"Ugly" Businesses ??

What happens to the "ugly" businesses?

...Those that can't find a buyer for one reason or another - too distressed or the turn-around potential is too risky or too many undesirable elements...

1. How long would a business like this typically sit on the market before deeming it a "lost cause"?

2. What do these seller's typically, ultimately end up doing? Closing their doors? Selling for pennies? Something else?

3. Is it common for sellers / brokers to consider atypical approach and/or compensation structures for taking a business like this off their hands? I'm especially interested in understanding what brokers do with these businesses after X period of time? Any example scenarios you can share?