I wouldn't do this without providing a pro-rata opportunity for the employees. The employees, as small minority shareholders basically have to trust you to tre

I wouldn't do this without providing a pro-rata opportunity for the employees. The employees, as small minority shareholders basically have to trust you to treat them fairly and equally, understanding that you, as larger shareholders will obviously be getting a multiple of their payout. If you cash out without giving them the same opportunity, you've broken that trust. You say that "We obviously mean to do right by all the employees in the long run", but they don't know that for sure, and the best guide they have to what you'll do in the future is what you're doing now.