Stock Trading and Other Things

When a company gets acquired, what usually happens with unvested stock options and RSUs?

My company is about to get acquired, and I was wondering what will happen with my yet to be vested stock options and RSUs (restricted stock units). And while we're at it, what about the vested stock options?

Public Comments

1. The answer varies, depending on the terms of your Stock Option Plan, and the negotiations between the buyer & seller.

Some plans contain a 'change of control' clause that accelerates vesting.

If you have vested options, you should be ok - you can exercise and be treated the same as the other selling shareholders.

The only way to know for sure is to check the Option Plan documents, and ask someone in your company who knows the details of the acquisition agreement.