An investment is worth undertaking if it creates value for its owners and we create value if the investment is worth more in the marketplace than it costs us to acquire. Managers create value when total market value is worth more than the cost of its constituent parts. We call this synergy, the credited value accrued as a result of astute management of resources. For example, you bought a run-down business for $50,000 and spend another $20,000 to achieve the status of asset in place with a market value of $100,000. Thus, value is created, isnt it? In the same way value could be destroyed, would you agree?