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Megacorp is a term popularized by William Gibson derived from the combination of the prefix mega- with an abbreviation of the word corporation. It has become a term popularly used in cyberpunk literature. It refers to a corporation that is a massive conglomerate, holding monopolistic control over multiple markets (thus, it exhibits both horizontal and vertical monopoly). Megacorps are so powerful that they can ignore the law, have heavily-armed large (military-sized) security forces, hold territory, and possibly even act as a government. They often exercise a large degree of control over their employees.
It is doubtful whether any true megacorps currently exist in the real world. Even the largest multinational corporations (MNCs) do not possess anywhere near the same level of power seen in the megacorps of cyberpunk literature. On the other hand powerful corporations like De Beers, General Electric and Microsoft do control poweful monopolies in multiple, unrelated markets and the extent to which they are able to flout laws is debated. The South Korean chaebols may come closest to fitting the role of megacorps in today's world, at least on a national level. Historically, there have been similarities between megacorps and the trading companies of the 17th and 18th century mercantilist period, such as the British East India Company.
List of fictional megacorps
- Ares Macrotechnology
- Biffco
- Blue Sun
- Cybus Industries
- LexCorp/LuthorCorp
- McDuck Corporation
- Mimecom
- Mom's Friendly Robot Company
- GENOM
- Omni Consumer Products
- Shin-Ra Electric Power Company
- TriOptimum Corporation
- Tyrell Corporation
- Umbrella Corporation
- Union Aerospace Corporation
- Weyland-Yutani
See also
External Links
"Megacorp"