Mature industries are those sectors of the economy that are reaching the end of their natural lifecycles. These industries tend to include established, larger, and more profitable companies than those in early lifecycle phases. Competition among these companies is often both fierce and profitable, but growth in the industry is typically steady and incremental.

At the start of the mature phase, shake-outs occur that separate out the successful companies from those that may be struggling financially. In the wake of this, smaller competitors of the remaining companies may merge or cease operations, paving the way for increased market share and consolidation of the bigger players.

In late maturity, companies may develop strategies to increase their market share and grow their business. For example, they may introduce new products and services or pursue M&A activity as a way to boost market share or add to their overall size. They may also undertake cost reduction measures such as offshoring or downsizing to remain competitive.

Mature industries often experience slower growth when compared to younger sectors. Profit margins tend to be smaller and the diminishing demand for their products and services can lead to increased competition for these smaller markets. This can make it difficult for companies in mature industries to maintain their profit margins, as well as grow them.

Though the growth prospects of mature industries may be smaller than their younger counterparts, there are still opportunities for companies to remain profitable and adapt to their changing industry. They may need to focus on improving operational efficiency, innovating new products or services, and leveraging technology and analytics to maximize their advantage. Companies must also carefully consider their target market and tailor their offerings accordingly.

Overall, mature industries play an important role in driving the global economy. As industries reach the end of their lifecycles, large companies must identify and execute strategies to remain successful and profitable. Companies within these industries must also innovate new products and services, focus on operational efficiency, and target specific market segments in order to stay competitive and capture increasing market share.