Simply a way for MA to give more money (take a look at the VP severance vs. non-VP) to his cronies who gave up and sold out. Shameful but predictable. This means the announcement of the actual close date is close. These types of promotions need to be 60 days prior the the change of control.
Granted, I am in sales but has anyone every heard of any of these people? Must be in I&I because I've never meet any of them either.