This sounds more like small company vs big company culture, rather than specifically the effects of acquisition. Some folks are much happier at a small, nimble company. Some folks like the stability and predictability of a larger company. Sounds like you're in the former camp.

There are cases where the acquired company is left to run more-or-less independently, and its stock is just owned (or majority-owned) by the acquirer. But that's probably the exception rather than the rule. Usually, if you get acquired, you're now an employee of Big Co.