A cartel in competition refers to a group of businesses or organizations that come together to control and manipulate the market in order to gain an unfair advantage over their competitors. This can include price fixing, limiting production, and dividing territories, all with the goal of maximizing profits and minimizing competition. Cartels often operate in secret and can have a significant impact on the economy, leading to higher prices for consumers and hindering fair competition. They are typically illegal and can face severe penalties if caught by regulatory authorities.