Overall, you want to understand the total value of the “package” you are being offered from buyers—and don’t believe it until you see it in writing. Each piece of their offer should be balanced with the others until you feel comfortable with your overall impression of what’s being offered.
If you get fewer shares of stock, you should get more cash or other incentives. The overall package, including the aforementioned social aspects of the deal, is what you need to weigh against any other possible offers. If there are no other offers, you can keep growing the company independently and try to sell it again later, or you can choose to take the best of what you are presently being offered.
