Although this is an unfortunate metaphor most keiretsu are now falling apart it does conjure up the firm's aim to create a stable of companies that benefit from business relationships and common interests.

ECONOMIST: E-commerce

In the case of Apple, the decision as to what to do with its cash is tied up with a broader discussion about whether the company is transforming itself from being a growth stock - a highly innovative firm that reinvests its profits in expansion and new products - into a mature company with a stable business that pays a regular dividend.

BBC: Tim Cook

Zachary Conen, senior vice president of sales and marketing at LRA Worldwide, a mystery shopping firm based in Pennsylvania, says they maintain a stable of 120 full time consultants who travel 42 weeks out of the year.

CNN: Confessions of a hotel mystery shopper