Outsource implies that it was once an in-house operation, but I don't think this was ever true. However, allowing mergers until there are only one or two compa

Outsource implies that it was once an in-house operation, but I don't think this was ever true. However, allowing mergers until there are only one or two companies which can make strategically important things means you have painted yourself into a corner. You can bet that these companies will be well aware that they are immortal, and behave in ways which exploit this. You will not get the efficiencies often ascribed to private enterprise.