That makes the incredibly naïve (but equally incredibly common) that employees are literal resources of equivalent value. In actual fact, excepting "cultural l

That makes the incredibly naïve (but equally incredibly common) that employees are literal resources of equivalent value. In actual fact, excepting "cultural loyalty" (which is usually interrupted in any such large acquisition/disruption event) essential employees are typically the most transient/difficult to retain. Many are not as remuneration-driven (more likely to be comfortable & their competence is often driven by a more vocational motivating factor) & even those who are can negotiate good terms elsewhere with relative ease. This leads to a concentrated brain-drain where the fewer engineers remaining to partake in the pie aren't contributing as much value. That ain't protecting your core.