Delete old site but redirect domain to a new domain and site

[Weerdboil]

I just have a quick query and I have a feeling about what the answer is so just wanted to see what you guys thought...

Basically I am working on a client site. This client has a few other websites that are divisions of their company. However these divisions/websites are no longer used.

They are wanting to delete the websites but redirect the domains to their name main website. They believe this will pass on SEO benefits as these old division sites are old and have a good PR and history.

I'm unsure for DEFINITE, which way is correct?

[AaronSchinke]

I was just about to add a reply to my previous post to say the same thing. You are always so articulate, EGOL, it's truly impressive.

[EGOL]

If the current company still has products and services related to the old sites then I would carefully redirect the PAGES of those sites to equivalent pages on the current company website.  This will have the power of uniting the clans.

As an example... now, instead of having five little sites with fifty links each they will have a much bigger site with 250 links.  That will compete much better for everything.

That is what I would do based upon the limited information that you have provided - but there could be business reasons beyond SEO to do something different.

On the other hand, if the current company is NOT into the same products and services as these older sites then the value of a redirect is a lot less.  If these old sites have good rankings in their product/service areas they could be used to market the products/services of others and still generate income or they could sell the sites to others who are currently in those businesses.

[AaronSchinke]

Actually a 301 (permanent) redirect does pass the "link juice" along to the new site. I've done it several times and it always works.