Although the official word is that the Great Recession ended last year, it's kind of hard to tell, what with all of the unemployment, vacant properties and lack of home sales out there. And it doesn't seem to be getting better anytime soon.

Ever just think, "Oh, the hell with it. I'm selling the agency and getting into a real growth industry, like bedbug remediation or reality TV!" If you're of a certain age, the temptation to simply retire–to sell the business or leave it to the kids–is probably irresistible.

Is it a good idea? It all depends on who you talk to, as AA&B discovered in researching this month's feature on agency mergers and acquisitions. Some consultants say they're seeing more activity than ever, especially with the possibility of the Bush-era tax cuts expiring. Others caution that unless you absolutely have to, selling your agency now will net you much less profit than if you sit it out and wait for the economy and the insurance market to improve. Read what five experts have to say about the current state of M&A in the story.