Strategic alliances refer to a. Multinational firms that have as many different product variations, brand names, and advertising programs as countries in which they do business. b. When a foreign company and a local firm invest together to create a local business in order to share ownership, control, and profits of the new company. c. When a domestic firm actually invests in and owns a foreign subsidiary or division. d. Agreements between two or more independent firms to cooperate for the purpose of achieving common goals such as a competitive advantage or customer value. e. The right to a trademark, patent, trade secret, or similarly valued item of intellectual property of one firm in return for a royalty or fee from another firm