Hard to have sympathy for these idiots who 'wished, hoped and prayed' they would slip out of Merck's clutches. Comments like 'jumping for joy, adios losers and we're out of here' come to mind. Such fools.
You really thought this was YOUR answer and not the most convenient way for Merck to ax you AND make money doing it? On the bright side, you don't have to guess about whether or not you will get cut now, you're as good as gone. Who knows, there might be a change in control sweetened package waiting for you.
Good luck, next time don't be in such a hurry to gloat about leaving the mother ship.