I had a deal making experience in a live tournament, it was actually the people around us who wanted a deal, so that the table would open for a cash game. It was HU, I had a 2:1 chip lead so I didn't want to make a deal, considering that I was more likely to win the whole thing.
In general, there are two basic types of deal, one is based on chip count the other on ICM. If I am not mistaken, the chip count model favors the chip leader, more so, if the lead in chips is big. Therefore, you should always keep in mind to ask what would the prizes be in both cases, before you make a decision.