EN
The starting point in this article is an assumption that analysis concerning transformations in economic structures of companies is prompted by difficulties in shaping processes of social organization of production, and especially in solving external co-operation problems. Past failures teach that solution of these problems should be sought with in companies themselves through establishment of multi-plant corporations. Analysis of evolution of multi-plant corporations with coproduction and industrial-combine structure as well as evolution of undustrial associations showed that trends towards creation of vertical economic structures a rebecoming more and more pronounced. There is, however, missing a definite concept of industrial development and a centralized model of industrial administration which account appearance of many contradictions occuring in the course or this evolution. Existence of two directions in creation of vertical structures of companies enhances the need for conducting researches aimed at determining which of the two directions should be givene preference as the one most effective. Multi-plant corporations with a vertical organizational structure will have to be equipped with greater economic freedom while superior units should focus their attention, to a wider extent, on strategic goals in new conditions.