They're trying to take advantage of you. Always assume the counter party will try to stick you with the worst case scenario and ensure your agreements and cont

They're trying to take advantage of you. Always assume the counter party will try to stick you with the worst case scenario and ensure your agreements and contracts guard you against that. HIRE A LAWYER and incentivize them correctly. If they 'work against' you, they work against themselves, and they will be investigated and disbarred. It's not about the people you're dealing with - the entire upper management of the acquiring company can change within months, and boot you with 3 years of equity that isn't vested, or dilute you to worthlessness, or any number of things that will short change you. Cash is king.