Having been in a few large tech companies that have merged or split over the course of time, creating the need to sign new employment agreements, I haven't seen

Having been in a few large tech companies that have merged or split over the course of time, creating the need to sign new employment agreements, I haven't seen this at all. I have no idea how common this is and in what kinds of companies. But one thing I'd advice anyone is never to disparage a past employer in public (exceptions are harassment, which is illegal in most places anyway, and other illegal practices that one could fight in a court of law). The tech world is quite small because of people moving around and because of networking among people. So it's ill advised to burn bridges while or after leaving a company, however bad they may have treated one on assigning work or on career growth or anything else. If you don't have serious issues with how you see the company may be going, sign the agreement. If you have serious issues, find another job right away. In either case, not disparaging the company is always a good idea. There are certain things in life that one ought to just let go of and not bother about. This is one of them, according to me.