Splice recently announced the $50 million acquisition of Spitfire Audio. They stated that both companies would continue to operate independently for now. However, even when operational independence is promised, employee benefits, stock options, retirement plans, and other compensation structures can still change.
If you work at Spitfire Audio, this is a good time to prepare — even if nothing changes immediately. Understanding how acquisitions impact employees can help you protect your interests at your current company and prepare for similar situations in the future.
What Might Change
- Health Insurance: Splice may eventually move Spitfire employees to its own health plans. This could alter premiums, coverage, or provider networks.
- Retirement Plans: Existing pension or retirement savings plans could be merged, frozen, or replaced.
- Bonuses and Stock Options: Equity awards or bonus structures may be reevaluated or adjusted to align with Splice’s compensation philosophy.
- Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation, sick leave, and other leave policies might change in accrual rates, usage rules, or payouts.
- Workplace Culture and Perks: Benefits related to remote work, wellness programs, education stipends, and other employee perks could shift over time.
How You Can Prepare
- Review Your Current Benefits
- Save copies of your current health, retirement, and compensation documents.
- Understand vesting schedules for any equity compensation.
- Ask Direct Questions
- Request clear timelines and details from HR.
- Examples: Will existing PTO policies carry over? Will healthcare coverage change this year?
- Evaluate Your Financial Readiness
- Adjust your budget for possible changes in health insurance costs or bonus structures.
- Strengthen your emergency savings if possible.
- Monitor Opportunities and Risks
- An acquisition may lead to better roles, new projects, or improved compensation.
- However, it is prudent to update your CV and strengthen professional relationships as a precaution.
- Stay Informed and Active
- Review all formal announcements carefully.
- Prepare for gradual changes over several months rather than immediate shifts.
Final Thoughts
Acquisitions are a normal part of business growth, especially in the music and technology sectors. By preparing now, you can manage uncertainty and protect your financial security. Even if Spitfire Audio’s operations remain independent, this transition is an opportunity to improve your understanding of your current benefits and future options.
I’m Spenser Liszt, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional helping high-earning music executives make smart, confident decisions with their money.
I provide straightforward, flat-fee, advice-only financial planning—no sales, commissions, or asset management. I don’t take custody of your investments; I show you how to manage them yourself with a clear, structured plan.
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