COU has a market cap of 1 M

how much would it cost to buy them out.

IF they just flat out bought them out for 2M (if at all possible) the would own everything without having to spend .6 M for 4 years so it would cost them 0.4 M less over 4 years plus they have no obligations to do anything. Short term loss in cash flow but be able to reduce furthur spendings over next 4 years.