the rise, and dozens of new hotels have been built in the metropolitan area over the past three years. As a result, demand for Megabyte's products and services has increased dramatically, but so has the level and diversity of its competition. While Megabyte's customer base has remained fairly loyal, many longtime customers are beginning to demand price concessions and enhanced service levels in return for their continued business. Ariel has recently learned that several of his former suppliers and business partners are considering establishing their own local sales offices in Panama City to sell direct to market rather than distributing through Megabyte. Ariel knows you are very knowledgeable about competitive strategy and asks for your advice. You begin by telling him a little about Michael Porter's competitive strategies framework.
-According to Porter, the possibility of Ariel's former suppliers entering the local market as direct competitors would be considered which of the five forces?

Definitions:

Rebranding

A marketing strategy in which a new name, term, symbol, design, or a combination thereof is created for an already established brand with the intention of developing a new, differentiated identity in the minds of consumers, investors, and competitors.

Brand Equity

The value a brand adds to a product, including how well-known and regarded the brand is among consumers.

Brand Image

The perception of a brand in consumers' minds, constructed by branding efforts, media, and consumer experiences, reflecting the brand's identity, values, and promise.

Co-Branding Strategy

A partnership between two or more brands to jointly market a product or service, leveraging the strengths of each to reach a broader audience.