Final answer:
The avenue for entering international markets where partners retain their distinct identities and bring competencies to the union is strategic alliances. These alliances allow for complementing strengths, shared risks, and collaboration without merging the businesses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which avenue for entering international markets involves partners who retain their distinct identities and bring their own competencies to the union. The answer is strategic alliances. Unlike direct ownership, strategic alliances allow companies to collaborate while maintaining their separate individual brands, assets, and business operations. This approach leverages the partners' complementary strengths, spread risks, and share responsibilities. For example, one partner may have a strong distribution network while the other possesses technological expertise. Together, they can create a competitive presence in a new market without fully merging their businesses.