Acquisition events

Change-in-control equity planning: know what accelerates and what disappears.

Executives may have RSUs, PSUs, options, retention grants, transaction bonuses, and deferred awards that all behave differently in an acquisition or change-in-control event.

What to identify

• Single-trigger versus double-trigger acceleration language.
• Cashout, rollover, substitute award, or forfeiture treatment.
• Performance-share measurement and proration.
• Option expiration, exercise, and post-close deadlines.
• Trading windows, lockups, and post-close restrictions.

Advisor role

The advisor should translate equity treatment into cash flow, concentration, retirement readiness, and reinvestment decisions. Legal interpretation belongs with counsel and plan documents.

Use the severance checklist and review golden parachute planning if the package is large.