I still don't get it. If the offer was turned down, it would be because they think that either the offered price was too low, or because they think they can do better on their own(thus make even more money later). Why would any of those scenarios need a 'gift' from the company like this?
Well, yes, Groupon thought the offer was low and that it could do better on its own. And so cashed out some investors and employees in return for delaying a complete exit.
