It is authentic and was discussed previously at one point, though I don't remember exactly when. I believe it was in one of the many merger threads.

Basically the SkyWest people went to CO (XJet's largest customer) and made sure that if SkyWest completed the purchase they'd remain a customer. Nothing all that surprising there.

The slightly interesting bit is that CO intends to withdraw 51 ERJs from the COEX fleet. This is not all of the planes - only ~25% - and there's no reason to believe that it isn't just a negotiating ploy at any level.

CO owns the planes and leases them to XJet, IIRC, so they aren't going to look for a way to put XJet out of business when they'd be on the hook for the lease costs.