What business arrangement involves two or more parties pooling resources for a specific task?

A joint venture is the correct answer because it specifically refers to a collaborative business arrangement where two or more parties come together to pool their resources, skills, and expertise to achieve a common goal or complete a specific project. This type of partnership allows the involved entities to share risks and benefits, often working towards objectives that may be more challenging to accomplish individually.

In a joint venture, each party typically contributes assets, capital, or intellectual property and shares in the profits or losses related to the venture according to pre-agreed terms. This structure is particularly beneficial for companies seeking to enter new markets, develop new products, or leverage each other’s strengths.

In contrast, a merger involves the combining of two companies into one entity, with an emphasis on integrating operations and resources, but it does not focus on a specific task or project. An acquisition refers to one company taking over another, leading to a change in ownership. Liquidation involves closing down a business and distributing its assets, which does not pertain to the pooling of resources for a task.