A new diamond deposit is discovered in eastern Alaska. Two mining companies, Diamonds Inc. and JewelMiners Corporation, each want to mine the deposit, but neither one has sufficient resources to mine the deposit alone. Diamond Inc. and JewelMiners Corporation should form a ________ to be able to mine the diamond deposit and remain equally responsible for the mine's debts and obligations.

a. distributorship franchise
b. joint venture partnership
c. franchise agreement
d. strategic alliance