If HybexSM goes through, would others like JYP and YG need to consolidate in order to complete?

Currently it is like Hybe >>>> SM > JYP > YG. Hybe is already dominating all other companies. SM is the not so close second.

Now if the deal between the #1 and #2 goes through the combined market share leaves others in dust. How are they supposed to compete if not by merging together either as one company or as part of a "holding group" with multiple labels, just like Hybe itself? Or otherwise risk getting absorbed by Kakao or another big holding?

Imo the first logical step for JYP and YG would be looking and smaller labels such as Cube (Idle) and KQ Entertainment (Ateez) and start from there, otherwise Hybe or Kakao will just go ahead and absorb them as well. Imo JYPxYG don't have much time left to think.

Quote from whiplashed

hate to break it to you but yg had already been forming a soft alliance with hybe since a long time ago

That's not the same at all lmfao All companies have those alliences with each other. Nothing new. Owning another company is a totally different thing.

Quote from nevermindmejin

Merging? SM would be a sublabel under Hybe just like Pledis, Ador, Source Music etc. Or is my understanding wrong?

You're understanding right but why are you not reading is the real question?

Quote from Dreamer95

as one company or as part of a "holding group" with multiple labels, just like Hybe itself?

Quote from Kitty_Saurus

Yeah, its not a merge. That's why HYBE plans to buy more shares.

IF you're looking for the right term, it's absorption. But no matter what word you use, Hybe will essentially be in charge of SM, otherwise there'd be no fuss.