Jeffreed

Account exec

Company Acquired - Offer Letter Friday - what to negotiate?

So my company (Series A) getting acquired by Series F company, seems to make a lot of sense and kept most of the GTM team.

getting a new offer on Friday to officially sign on, what all can and should I negotiator besides equity at this new company and how has that gone before? ramping pay for new start? sign on bonus?

edit: I know I'm fortunate to be kept on board for this, was also curious what else to expect when going through a transition like this?

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Pachacuti

Politicker

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

Be happy you have job.

tightlines

Politicker

Account Executive

Agreed. I am curious to hear what's worked for others here

Pachacuti

Politicker

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

***IF*** you're a top performer, you can ask for more equity, more money, etc. If you're not, just be happy they are keeping you on instead of replacing you with one of their own.

jefe

Arsonist

🍁

A lot of people in your position tend to get laid off. So ask for something reasonable, but don't push too hard.

Jeffreed

Politicker

Account exec

Absolutely. Anything else to expect going through an acquisition?

jefe

Arsonist

🍁

Haven't been there myself, but I hope it all goes well!

Diablo

Politicker

Sr. AE

Can you really negotiate? We had a similar situation and we ended getting the same thing just that the benefits were better.

Jeffreed

Politicker

Account exec

Appreciate the insight, that’s why I’m asking the question.

antiASKHOLE

Tycoon

Bravado's Resident Asshole

I haven't experience this myself, but I have seen it happen often. Be thankful and it wouldn't hurt to ask at least.

Jeffreed

Politicker

Account exec

Top performer. Definitely asking for more stock. Also happy I made the cut so not that I think this is a money grab but always have to look out for myself.

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

How are they handling your team in the acquisition? Are you immediately being merged with their sales team and selling the whole bag, or are they keeping you on your solution for the time being?

Jeffreed

Politicker

Account exec

Keeping us on our solution for the foreseeable future. We are indirect competitors as they have a few more products but they discontinued there competitive product to purchase us.

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

So I think that eliminates the ramp as a possible negotiation point, as you already know your solution and ICP. Definitely focus on stock options and see if you can get a bump based on past performance.

finboi

Notorious Answer

Fi-nance

It’s probably going to be tough given how late stage your new co is. Try to talk to someone in HR directly. Your boss will likely have your back but I’ve had bad experiences in which a boss doesn’t push back much on HR. You can tho.

TennisandSales

Politicker

Head Of Sales

so you should think about what is important to you and negotiate for that.
equity, comp, sign on bonus ect are ALL levers you can pull.

but know that you cant pull ALL of them.
for me, i would pull on the base comp and equity levers. BUT it depends on what the equity plan is.

RSU's vs ISO ect.

SoccerandSales

Big Shot

Account Executive

Usually my mentality is to negotiate everything, this seems a LOT touchier, so unless you are a top performer, I don't think you have much leverage here

ChumpChange

Politicker

Channel Manager

Acquisition is not a preferable time to negotiate with your new employers unless you have some SIGNIFICANT leverage that you can rely on during your talks. They can always do the usual which is fire you and then hire your second in command to replace you.

Jeffreed

Politicker

Account exec

This is very true. Any other tips to keep in mind for navigating an acquisition?

ChumpChange

Politicker

Channel Manager

Chill and observe. See if the new leadership/org changes make the company better or worse. You don't know how it will shake out for about 3-6 months. I have colleagues that have told me stories where the new company laid off the most tenured lazy money-grubbing employees who thought they were untouchable and gave all the hard-working ethical people those positions. Don't be impulsive and start filling in blanks with just random BS you read on the internet. As far as what you should ask for... state that you want to progress your career and lead a team/product/channel and start separating yourself from your peers. A raise in base/equity will get you a small incremental change. A title change will be a better play for both pay and equity.

Jeffreed

Politicker

Account exec

Thanks for the great insight.

Mr.Pickles

Arsonist

Sr. Customer Success Manager

I'd stick to what jefe said. Higher ranks get laid off to have junior roles with 1/3 less compensation. Since you are invited to keep on track with the company's growth, you can evaluate a better compensation package based on the market gaps. Are you on commiss? that can be a nice starting point. If equity is on the table, a higher share can boost your numbers based on your performance previous to the acquisition.

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Jeffreed

Company Acquired - Offer Letter Friday - what to negotiate?

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