consortium

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   An association or combination of businesses, financial institutions, or investors, for the purpose of engaging in a joint venture.
2. 2
   A similar arrangement among non-commercial institutions or organizations.
3. 3
   An association or society.
4. 4
   The right of a spouse to all the normal relationships with his or her mate.
5. 5
   A group of symbiotic microbes.