Ask HN: What happens when a startup is acquired?

So, I realize that this is a very vague, nebulous question. Every startup is different, every acquiring company is different, and every deal is different. I would like to learn more about people's experiences with the process as it applied to them.

Particular questions of interest:

- Was the process open and transparent along the way, or was it a surprise? - Were you hired by the acquiring company? If so, was it conditional? i.e. interviewed for the position - After the acquisition, how much autonomy remained within your startup team? - Culturally, was the acquiring company welcoming? - Did your product/service perform well or languish?

Thanks!