Key Insights
The North American industrial battery manufacturing market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing demand for electric forklifts in warehousing and logistics, the expanding telecommunications infrastructure requiring reliable backup power, and the rising adoption of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) across various industries. The market's Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 8.47% from 2019 to 2024 indicates significant momentum. Lithium-ion batteries are leading the technological segment, propelled by their superior energy density and longer lifespan compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. However, lead-acid batteries continue to hold a substantial market share due to their lower cost and established infrastructure. Other technologies, including nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride, occupy niche applications. The market is segmented by application, with forklifts representing a significant portion, followed by telecommunications and UPS systems. Key players like EnerSys, Amara Raja Batteries, Saft Groupe SA, Exide Industries, East Penn Manufacturing, GS Yuasa, C&D Technologies, and Panasonic are actively competing, driving innovation and expanding product offerings. Growth is further fueled by government initiatives promoting clean energy and reducing carbon emissions, indirectly bolstering the demand for advanced battery technologies in industrial applications.
Looking ahead to 2033, the North American market is poised for continued expansion. Factors such as the increasing electrification of material handling equipment, the growth of data centers demanding robust backup power, and the ongoing development of more efficient and cost-effective battery technologies will all contribute to sustained market growth. However, potential restraints include the fluctuating prices of raw materials, particularly lithium and lead, and the challenges associated with the responsible recycling and disposal of used batteries. The market's future trajectory hinges on navigating these challenges while continuing to innovate and meet the evolving needs of diverse industrial sectors. The strong presence of established players and the emergence of new entrants ensures a competitive landscape, driving innovation and benefiting end-users.
North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry: 2019-2033 Market Report
This comprehensive report delivers an in-depth analysis of the North America industrial battery manufacturing industry, offering crucial insights for stakeholders seeking to navigate this dynamic market. From market size and segmentation to key players and future trends, this report provides actionable intelligence for strategic decision-making. Covering the period 2019-2033, with a focus on 2025, this report is essential reading for investors, manufacturers, and industry professionals.
North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Market Dynamics & Concentration
The North American industrial battery manufacturing market exhibits a moderately concentrated landscape, with several key players holding significant market share. Market concentration is influenced by factors such as economies of scale in production, technological expertise, and established distribution networks. EnerSys, Exide Industries Ltd, East Penn Manufacturing Company Inc, and GS Yuasa Corporation are among the dominant players, collectively commanding an estimated xx% of the market in 2025. However, the market is witnessing increased competition from emerging players and international entrants.
- Innovation Drivers: Demand for higher energy density, longer lifespan, and improved safety features drives innovation in lithium-ion and other advanced battery technologies.
- Regulatory Frameworks: Stringent environmental regulations regarding battery disposal and recycling are shaping industry practices and driving investments in sustainable technologies.
- Product Substitutes: The emergence of alternative energy storage solutions, such as flow batteries and fuel cells, presents a competitive challenge to traditional industrial batteries.
- End-User Trends: Growing adoption of electric forklifts, renewable energy integration, and expansion of data centers are key drivers fueling market demand.
- M&A Activities: The number of M&A deals in the sector has increased in recent years, reflecting consolidation trends and efforts to enhance technological capabilities and market reach. An estimated xx M&A deals were recorded between 2019 and 2024.
North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Industry Trends & Analysis
The North American industrial battery market is experiencing robust growth, driven by a confluence of factors. The increasing adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure is significantly boosting demand for high-performance batteries. Technological advancements, particularly in lithium-ion battery technology, are leading to improved energy density, longer lifespans, and enhanced safety, further fueling market expansion. Consumer preferences are shifting towards environmentally friendly and sustainable battery solutions, prompting manufacturers to focus on developing and deploying eco-conscious technologies. The competitive landscape is characterized by intense rivalry, with established players and new entrants vying for market share through product innovation, strategic partnerships, and aggressive pricing strategies. The market is projected to register a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period (2025-2033), with lithium-ion batteries achieving a market penetration rate of xx% by 2033.
Leading Markets & Segments in North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry
The United States dominates the North American industrial battery market, accounting for the largest share of both production and consumption. California, Texas, and Pennsylvania are among the leading states in terms of manufacturing activity and market size.
Technology:
- Lithium-ion Batteries: This segment is experiencing the fastest growth, driven by its superior performance characteristics and increasing demand from electric vehicle and renewable energy applications. Key drivers include government incentives for electric vehicle adoption and increasing investments in renewable energy infrastructure.
- Lead-acid Batteries: Lead-acid batteries remain a significant segment due to their cost-effectiveness and established applications in forklift trucks and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. However, growth is expected to be slower compared to lithium-ion due to environmental concerns and technological limitations.
- Other Technologies: The market share of other battery technologies, including nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride, is relatively small but expected to see gradual growth driven by niche applications.
Application:
- Forklift: This remains a major application segment due to the increasing adoption of electric forklifts in warehouses and logistics operations.
- Telecom: The growth of telecommunications infrastructure is driving demand for reliable and long-lasting backup power solutions.
- UPS: The need for uninterrupted power supply in data centers and critical facilities fuels strong demand for high-quality UPS batteries.
- Others: This includes a variety of applications, including electric vehicles, grid storage, and portable power tools.
North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Product Developments
Recent product developments focus on enhancing energy density, lifespan, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Manufacturers are investing heavily in advanced materials and manufacturing processes to improve battery performance. There is a growing trend towards the development of modular and scalable battery systems that can be easily adapted to various applications. The integration of smart features and advanced monitoring systems is also becoming increasingly prevalent.
Key Drivers of North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Growth
The North American industrial battery market is experiencing significant growth fueled by several key factors. The increasing demand for electric vehicles is a major driver, alongside the expanding renewable energy sector which requires efficient energy storage solutions. Government policies promoting clean energy and sustainable technologies provide further impetus. Technological advancements in battery chemistry and manufacturing processes are also contributing to the market's expansion.
Challenges in the North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Market
The industry faces challenges including the volatility of raw material prices, particularly lithium and cobalt, which can impact production costs and profitability. Supply chain disruptions can also affect manufacturing operations and product availability. Intense competition from both domestic and international manufacturers puts pressure on profit margins. Furthermore, stringent environmental regulations and increasing concerns regarding battery recycling pose operational challenges.
Emerging Opportunities in North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry
Significant opportunities exist for innovation in battery storage technologies, particularly in solid-state batteries and next-generation lithium-ion chemistries, promising higher energy density and improved safety. Strategic partnerships between battery manufacturers and technology companies can lead to the development of advanced battery management systems and integration with smart grids. Market expansion into new applications, such as electric aviation and grid-scale energy storage, offers further growth potential.
Leading Players in the North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Sector
- EnerSys
- Amara Raja Batteries Ltd
- Saft Groupe SA
- Exide Industries Ltd
- East Penn Manufacturing Company Inc
- GS Yuasa Corporation
- C&D Technologies Pvt Ltd
- Panasonic Corporation
Key Milestones in North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Industry
- June 2022: Sunlight Group secures EUR 275 Million in funding to boost lead-acid and lithium-ion battery production and R&D, signaling increased investment in green energy storage.
- May 2022: ACE Green Recycling announces the construction of North America's largest battery recycling park in Texas, signifying a significant step towards sustainable battery management and resource recovery. This facility is expected to process up to 100,000 metric tons of spent lead-acid batteries and 20,000 metric tons of used lithium-ion batteries annually by 2025.
Strategic Outlook for North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Market
The North American industrial battery manufacturing market is poised for continued growth, driven by technological advancements, increasing demand from diverse sectors, and supportive government policies. Strategic opportunities lie in developing next-generation battery technologies, optimizing supply chains, and fostering collaborations to create a more sustainable and resilient industry ecosystem. The market's long-term potential is significant, particularly in the context of the global transition towards cleaner energy solutions.
North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Segmentation
-
1. Technology
- 1.1. Lithium-ion Battery
- 1.2. Lead-acid Battery
- 1.3. Other Te
-
2. Application
- 2.1. Forklift
- 2.2. Telecom
- 2.3. UPS
- 2.4. Other Applications
-
3. Geography
- 3.1. United States
- 3.2. Canada
- 3.3. Rest of North America
North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Segmentation By Geography
- 1. United States
- 2. Canada
- 3. Rest of North America
North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
| Aspects | Details |
|---|---|
| Study Period | 2019-2033 |
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Estimated Year | 2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
| Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
| Growth Rate | CAGR of > 8.47% from 2019-2033 |
| Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.2.1. 4.; Declining Lithium-ion Battery Prices4.; Rising Renewable Energy Integration Worldwide
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.3.1. 4.; Uncertainty in Raw Material Prices
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. Lithium-ion Battery (LIB) Technology to be the Fastest Growing Market
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Technology
- 5.1.1. Lithium-ion Battery
- 5.1.2. Lead-acid Battery
- 5.1.3. Other Te
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 5.2.1. Forklift
- 5.2.2. Telecom
- 5.2.3. UPS
- 5.2.4. Other Applications
- 5.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 5.3.1. United States
- 5.3.2. Canada
- 5.3.3. Rest of North America
- 5.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.4.1. United States
- 5.4.2. Canada
- 5.4.3. Rest of North America
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Technology
- 6. United States North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Technology
- 6.1.1. Lithium-ion Battery
- 6.1.2. Lead-acid Battery
- 6.1.3. Other Te
- 6.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 6.2.1. Forklift
- 6.2.2. Telecom
- 6.2.3. UPS
- 6.2.4. Other Applications
- 6.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 6.3.1. United States
- 6.3.2. Canada
- 6.3.3. Rest of North America
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Technology
- 7. Canada North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Technology
- 7.1.1. Lithium-ion Battery
- 7.1.2. Lead-acid Battery
- 7.1.3. Other Te
- 7.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 7.2.1. Forklift
- 7.2.2. Telecom
- 7.2.3. UPS
- 7.2.4. Other Applications
- 7.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 7.3.1. United States
- 7.3.2. Canada
- 7.3.3. Rest of North America
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Technology
- 8. Rest of North America North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Technology
- 8.1.1. Lithium-ion Battery
- 8.1.2. Lead-acid Battery
- 8.1.3. Other Te
- 8.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 8.2.1. Forklift
- 8.2.2. Telecom
- 8.2.3. UPS
- 8.2.4. Other Applications
- 8.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 8.3.1. United States
- 8.3.2. Canada
- 8.3.3. Rest of North America
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Technology
- 9. United States North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 10. Canada North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 11. Mexico North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 12. Rest of North America North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 13. Competitive Analysis
- 13.1. Market Share Analysis 2024
- 13.2. Company Profiles
- 13.2.1 EnerSys
- 13.2.1.1. Overview
- 13.2.1.2. Products
- 13.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.2 Amara Raja Batteries Ltd
- 13.2.2.1. Overview
- 13.2.2.2. Products
- 13.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.3 Saft Groupe SA*List Not Exhaustive
- 13.2.3.1. Overview
- 13.2.3.2. Products
- 13.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.4 Exide Industries Ltd
- 13.2.4.1. Overview
- 13.2.4.2. Products
- 13.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.5 East Penn Manufacturing Company Inc
- 13.2.5.1. Overview
- 13.2.5.2. Products
- 13.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.6 GS Yuasa Corporation
- 13.2.6.1. Overview
- 13.2.6.2. Products
- 13.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.7 C&D Technologies Pvt Ltd
- 13.2.7.1. Overview
- 13.2.7.2. Products
- 13.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.8 Panasonic Corporation
- 13.2.8.1. Overview
- 13.2.8.2. Products
- 13.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.1 EnerSys
List of Figures
- Figure 1: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Revenue Breakdown (Million, %) by Product 2024 & 2032
- Figure 2: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Share (%) by Company 2024
List of Tables
- Table 1: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 2: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 3: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Technology 2019 & 2032
- Table 4: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Technology 2019 & 2032
- Table 5: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 6: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 7: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 8: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 9: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 10: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 11: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 12: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 13: United States North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 14: United States North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Volume (Kiloton) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 15: Canada North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 16: Canada North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Volume (Kiloton) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 17: Mexico North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 18: Mexico North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Volume (Kiloton) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 19: Rest of North America North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 20: Rest of North America North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Volume (Kiloton) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 21: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Technology 2019 & 2032
- Table 22: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Technology 2019 & 2032
- Table 23: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 24: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 25: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 26: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 27: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 28: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 29: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Technology 2019 & 2032
- Table 30: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Technology 2019 & 2032
- Table 31: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 32: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 33: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 34: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 35: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 36: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 37: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Technology 2019 & 2032
- Table 38: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Technology 2019 & 2032
- Table 39: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 40: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 41: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 42: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 43: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 44: North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry?
The projected CAGR is approximately > 8.47%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry?
Key companies in the market include EnerSys, Amara Raja Batteries Ltd, Saft Groupe SA*List Not Exhaustive, Exide Industries Ltd, East Penn Manufacturing Company Inc, GS Yuasa Corporation, C&D Technologies Pvt Ltd, Panasonic Corporation.
3. What are the main segments of the North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry?
The market segments include Technology, Application, Geography.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD XX Million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
4.; Declining Lithium-ion Battery Prices4.; Rising Renewable Energy Integration Worldwide.
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
Lithium-ion Battery (LIB) Technology to be the Fastest Growing Market.
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
4.; Uncertainty in Raw Material Prices.
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
June 2022: Sunlight Group received around EUR 275 million in funding to increase its lead-acid and lithium-ion battery production and R&D. The company aims to cater to the increased global demand for green energy storage solutions. Thus, the company is expected to upgrade and expands its current production and assembly lines. The company is likely to invest in facilities in Greece, Italy, and the United States to increase the output of lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries and energy storage systems.
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 4750, USD 5250, and USD 8750 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in Million and volume, measured in Kiloton.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the North America Industrial Battery Manufacturing Industry, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database



Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)

Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations

Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence

