Common case is privacy and safety for public figures. Some places have laws that specifically allow some public officials to have their otherwise public records

Common case is privacy and safety for public figures. Some places have laws that specifically allow some public officials to have their otherwise public records sealed for privacy and safety reasons. Aggressive harrassment by activists, conspiracy theorists, and other malcontents is definitely a thing when you become high profile. A related case is investors in or owners of a category of otherwise legal business whose relatives are targeted by nasty people for that fact alone. This includes businesses like coal and defense. Shell companies help shield themselves and their extended family from association with a business that attracts undue drama.