Any bidder whose reputation was such that a purchase could succeed would presumably be in a position to acquire the property without bothering to buy it: he could simply take over, challenging the boss and threatening to pay in lead rather than silver, the latter being interpreted as a sign of weakness. In addition, if the buyer's reputation was better than that of the present boss, customers would be driven to him anyway. In either case it would be up to the challenged boss to decide whether to declare war or retire. … The crucial difference between a prospective buyer and an appointed successor—the difference which makes succession possible—is that the latter earns his reputation by working his way up within the firm itself. He is therefore more likely to wait, because of filial or other bonds of respect, until his predecessor's graceful exit.

Diego Gambetta, The Sicilian Mafia The Busi…, loc. 159