Have groups of associates succeeded? (7)

I believe the answer is:

possess

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'have' is the definition.
(I know that have can be written as possess)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for possess that I've seen before include "Consume" , "Own, keep" , "Have as one's own" , "influence" , "Have - control" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app