I'm not entirely sure this is true. Especially for service-based businesses. If we're talking about the web/mobile app world, then sure, agreed. There's a produ

I'm not entirely sure this is true. Especially for service-based businesses. If we're talking about the web/mobile app world, then sure, agreed. There's a product or tangible service being provided that's getting shut down. However, for service-based businesses, like architectural/engineering firms or consultancies, there's really no other form of purchase, other than to just funnel the profits to a different place. When you buy one of those businesses, you can only buy the people, as there is little to no IP. If the name has enough cache, you can continue on with that name, but if it's a competitor, you're better off just folding them into the main brand. As an example, my dad's an engineer. He sold his fairly successful business that he had run for 15+ years (it was a lifestyle business) because he was just sick of the bookkeeping--all he wanted to do was be an engineer after 15+ years. So he sold, and went to work running the engineering department specific to his practice of the place that bought him. Now, he gets a predictable income, no bookkeeping, and more reasonable hours. I don't consider him a failure in the least.