I don't believe Bell actually wanted out. They just needed the money as they were essentially bust.
Same again for the BA609. Bell couldn't keep pouring money into it when they didn't have money to pour. Look how much more money AW have put in so far.
I was told that when Bell pulled out of the 139, Agusta tried to purchase Bell outright but was blocked at government levels.
Not sure how true that is. Agusta were pretty strong financially at the time, as they still are today.
If only they would get of the Honeywell flight deck and get something more helo oriented up front on the 139!