Backwards vertical growth involves which of the following?

Backwards vertical growth refers to a situation where a business seeks to gain control over its supply chain by acquiring or merging with its suppliers. This strategic decision allows a company to secure the sources of its raw materials or components, thereby reducing reliance on external suppliers, lowering costs, and increasing the efficiency of production. By gaining direct access to the supply chain, a company can also ensure quality control and more predictable inputs for its operations.

In the context of the other options, merging with a competitor represents horizontal growth rather than backwards vertical growth, as it focuses on expanding market share within the same level of the supply chain. Diversifying into a new market involves entering different industry sectors or markets, which is unrelated to the supply chain dynamics of vertical integration. Expanding a product range can be seen as lateral growth, concerned with variety in offering rather than control over supply. Thus, the correct answer identifies a strategic move aimed specifically at strengthening a business's operational foundation through supplier acquisition.