Cash from acquisition...how can I avoid taxes?

My company, in which I'm a shareholder, recently got acquired by a publicly held company. As part of the deal, in exchange for my restricted shares I get some stock in the acquiring company and cash. Most of the cash is going to be delivered in a lump sum with some money to follow after sitting in an escrow for a few months. I'm a bit concerned about what this influx of cash (about a third of my annual salary) will mean from a tax perspective. Is there a way to minimize the bite that Uncle Sam takes or am I pretty much at the mercy of the IRS? Any advice would be greatly appreciated?