This reminds me of John Thain at Merrill. The company was headed for the toilet before he got there. He was the boss as the share price fell through the floor

This reminds me of John Thain at Merrill. The company was headed for the toilet before he got there. He was the boss as the share price fell through the floor. He found a buyer, then asked for a large bonus. Ultimately he was rebuked, and left the combined company. The difference here... The CEO came from the new buyer, and is getting paid off the acquirer. It certainly looks bad. But... If he was wise enough to sell the company before disaster, there is something to be said for that.