Please ELI5. Why would a company offer to buy shares of stock from individual investor after a merger?

I bought a few stocks of a promising company (in my view) about 6 years ago to test the waters. I decided the game wasn't for me because I still don't understand how a lot of things like puts and shorts work. I kept the stocks I bought and would check on it from time to time. The company had split the shares back in 2021 then recently merged with a larger company. I received a packet of legal jargon and am not sure of what I should do about their offer to purchase my shares. (It's small fries at around $23 offer share) I'd appreciate a breakdown and how you would respond if this was your offer. Thank you!