Makes sense to me. Unpunished crimes could be seen as an existing liability, and something the parent company acquires when they buy the violating company.
I would argue that they in fact are definitely a liability, but one which has been calculated to be worth it if you continue with the acquisition. Just because you buy a company doesn't mean their previous crimes should now magic-wanded away. It would be far too easy to take advantage of that. (If it wasn't clear, I'm agreeing with you 100%)
