What are the pros / cons of merging companies together?

[CHEESE2009]

Let's say there are two successful companies which offer the same but several different services & they merge together under a new company name?

Let's say company #1 offers:
Lawn Maintenance
Garden Maintenance
Gutter Cleaning
Spring/Fall Cleanups

And company #1 offers:
Lawn Maintenance
Hedge Trimming
Spring/Fall Cleanups
Snow Removal

What happens if they merge?

A friend from another company & I have though about this & maybe getting a tree removal guy involved. Though I'm not exactly sure how it would turn out.

[Steve]

Well first off, let me ask you this. What are you looking to get out of it?

There must be somethings or you wouldn't have even considered this idea.

[CHEESE2009]

I have no idea lol.

I'm guessing a more variety of marketing between two companies with a better customer gain. Less costly, like living in an apartment with a room mate, shared expenses.

[Steve]

Well, do you want to give up the autonomy you have now? How would you like to go from being the boss to being a co-owner?

Would you enjoy that more so than simply subcontracting out or referring services to your friend and have him do the same for you while you still maintain control.

Or is there more to it? Is it wearing on you and are you looking for someone to help you deal with the burden of it?