Did they have a specific reason for screwing you over? It just seems like a lot of effort to go through on their part with no tangible benefit. Sorry if this is too personal a question.
It's a very long story, but my business partner was running everything by the time they came into the picture and so their allegiance was to him. We had a personal falling out and based upon that he became hellbent on ensuring I got nothing once it was clear that the acquisition was going to happen. It was easier and cheaper for Equifax to take the position they took. If I were a corporate lawyer, I likely would have given Equifax the same advice. That doesn't make it right though.