IBM's 3 year vest schedule on cash retention packages was 10% at 6 months, 10% at 12 months, 30% at 24 months, and 50% at 36 months. So half of your retention pay happens on the 3rd year anniversary.
That's a really shitty schedule.
It's only bad if the company is working toward some sort of an exit strategy. IBM isn't looking to sell itself, so putting in benefits and pay outs that encourage long-term retention makes a lot of sense.
What is "shitty" about this schedule?
It focuses on keeping employees longer, which is the main goal of this vesting schedule in the first place.
Probably an earn-out and/or retention agreement rather than a vesting, given that it was an acquisition.
Probably yeah. Or, if not, annual 4-year vesting and deciding he didn't care about the fourth portion.
Could also be a 3 yr retention bonus or an earn out.