syndicate

1 a group involved in secret or criminal activities a syndicate of counterfeiters Synonyms cabal, conspiracy, crew, gang, Mafia, mob, ringRelated Words bunch, circle, clan, clique, coterie, coven, crowd, galère, lot, network, pack, set; junta, oligarchy

2 a number of businesses or enterprises united for commercial advantage a powerful banking syndicate that controls loans in the small country Synonyms combination, combine, cartel, trustRelated Words chain, conglomerate, megacorporation, multinational; association, guild (also gild), organization, partnership, pool, union; big business