{"id":1536,"date":"2026-08-04T21:05:42","date_gmt":"2026-08-04T21:05:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/earlsworth.co.uk\/?page_id=1536"},"modified":"2026-08-04T21:31:43","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T21:31:43","slug":"mergers-acquisitions-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/earlsworth.co.uk\/?page_id=1536","title":{"rendered":"M&#038;A"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"1536\" class=\"elementor elementor-1536\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1a64d31 e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-4daebcd \" data-id=\"1a64d31\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"1a64d31\">\n    \t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1108d15 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"1108d15\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- ============================================ -->\r\n<!-- MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS - HERO SECTION        -->\r\n<!-- PRESERVING LEGACY - WITHOUT BADGE            -->\r\n<!-- ============================================ -->\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n  \/* ===== SECTION WRAPPER ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-hero-section {\r\n    padding: 5rem 2rem;\r\n    max-width: 1200px;\r\n    margin: 0 auto;\r\n    font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, sans-serif;\r\n    position: relative;\r\n    overflow: hidden;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== ANIMATED BACKGROUND ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-hero-section::before {\r\n    content: '';\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    top: -30%;\r\n    right: -20%;\r\n    width: 600px;\r\n    height: 600px;\r\n    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(119,46,59,0.03) 0%, transparent 70%);\r\n    border-radius: 50%;\r\n    pointer-events: none;\r\n    animation: floatBgMA 20s ease-in-out infinite;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-hero-section::after {\r\n    content: '';\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    bottom: -20%;\r\n    left: -10%;\r\n    width: 500px;\r\n    height: 500px;\r\n    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(119,46,59,0.02) 0%, transparent 70%);\r\n    border-radius: 50%;\r\n    pointer-events: none;\r\n    animation: floatBgMA 25s ease-in-out infinite reverse;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  @keyframes floatBgMA {\r\n    0%, 100% { transform: translate(0, 0) scale(1); }\r\n    33% { transform: translate(50px, -30px) scale(1.1); }\r\n    66% { transform: translate(-30px, 40px) scale(0.9); }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== CONTENT WRAPPER ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-hero-wrapper {\r\n    display: grid;\r\n    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\r\n    gap: 4rem;\r\n    align-items: center;\r\n    position: relative;\r\n    z-index: 1;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== LEFT SIDE - TEXT ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-hero-text {\r\n    animation: fadeInLeftMA 1s ease forwards;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-hero-text h1 {\r\n    font-size: 3.2rem;\r\n    font-weight: 800;\r\n    color: #1e1a1b;\r\n    margin: 0 0 1.2rem 0;\r\n    line-height: 1.15;\r\n    letter-spacing: -0.02em;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-hero-text h1 span {\r\n    color: #772e3b;\r\n    position: relative;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-hero-text h1 span::after {\r\n    content: '';\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    bottom: 2px;\r\n    left: 0;\r\n    width: 100%;\r\n    height: 6px;\r\n    background: rgba(119,46,59,0.15);\r\n    border-radius: 4px;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-hero-text .desc {\r\n    font-size: 1.05rem;\r\n    color: #4b4143;\r\n    line-height: 1.8;\r\n    margin: 0 0 1.5rem 0;\r\n    max-width: 520px;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-hero-text .desc strong {\r\n    color: #772e3b;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-hero-text .desc.italic {\r\n    font-style: italic;\r\n    opacity: 0.8;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== CTA BUTTONS ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-hero-text .ma-buttons {\r\n    display: flex;\r\n    gap: 1rem;\r\n    flex-wrap: wrap;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-hero-text .btn-primary {\r\n    display: inline-flex;\r\n    align-items: center;\r\n    gap: 0.6rem;\r\n    background: #772e3b;\r\n    color: #fff !important;\r\n    padding: 0.9rem 2.2rem;\r\n    border-radius: 50px;\r\n    font-weight: 600;\r\n    text-decoration: none !important;\r\n    transition: all 0.3s ease;\r\n    box-shadow: 0 8px 30px rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.25);\r\n    border: none;\r\n    cursor: pointer;\r\n    font-size: 0.95rem;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-hero-text .btn-primary:hover {\r\n    background: #5f2530;\r\n    transform: translateY(-3px);\r\n    box-shadow: 0 12px 40px rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.35);\r\n    color: #fff !important;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-hero-text .btn-primary i {\r\n    transition: transform 0.3s ease;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-hero-text .btn-primary:hover i {\r\n    transform: translateX(5px);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-hero-text .btn-secondary {\r\n    display: inline-flex;\r\n    align-items: center;\r\n    gap: 0.6rem;\r\n    background: transparent;\r\n    color: #772e3b !important;\r\n    padding: 0.9rem 2.2rem;\r\n    border-radius: 50px;\r\n    font-weight: 600;\r\n    text-decoration: none !important;\r\n    transition: all 0.3s ease;\r\n    border: 2px solid rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.15);\r\n    cursor: pointer;\r\n    font-size: 0.95rem;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-hero-text .btn-secondary:hover {\r\n    background: rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.05);\r\n    border-color: #772e3b;\r\n    transform: translateY(-3px);\r\n    box-shadow: 0 8px 25px rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.1);\r\n    color: #772e3b !important;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== RIGHT SIDE - VISUAL ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-hero-visual {\r\n    display: flex;\r\n    justify-content: center;\r\n    align-items: center;\r\n    animation: fadeInRightMA 1s ease forwards;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-hero-visual .visual-wrapper {\r\n    width: 100%;\r\n    max-width: 500px;\r\n    border-radius: 28px;\r\n    overflow: hidden;\r\n    box-shadow: 0 30px 60px rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.08);\r\n    border: 1px solid rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.05);\r\n    transition: all 0.5s ease;\r\n    background: #ffffff;\r\n    padding: 2rem;\r\n    position: relative;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-hero-visual .visual-wrapper:hover {\r\n    transform: scale(1.02);\r\n    box-shadow: 0 40px 80px rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.12);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== ICON GRID INSIDE VISUAL ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-icon-grid {\r\n    display: grid;\r\n    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);\r\n    gap: 1.5rem;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-icon-item {\r\n    display: flex;\r\n    flex-direction: column;\r\n    align-items: center;\r\n    text-align: center;\r\n    padding: 1.5rem 1rem;\r\n    background: rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.02);\r\n    border-radius: 16px;\r\n    border: 1px solid rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.04);\r\n    transition: all 0.4s ease;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-icon-item:hover {\r\n    background: rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.04);\r\n    transform: translateY(-4px);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-icon-item .icon {\r\n    font-size: 2.2rem;\r\n    color: #772e3b;\r\n    margin-bottom: 0.5rem;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-icon-item .label {\r\n    font-size: 0.8rem;\r\n    font-weight: 600;\r\n    color: #1e1a1b;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-icon-item .sub-label {\r\n    font-size: 0.7rem;\r\n    color: #5a4e51;\r\n    opacity: 0.7;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== ANIMATIONS ===== *\/\r\n  @keyframes fadeInLeftMA {\r\n    from { opacity: 0; transform: translateX(-40px); }\r\n    to { opacity: 1; transform: translateX(0); }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  @keyframes fadeInRightMA {\r\n    from { opacity: 0; transform: translateX(40px); }\r\n    to { opacity: 1; transform: translateX(0); }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== RESPONSIVE ===== *\/\r\n  @media (max-width: 1024px) {\r\n    .ma-hero-text h1 {\r\n      font-size: 2.6rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-hero-wrapper {\r\n      gap: 2.5rem;\r\n    }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  @media (max-width: 768px) {\r\n    .ma-hero-section {\r\n      padding: 3rem 1.2rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-hero-wrapper {\r\n      grid-template-columns: 1fr;\r\n      gap: 2rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-hero-text h1 {\r\n      font-size: 2.2rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-hero-text .desc {\r\n      font-size: 0.95rem;\r\n      max-width: 100%;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-hero-visual .visual-wrapper {\r\n      max-width: 100%;\r\n      padding: 1.5rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-icon-grid {\r\n      gap: 1rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-icon-item {\r\n      padding: 1rem 0.8rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-icon-item .icon {\r\n      font-size: 1.8rem;\r\n    }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  @media (max-width: 480px) {\r\n    .ma-hero-text h1 {\r\n      font-size: 1.8rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-hero-text .ma-buttons {\r\n      flex-direction: column;\r\n      width: 100%;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-hero-text .btn-primary,\r\n    .ma-hero-text .btn-secondary {\r\n      justify-content: center;\r\n      width: 100%;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-icon-grid {\r\n      grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\r\n      gap: 0.8rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-icon-item {\r\n      padding: 0.8rem 0.5rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-icon-item .icon {\r\n      font-size: 1.4rem;\r\n    }\r\n  }\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<!-- ===== HTML ===== -->\r\n<section class=\"ma-hero-section\">\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"ma-hero-wrapper\">\r\n\r\n    <!-- LEFT: TEXT -->\r\n    <div class=\"ma-hero-text\">\r\n      <h1>\r\n        Your firm took decades to build.<br>\r\n        <span>We make sure it lasts.<\/span>\r\n      <\/h1>\r\n      <p class=\"desc\">\r\n        At Earlsworth, we acquire law firms from partners who are ready for their next chapter\u2014whether that's retirement, succession planning, a change in direction, or simply passing the baton to a team that will carry your firm forward with the same care and commitment.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n      <p class=\"desc\">\r\n        We understand that a law firm is more than a business. It's your <strong>reputation, your people, your clients, and years of hard work<\/strong>. That's why our focus isn't simply on completing transactions\u2014it's on <strong>preserving the legacy<\/strong> you've built and helping it continue to thrive for years to come.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n      <p class=\"desc italic\">\r\n        \"Every firm is different, and so is every acquisition. We take the time to understand your goals and structure each transaction around what matters most to you.\"\r\n      <\/p>\r\n      <div class=\"ma-buttons\">\r\n        <a href=\"#\" class=\"btn-primary\">\r\n          <i class=\"fas fa-handshake\"><\/i> Let's Talk\r\n        <\/a>\r\n        <a href=\"#\" class=\"btn-secondary\">\r\n          <i class=\"fas fa-arrow-right\"><\/i> Learn More\r\n        <\/a>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <!-- RIGHT: VISUAL -->\r\n    <div class=\"ma-hero-visual\">\r\n      <div class=\"visual-wrapper\">\r\n        <div class=\"ma-icon-grid\">\r\n          <div class=\"ma-icon-item\">\r\n            <div class=\"icon\"><i class=\"fas fa-gavel\"><\/i><\/div>\r\n            <span class=\"label\">Reputation<\/span>\r\n            <span class=\"sub-label\">Preserved<\/span>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n          <div class=\"ma-icon-item\">\r\n            <div class=\"icon\"><i class=\"fas fa-users\"><\/i><\/div>\r\n            <span class=\"label\">People<\/span>\r\n            <span class=\"sub-label\">Protected<\/span>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n          <div class=\"ma-icon-item\">\r\n            <div class=\"icon\"><i class=\"fas fa-hand-holding-heart\"><\/i><\/div>\r\n            <span class=\"label\">Clients<\/span>\r\n            <span class=\"sub-label\">Cared For<\/span>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n          <div class=\"ma-icon-item\">\r\n            <div class=\"icon\"><i class=\"fas fa-building\"><\/i><\/div>\r\n            <span class=\"label\">Legacy<\/span>\r\n            <span class=\"sub-label\">Continued<\/span>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- Font Awesome -->\r\n<script>\r\n  if (!document.querySelector('link[href*=\"font-awesome\"]')) {\r\n    var link = document.createElement('link');\r\n    link.rel = 'stylesheet';\r\n    link.href = 'https:\/\/cdnjs.cloudflare.com\/ajax\/libs\/font-awesome\/6.0.0-beta3\/css\/all.min.css';\r\n    document.head.appendChild(link);\r\n  }\r\n<\/script>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-62149b8 e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-2d9a473 \" data-id=\"62149b8\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"62149b8\">\n    \t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8be728a elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"8be728a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- ============================================ -->\r\n<!-- WHY FIRM OWNERS CHOOSE EARLSWORTH            -->\r\n<!-- 4 PILLARS WITH ICONS & HOVER EFFECTS         -->\r\n<!-- ============================================ -->\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n  \/* ===== SECTION WRAPPER ===== *\/\r\n  .why-owners-section {\r\n    padding: 5rem 2rem;\r\n    max-width: 1200px;\r\n    margin: 0 auto;\r\n    font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, sans-serif;\r\n    position: relative;\r\n    overflow: hidden;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== ANIMATED BACKGROUND ===== *\/\r\n  .why-owners-section::before {\r\n    content: '';\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    top: -30%;\r\n    right: -20%;\r\n    width: 600px;\r\n    height: 600px;\r\n    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(119,46,59,0.03) 0%, transparent 70%);\r\n    border-radius: 50%;\r\n    pointer-events: none;\r\n    animation: floatBgWO 20s ease-in-out infinite;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .why-owners-section::after {\r\n    content: '';\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    bottom: -20%;\r\n    left: -10%;\r\n    width: 500px;\r\n    height: 500px;\r\n    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(119,46,59,0.02) 0%, transparent 70%);\r\n    border-radius: 50%;\r\n    pointer-events: none;\r\n    animation: floatBgWO 25s ease-in-out infinite reverse;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  @keyframes floatBgWO {\r\n    0%, 100% { transform: translate(0, 0) scale(1); }\r\n    33% { transform: translate(50px, -30px) scale(1.1); }\r\n    66% { transform: translate(-30px, 40px) scale(0.9); }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== HEADER ===== *\/\r\n  .why-owners-header {\r\n    text-align: center;\r\n    margin-bottom: 3.5rem;\r\n    position: relative;\r\n    z-index: 1;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .why-owners-header h2 {\r\n    font-size: 3rem;\r\n    font-weight: 800;\r\n    color: #1e1a1b;\r\n    margin: 0 0 0.5rem 0;\r\n    letter-spacing: -0.02em;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .why-owners-header h2 span {\r\n    color: #772e3b;\r\n    position: relative;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .why-owners-header h2 span::after {\r\n    content: '';\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    bottom: 0;\r\n    left: 0;\r\n    width: 100%;\r\n    height: 6px;\r\n    background: rgba(119,46,59,0.15);\r\n    border-radius: 4px;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .why-owners-header p {\r\n    color: #5a4e51;\r\n    font-size: 1.05rem;\r\n    max-width: 600px;\r\n    margin: 0 auto;\r\n    line-height: 1.7;\r\n    opacity: 0.85;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== GRID ===== *\/\r\n  .why-owners-grid {\r\n    display: grid;\r\n    grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);\r\n    gap: 2rem;\r\n    position: relative;\r\n    z-index: 1;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== CARD ===== *\/\r\n  .why-owners-card {\r\n    background: #ffffff;\r\n    border-radius: 28px;\r\n    padding: 2.5rem 1.8rem 2.2rem;\r\n    border: 1px solid rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.06);\r\n    box-shadow: 0 4px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.02);\r\n    transition: all 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);\r\n    position: relative;\r\n    overflow: hidden;\r\n    display: flex;\r\n    flex-direction: column;\r\n    align-items: flex-start;\r\n    text-align: left;\r\n    cursor: pointer;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== GLOW BORDER ===== *\/\r\n  .why-owners-card::after {\r\n    content: '';\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    inset: -1px;\r\n    border-radius: 28px;\r\n    padding: 1px;\r\n    background: linear-gradient(135deg, transparent, transparent, transparent);\r\n    -webkit-mask: linear-gradient(#fff 0 0) content-box, linear-gradient(#fff 0 0);\r\n    -webkit-mask-composite: xor;\r\n    mask-composite: exclude;\r\n    transition: all 0.6s ease;\r\n    pointer-events: none;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .why-owners-card:hover::after {\r\n    background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(119,46,59,0.2), rgba(119,46,59,0.05), rgba(119,46,59,0.2));\r\n    animation: borderGlowWO 2s ease-in-out infinite;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  @keyframes borderGlowWO {\r\n    0%, 100% { background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(119,46,59,0.2), rgba(119,46,59,0.05), rgba(119,46,59,0.2)); }\r\n    50% { background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(119,46,59,0.05), rgba(119,46,59,0.3), rgba(119,46,59,0.05)); }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .why-owners-card:hover {\r\n    transform: translateY(-10px) scale(1.02);\r\n    box-shadow: 0 30px 60px -20px rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.15);\r\n    border-color: rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.08);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== TOP GRADIENT BAR ===== *\/\r\n  .why-owners-card .top-bar {\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    top: 0;\r\n    left: 0;\r\n    width: 100%;\r\n    height: 4px;\r\n    background: linear-gradient(90deg, #772e3b, #b0586b, #d4899a, #b0586b, #772e3b);\r\n    background-size: 300% 100%;\r\n    opacity: 0.3;\r\n    transition: all 0.6s ease;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .why-owners-card:hover .top-bar {\r\n    opacity: 1;\r\n    animation: shimmerWO 2s infinite;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  @keyframes shimmerWO {\r\n    0% { background-position: 0% 0; }\r\n    100% { background-position: 300% 0; }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== ICON ===== *\/\r\n  .why-owners-card .icon-wrapper {\r\n    width: 60px;\r\n    height: 60px;\r\n    background: rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.06);\r\n    border-radius: 16px;\r\n    display: flex;\r\n    align-items: center;\r\n    justify-content: center;\r\n    font-size: 1.6rem;\r\n    color: #772e3b;\r\n    margin-bottom: 1.2rem;\r\n    transition: all 0.5s ease;\r\n    border: 1px solid rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.04);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .why-owners-card:hover .icon-wrapper {\r\n    background: #772e3b;\r\n    color: #fff;\r\n    transform: rotate(-8deg) scale(1.1);\r\n    box-shadow: 0 10px 30px rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.15);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== TITLE ===== *\/\r\n  .why-owners-card .card-title {\r\n    font-size: 1.2rem;\r\n    font-weight: 700;\r\n    color: #1e1a1b;\r\n    margin: 0 0 0.6rem 0;\r\n    transition: color 0.3s ease;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .why-owners-card:hover .card-title {\r\n    color: #772e3b;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== DESCRIPTION ===== *\/\r\n  .why-owners-card .card-desc {\r\n    font-size: 0.92rem;\r\n    color: #5a4e51;\r\n    line-height: 1.7;\r\n    margin: 0;\r\n    opacity: 0.85;\r\n    transition: opacity 0.3s ease;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .why-owners-card:hover .card-desc {\r\n    opacity: 1;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== GLOW SPOT ===== *\/\r\n  .why-owners-card .glow-spot {\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    width: 200px;\r\n    height: 200px;\r\n    border-radius: 50%;\r\n    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(119,46,59,0.03), transparent 70%);\r\n    pointer-events: none;\r\n    opacity: 0;\r\n    transition: opacity 0.4s ease;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .why-owners-card:hover .glow-spot {\r\n    opacity: 1;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== RESPONSIVE ===== *\/\r\n  @media (max-width: 1024px) {\r\n    .why-owners-grid {\r\n      grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);\r\n    }\r\n    .why-owners-header h2 {\r\n      font-size: 2.6rem;\r\n    }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  @media (max-width: 768px) {\r\n    .why-owners-section {\r\n      padding: 3rem 1.2rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .why-owners-grid {\r\n      grid-template-columns: 1fr;\r\n      max-width: 450px;\r\n      margin: 0 auto;\r\n    }\r\n    .why-owners-header h2 {\r\n      font-size: 2rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .why-owners-card {\r\n      padding: 2rem 1.5rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .why-owners-card .icon-wrapper {\r\n      width: 50px;\r\n      height: 50px;\r\n      font-size: 1.3rem;\r\n    }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  @media (max-width: 480px) {\r\n    .why-owners-header h2 {\r\n      font-size: 1.6rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .why-owners-card .card-title {\r\n      font-size: 1rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .why-owners-card .card-desc {\r\n      font-size: 0.85rem;\r\n    }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== SCROLL REVEAL ===== *\/\r\n  .why-owners-card {\r\n    opacity: 0;\r\n    transform: translateY(40px) scale(0.95);\r\n    transition: all 0.8s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .why-owners-card.visible {\r\n    opacity: 1;\r\n    transform: translateY(0) scale(1);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .why-owners-card:nth-child(1) { transition-delay: 0.05s; }\r\n  .why-owners-card:nth-child(2) { transition-delay: 0.15s; }\r\n  .why-owners-card:nth-child(3) { transition-delay: 0.25s; }\r\n  .why-owners-card:nth-child(4) { transition-delay: 0.35s; }\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<!-- ===== HTML ===== -->\r\n<section class=\"why-owners-section\" id=\"whyOwnersSection\">\r\n\r\n  <!-- Header -->\r\n  <div class=\"why-owners-header\">\r\n    <h2>Why Firm Owners <span>Choose Earlsworth<\/span><\/h2>\r\n    <p>We understand that selling a law firm is about more than just the transaction. Here's why firm owners trust us with their legacy.<\/p>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <!-- Grid -->\r\n  <div class=\"why-owners-grid\">\r\n\r\n    <!-- ===== CARD 1: Legacy ===== -->\r\n    <div class=\"why-owners-card\">\r\n      <div class=\"top-bar\"><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"glow-spot\"><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"icon-wrapper\"><i class=\"fas fa-crown\"><\/i><\/div>\r\n      <h3 class=\"card-title\">Your legacy comes first<\/h3>\r\n      <p class=\"card-desc\">\r\n        Your staff, your clients, and the culture you've built are just as important as the financial performance of your firm. When we acquire a practice, we are committed to protecting what makes it successful: trusted relationships, an excellent reputation, and the people behind it.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <!-- ===== CARD 2: Valuation ===== -->\r\n    <div class=\"why-owners-card\">\r\n      <div class=\"top-bar\"><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"glow-spot\"><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"icon-wrapper\"><i class=\"fas fa-chart-line\"><\/i><\/div>\r\n      <h3 class=\"card-title\">A fair and transparent valuation<\/h3>\r\n      <p class=\"card-desc\">\r\n        We believe every seller deserves a clear and honest assessment of their firm's value. Our valuation process is thorough, transparent, and commercially realistic, so you can make an informed decision with confidence.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <!-- ===== CARD 3: Process ===== -->\r\n    <div class=\"why-owners-card\">\r\n      <div class=\"top-bar\"><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"glow-spot\"><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"icon-wrapper\"><i class=\"fas fa-route\"><\/i><\/div>\r\n      <h3 class=\"card-title\">A straightforward process<\/h3>\r\n      <p class=\"card-desc\">\r\n        Selling a law firm shouldn't be unnecessarily stressful. From our first conversation through to completion, we keep the process clear, efficient and well managed, providing certainty and regular communication at every stage.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <!-- ===== CARD 4: Future ===== -->\r\n    <div class=\"why-owners-card\">\r\n      <div class=\"top-bar\"><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"glow-spot\"><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"icon-wrapper\"><i class=\"fas fa-rocket\"><\/i><\/div>\r\n      <h3 class=\"card-title\">Investing in the future<\/h3>\r\n      <p class=\"card-desc\">\r\n        Joining Earlsworth gives your firm access to the resources, infrastructure and operational support that help legal practices grow and succeed. From technology and marketing to compliance and business support, we invest behind the scenes so your lawyers can focus on delivering exceptional client service.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ===== JAVASCRIPT ===== -->\r\n<script>\r\n  (function() {\r\n    const section = document.getElementById('whyOwnersSection');\r\n    const cards = document.querySelectorAll('.why-owners-card');\r\n\r\n    \/\/ ===== SCROLL REVEAL =====\r\n    const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries) => {\r\n      entries.forEach(entry => {\r\n        if (entry.isIntersecting) {\r\n          const cards = entry.target.querySelectorAll('.why-owners-card');\r\n          cards.forEach((card, index) => {\r\n            setTimeout(() => {\r\n              card.classList.add('visible');\r\n            }, index * 150);\r\n          });\r\n        }\r\n      });\r\n    }, { threshold: 0.1, rootMargin: '0px 0px -50px 0px' });\r\n\r\n    observer.observe(section);\r\n\r\n    \/\/ ===== 3D TILT EFFECT =====\r\n    cards.forEach(card => {\r\n      card.addEventListener('mousemove', function(e) {\r\n        const rect = this.getBoundingClientRect();\r\n        const x = e.clientX - rect.left;\r\n        const y = e.clientY - rect.top;\r\n        const centerX = rect.width \/ 2;\r\n        const centerY = rect.height \/ 2;\r\n        const rotateX = (y - centerY) \/ 20;\r\n        const rotateY = (centerX - x) \/ 20;\r\n\r\n        this.style.transform = `perspective(800px) rotateX(${rotateX}deg) rotateY(${rotateY}deg) translateY(-10px) scale(1.02)`;\r\n\r\n        const glow = this.querySelector('.glow-spot');\r\n        if (glow) {\r\n          glow.style.left = (x - 100) + 'px';\r\n          glow.style.top = (y - 100) + 'px';\r\n        }\r\n      });\r\n\r\n      card.addEventListener('mouseleave', function() {\r\n        this.style.transform = 'perspective(800px) rotateX(0deg) rotateY(0deg) translateY(0) scale(1)';\r\n      });\r\n    });\r\n\r\n  })();\r\n<\/script>\r\n\r\n<!-- Font Awesome -->\r\n<script>\r\n  if (!document.querySelector('link[href*=\"font-awesome\"]')) {\r\n    var link = document.createElement('link');\r\n    link.rel = 'stylesheet';\r\n    link.href = 'https:\/\/cdnjs.cloudflare.com\/ajax\/libs\/font-awesome\/6.0.0-beta3\/css\/all.min.css';\r\n    document.head.appendChild(link);\r\n  }\r\n<\/script>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-73a8197 e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-b8fb8f2 \" data-id=\"73a8197\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"73a8197\">\n    \t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b9df8a3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"b9df8a3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- ============================================ -->\r\n<!-- HOW IT WORKS - M&A PROCESS                   -->\r\n<!-- 4 STEPS WITH TIMELINE & CONFIDENTIALITY      -->\r\n<!-- ============================================ -->\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n  \/* ===== SECTION WRAPPER ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-process-section {\r\n    padding: 5rem 2rem;\r\n    max-width: 1100px;\r\n    margin: 0 auto;\r\n    font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, sans-serif;\r\n    position: relative;\r\n    overflow: hidden;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== ANIMATED BACKGROUND ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-process-section::before {\r\n    content: '';\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    top: -30%;\r\n    right: -20%;\r\n    width: 500px;\r\n    height: 500px;\r\n    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(119,46,59,0.03) 0%, transparent 70%);\r\n    border-radius: 50%;\r\n    pointer-events: none;\r\n    animation: floatBgMP 20s ease-in-out infinite;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-process-section::after {\r\n    content: '';\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    bottom: -20%;\r\n    left: -10%;\r\n    width: 400px;\r\n    height: 400px;\r\n    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(119,46,59,0.02) 0%, transparent 70%);\r\n    border-radius: 50%;\r\n    pointer-events: none;\r\n    animation: floatBgMP 25s ease-in-out infinite reverse;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  @keyframes floatBgMP {\r\n    0%, 100% { transform: translate(0, 0) scale(1); }\r\n    33% { transform: translate(50px, -30px) scale(1.1); }\r\n    66% { transform: translate(-30px, 40px) scale(0.9); }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== HEADER ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-process-header {\r\n    text-align: center;\r\n    margin-bottom: 3.5rem;\r\n    position: relative;\r\n    z-index: 1;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-process-header h2 {\r\n    font-size: 3rem;\r\n    font-weight: 800;\r\n    color: #1e1a1b;\r\n    margin: 0 0 0.5rem 0;\r\n    letter-spacing: -0.02em;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-process-header h2 span {\r\n    color: #772e3b;\r\n    position: relative;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-process-header h2 span::after {\r\n    content: '';\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    bottom: 0;\r\n    left: 0;\r\n    width: 100%;\r\n    height: 6px;\r\n    background: rgba(119,46,59,0.15);\r\n    border-radius: 4px;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== TIMELINE CONTAINER ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-timeline {\r\n    position: relative;\r\n    z-index: 1;\r\n    padding: 1rem 0 2rem 0;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== PROGRESS LINE ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-timeline::before {\r\n    content: '';\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    top: 40px;\r\n    left: 60px;\r\n    right: 60px;\r\n    height: 3px;\r\n    background: rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.08);\r\n    border-radius: 4px;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-timeline::after {\r\n    content: '';\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    top: 40px;\r\n    left: 60px;\r\n    height: 3px;\r\n    background: linear-gradient(90deg, #772e3b, #b0586b);\r\n    border-radius: 4px;\r\n    width: 0%;\r\n    transition: width 1.5s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);\r\n    box-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.15);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-timeline.animate::after {\r\n    width: calc(100% - 120px);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== STEPS GRID ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-steps-grid {\r\n    display: grid;\r\n    grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);\r\n    gap: 1.5rem;\r\n    position: relative;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== STEP ITEM ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-step-item {\r\n    display: flex;\r\n    flex-direction: column;\r\n    align-items: center;\r\n    text-align: center;\r\n    position: relative;\r\n    z-index: 2;\r\n    opacity: 0;\r\n    transform: translateY(30px);\r\n    transition: all 0.8s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-step-item.visible {\r\n    opacity: 1;\r\n    transform: translateY(0);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-step-item:nth-child(1) { transition-delay: 0.05s; }\r\n  .ma-step-item:nth-child(2) { transition-delay: 0.15s; }\r\n  .ma-step-item:nth-child(3) { transition-delay: 0.25s; }\r\n  .ma-step-item:nth-child(4) { transition-delay: 0.35s; }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== STEP NUMBER ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-step-number {\r\n    width: 56px;\r\n    height: 56px;\r\n    border-radius: 50%;\r\n    background: #fff;\r\n    border: 3px solid rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.1);\r\n    display: flex;\r\n    align-items: center;\r\n    justify-content: center;\r\n    font-size: 1.3rem;\r\n    font-weight: 800;\r\n    color: #772e3b;\r\n    position: relative;\r\n    z-index: 2;\r\n    transition: all 0.5s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);\r\n    margin-bottom: 1rem;\r\n    flex-shrink: 0;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-step-item:hover .ma-step-number {\r\n    background: #772e3b;\r\n    color: #fff;\r\n    border-color: #772e3b;\r\n    transform: scale(1.15);\r\n    box-shadow: 0 15px 40px rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.2);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== STEP NUMBER PULSE ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-step-number::before {\r\n    content: '';\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    inset: -6px;\r\n    border-radius: 50%;\r\n    border: 2px solid rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.05);\r\n    opacity: 0;\r\n    transition: all 0.5s ease;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-step-item:hover .ma-step-number::before {\r\n    opacity: 1;\r\n    animation: pulseRingMP 1.5s ease-in-out infinite;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  @keyframes pulseRingMP {\r\n    0% { transform: scale(1); opacity: 0.3; }\r\n    100% { transform: scale(1.4); opacity: 0; }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== STEP ICON ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-step-icon {\r\n    font-size: 1.4rem;\r\n    margin-bottom: 0.4rem;\r\n    color: #772e3b;\r\n    transition: all 0.5s ease;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-step-item:hover .ma-step-icon {\r\n    transform: scale(1.15) rotate(-5deg);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== STEP TITLE ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-step-title {\r\n    font-size: 1rem;\r\n    font-weight: 700;\r\n    color: #1e1a1b;\r\n    margin: 0 0 0.4rem 0;\r\n    transition: color 0.3s ease;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-step-item:hover .ma-step-title {\r\n    color: #772e3b;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== STEP DESCRIPTION ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-step-desc {\r\n    font-size: 0.85rem;\r\n    color: #5a4e51;\r\n    margin: 0;\r\n    line-height: 1.6;\r\n    opacity: 0.8;\r\n    transition: opacity 0.3s ease;\r\n    max-width: 220px;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-step-item:hover .ma-step-desc {\r\n    opacity: 1;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ========================================== *\/\r\n  \/* \ud83d\udd25 CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE                   *\/\r\n  \/* ========================================== *\/\r\n  .ma-confidentiality {\r\n    margin-top: 3rem;\r\n    padding: 2rem 2.5rem;\r\n    background: rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.03);\r\n    border-radius: 20px;\r\n    border: 1px solid rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.06);\r\n    text-align: center;\r\n    position: relative;\r\n    z-index: 1;\r\n    transition: all 0.4s ease;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-confidentiality:hover {\r\n    background: rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.05);\r\n    border-color: rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.1);\r\n    transform: translateY(-3px);\r\n    box-shadow: 0 10px 40px rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.04);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-confidentiality .shield-icon {\r\n    font-size: 2rem;\r\n    color: #772e3b;\r\n    margin-bottom: 0.5rem;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-confidentiality h4 {\r\n    font-size: 1.2rem;\r\n    font-weight: 700;\r\n    color: #1e1a1b;\r\n    margin: 0 0 0.5rem 0;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-confidentiality p {\r\n    font-size: 0.95rem;\r\n    color: #5a4e51;\r\n    max-width: 700px;\r\n    margin: 0 auto;\r\n    line-height: 1.7;\r\n    opacity: 0.85;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-confidentiality p strong {\r\n    color: #772e3b;\r\n    opacity: 1;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ========================================== *\/\r\n  \/* RESPONSIVE                                *\/\r\n  \/* ========================================== *\/\r\n  @media (max-width: 1024px) {\r\n    .ma-process-header h2 {\r\n      font-size: 2.6rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-steps-grid {\r\n      gap: 1.2rem;\r\n    }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  @media (max-width: 768px) {\r\n    .ma-process-section {\r\n      padding: 3rem 1.2rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-process-header h2 {\r\n      font-size: 2rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-timeline::before,\r\n    .ma-timeline::after {\r\n      display: none;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-steps-grid {\r\n      grid-template-columns: 1fr;\r\n      gap: 2rem;\r\n      max-width: 400px;\r\n      margin: 0 auto;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-step-item {\r\n      flex-direction: row;\r\n      text-align: left;\r\n      gap: 1.2rem;\r\n      padding: 1.2rem;\r\n      background: #fff;\r\n      border-radius: 20px;\r\n      border: 1px solid rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.04);\r\n      box-shadow: 0 4px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.02);\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-step-item .ma-step-content {\r\n      flex: 1;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-step-number {\r\n      width: 44px;\r\n      height: 44px;\r\n      font-size: 1rem;\r\n      flex-shrink: 0;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-step-desc {\r\n      max-width: 100%;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-confidentiality {\r\n      padding: 1.5rem;\r\n    }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  @media (max-width: 480px) {\r\n    .ma-process-header h2 {\r\n      font-size: 1.6rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-step-item {\r\n      padding: 1rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-step-number {\r\n      width: 38px;\r\n      height: 38px;\r\n      font-size: 0.85rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-step-title {\r\n      font-size: 0.9rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-step-desc {\r\n      font-size: 0.8rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-confidentiality h4 {\r\n      font-size: 1rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-confidentiality p {\r\n      font-size: 0.85rem;\r\n    }\r\n  }\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<!-- ===== HTML ===== -->\r\n<section class=\"ma-process-section\" id=\"maProcessSection\">\r\n\r\n  <!-- Header -->\r\n  <div class=\"ma-process-header\">\r\n    <h2>How It <span>Works<\/span><\/h2>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <!-- Timeline -->\r\n  <div class=\"ma-timeline\" id=\"maTimeline\">\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"ma-steps-grid\">\r\n\r\n      <!-- Step 1 -->\r\n      <div class=\"ma-step-item\" data-step=\"1\">\r\n        <div class=\"ma-step-number\">01<\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"ma-step-content\">\r\n          <div class=\"ma-step-icon\"><i class=\"fas fa-comments\"><\/i><\/div>\r\n          <h3 class=\"ma-step-title\">Initial Conversation<\/h3>\r\n          <p class=\"ma-step-desc\">Everything begins with a confidential, no-obligation discussion. We'll learn about your firm, understand your objectives, and explore whether Earlsworth is the right fit.<\/p>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <!-- Step 2 -->\r\n      <div class=\"ma-step-item\" data-step=\"2\">\r\n        <div class=\"ma-step-number\">02<\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"ma-step-content\">\r\n          <div class=\"ma-step-icon\"><i class=\"fas fa-chart-simple\"><\/i><\/div>\r\n          <h3 class=\"ma-step-title\">Valuation &amp; Offer<\/h3>\r\n          <p class=\"ma-step-desc\">If there's a good fit, we'll carry out a detailed review and present a clear, transparent offer, explaining our approach every step of the way.<\/p>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <!-- Step 3 -->\r\n      <div class=\"ma-step-item\" data-step=\"3\">\r\n        <div class=\"ma-step-number\">03<\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"ma-step-content\">\r\n          <div class=\"ma-step-icon\"><i class=\"fas fa-search\"><\/i><\/div>\r\n          <h3 class=\"ma-step-title\">Due Diligence<\/h3>\r\n          <p class=\"ma-step-desc\">We conduct due diligence efficiently and with minimal disruption to your business. Our team works closely with you and your advisers to ensure a smooth and professional process.<\/p>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <!-- Step 4 -->\r\n      <div class=\"ma-step-item\" data-step=\"4\">\r\n        <div class=\"ma-step-number\">04<\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"ma-step-content\">\r\n          <div class=\"ma-step-icon\"><i class=\"fas fa-handshake\"><\/i><\/div>\r\n          <h3 class=\"ma-step-title\">Completion &amp; Transition<\/h3>\r\n          <p class=\"ma-step-desc\">Our priority is a seamless transition for your clients, your employees and your firm. We work collaboratively to ensure continuity while laying the foundations for future growth.<\/p>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <!-- Confidentiality Note -->\r\n  <div class=\"ma-confidentiality\">\r\n    <div class=\"shield-icon\"><i class=\"fas fa-shield-alt\"><\/i><\/div>\r\n    <h4>Complete Confidentiality<\/h4>\r\n    <p>\r\n      We appreciate that exploring the sale of your firm is a significant and highly confidential decision.\r\n      <br>\r\n      <strong>Every conversation with Earlsworth is handled with complete discretion.<\/strong> Your enquiry remains private, and no information is shared with clients, employees or third parties unless you instruct us otherwise.\r\n    <\/p>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ===== JAVASCRIPT ===== -->\r\n<script>\r\n  (function() {\r\n    const section = document.getElementById('maProcessSection');\r\n    const steps = document.querySelectorAll('.ma-step-item');\r\n    const timeline = document.getElementById('maTimeline');\r\n    let animated = false;\r\n\r\n    \/\/ ===== SCROLL REVEAL =====\r\n    const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries) => {\r\n      entries.forEach(entry => {\r\n        if (entry.isIntersecting && !animated) {\r\n          animated = true;\r\n\r\n          steps.forEach((step, index) => {\r\n            setTimeout(() => {\r\n              step.classList.add('visible');\r\n            }, index * 150);\r\n          });\r\n\r\n          setTimeout(() => {\r\n            timeline.classList.add('animate');\r\n          }, 400);\r\n        }\r\n      });\r\n    }, { threshold: 0.15 });\r\n\r\n    observer.observe(section);\r\n\r\n    \/\/ ===== 3D TILT ON HOVER (Desktop only) =====\r\n    if (window.innerWidth > 768) {\r\n      steps.forEach(step => {\r\n        step.addEventListener('mousemove', function(e) {\r\n          const rect = this.getBoundingClientRect();\r\n          const x = e.clientX - rect.left;\r\n          const 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elementor-element-eec825d e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-282e3b8 \" data-id=\"eec825d\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"eec825d\">\n    \t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5c11d32 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"5c11d32\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- ============================================ -->\r\n<!-- LET'S START THE CONVERSATION - PAGE END      -->\r\n<!-- CTA + CONTACT + TAGLINE                      -->\r\n<!-- ============================================ -->\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n  \/* ===== SECTION WRAPPER ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-cta-section {\r\n    padding: 5rem 2rem;\r\n    max-width: 1100px;\r\n    margin: 0 auto;\r\n    font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, sans-serif;\r\n    position: relative;\r\n    overflow: hidden;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== ANIMATED BACKGROUND ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-cta-section::before {\r\n    content: '';\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    top: -30%;\r\n    right: -20%;\r\n    width: 600px;\r\n    height: 600px;\r\n    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(119,46,59,0.04) 0%, transparent 70%);\r\n    border-radius: 50%;\r\n    pointer-events: none;\r\n    animation: floatBgCTA 20s ease-in-out infinite;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-cta-section::after {\r\n    content: '';\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    bottom: -20%;\r\n    left: -10%;\r\n    width: 500px;\r\n    height: 500px;\r\n    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(119,46,59,0.03) 0%, transparent 70%);\r\n    border-radius: 50%;\r\n    pointer-events: none;\r\n    animation: floatBgCTA 25s ease-in-out infinite reverse;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  @keyframes floatBgCTA {\r\n    0%, 100% { transform: translate(0, 0) scale(1); }\r\n    33% { transform: translate(50px, -30px) scale(1.1); }\r\n    66% { transform: translate(-30px, 40px) scale(0.9); }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== CTA CARD ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-cta-card {\r\n    background: #ffffff;\r\n    border-radius: 32px;\r\n    padding: 4rem 3.5rem;\r\n    border: 1px solid rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.06);\r\n    box-shadow: 0 4px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.02);\r\n    transition: all 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);\r\n    position: relative;\r\n    overflow: hidden;\r\n    text-align: center;\r\n    z-index: 1;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-cta-card::before {\r\n    content: '';\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    top: 0;\r\n    left: 0;\r\n    width: 100%;\r\n    height: 4px;\r\n    background: linear-gradient(90deg, #772e3b, #b0586b, #d4899a, #b0586b, #772e3b);\r\n    background-size: 300% 100%;\r\n    opacity: 0.3;\r\n    transition: all 0.6s ease;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-cta-card:hover::before {\r\n    opacity: 1;\r\n    animation: shimmerCTA 2s infinite;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  @keyframes shimmerCTA {\r\n    0% { background-position: 0% 0; }\r\n    100% { background-position: 300% 0; }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-cta-card:hover {\r\n    transform: translateY(-8px);\r\n    box-shadow: 0 30px 60px -20px rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.1);\r\n    border-color: rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.08);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== CONTENT ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-cta-card .cta-icon {\r\n    font-size: 3rem;\r\n    color: #772e3b;\r\n    margin-bottom: 1rem;\r\n    display: inline-block;\r\n    animation: floatIconCTA 3s ease-in-out infinite;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  @keyframes floatIconCTA {\r\n    0%, 100% { transform: translateY(0px); }\r\n    50% { transform: translateY(-8px); }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-cta-card h2 {\r\n    font-size: 2.8rem;\r\n    font-weight: 800;\r\n    color: #1e1a1b;\r\n    margin: 0 0 0.8rem 0;\r\n    letter-spacing: -0.02em;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-cta-card h2 span {\r\n    color: #772e3b;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-cta-card .cta-text {\r\n    font-size: 1.05rem;\r\n    color: #4b4143;\r\n    line-height: 1.8;\r\n    max-width: 650px;\r\n    margin: 0 auto 1.5rem auto;\r\n    opacity: 0.85;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-cta-card .cta-text strong {\r\n    color: #772e3b;\r\n    opacity: 1;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== BUTTONS ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-cta-card .cta-buttons {\r\n    display: flex;\r\n    gap: 1rem;\r\n    flex-wrap: wrap;\r\n    justify-content: center;\r\n    margin-bottom: 2.5rem;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-cta-card .btn-primary {\r\n    display: inline-flex;\r\n    align-items: center;\r\n    gap: 0.6rem;\r\n    background: #772e3b;\r\n    color: #fff !important;\r\n    padding: 0.9rem 2.5rem;\r\n    border-radius: 50px;\r\n    font-weight: 600;\r\n    text-decoration: none !important;\r\n    transition: all 0.3s ease;\r\n    box-shadow: 0 8px 30px rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.25);\r\n    border: none;\r\n    cursor: pointer;\r\n    font-size: 1rem;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-cta-card .btn-primary:hover {\r\n    background: #5f2530;\r\n    transform: translateY(-3px);\r\n    box-shadow: 0 12px 40px rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.35);\r\n    color: #fff !important;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-cta-card .btn-primary i {\r\n    transition: transform 0.3s ease;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-cta-card .btn-primary:hover i {\r\n    transform: translateX(5px);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-cta-card .btn-secondary {\r\n    display: inline-flex;\r\n    align-items: center;\r\n    gap: 0.6rem;\r\n    background: transparent;\r\n    color: #772e3b !important;\r\n    padding: 0.9rem 2.5rem;\r\n    border-radius: 50px;\r\n    font-weight: 600;\r\n    text-decoration: none !important;\r\n    transition: all 0.3s ease;\r\n    border: 2px solid rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.15);\r\n    cursor: pointer;\r\n    font-size: 1rem;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-cta-card .btn-secondary:hover {\r\n    background: rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.05);\r\n    border-color: #772e3b;\r\n    transform: translateY(-3px);\r\n    box-shadow: 0 8px 25px rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.1);\r\n    color: #772e3b !important;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== DIVIDER ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-cta-card .divider {\r\n    width: 60px;\r\n    height: 3px;\r\n    background: linear-gradient(90deg, #772e3b, transparent);\r\n    margin: 0 auto 1.5rem auto;\r\n    border-radius: 4px;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== FOOTER INFO ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-cta-card .cta-footer {\r\n    display: flex;\r\n    justify-content: center;\r\n    gap: 3rem;\r\n    flex-wrap: wrap;\r\n    padding-top: 1.5rem;\r\n    border-top: 1px solid rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.04);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-cta-card .cta-footer .footer-item {\r\n    display: flex;\r\n    align-items: center;\r\n    gap: 0.6rem;\r\n    font-size: 0.9rem;\r\n    color: #5a4e51;\r\n    transition: all 0.3s ease;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-cta-card .cta-footer .footer-item:hover {\r\n    color: #772e3b;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-cta-card .cta-footer .footer-item i {\r\n    color: #772e3b;\r\n    font-size: 1rem;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-cta-card .cta-footer .footer-item a {\r\n    color: #5a4e51;\r\n    text-decoration: none !important;\r\n    transition: color 0.3s ease;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-cta-card .cta-footer .footer-item a:hover {\r\n    color: #772e3b;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== TAGLINE ===== *\/\r\n  .ma-tagline {\r\n    text-align: center;\r\n    margin-top: 2rem;\r\n    padding-top: 1.5rem;\r\n    border-top: 1px solid rgba(119, 46, 59, 0.04);\r\n    position: relative;\r\n    z-index: 1;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-tagline p {\r\n    font-size: 0.9rem;\r\n    color: #5a4e51;\r\n    opacity: 0.6;\r\n    font-style: italic;\r\n    letter-spacing: 0.5px;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .ma-tagline p strong {\r\n    color: #772e3b;\r\n    opacity: 1;\r\n    font-style: normal;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* ===== RESPONSIVE ===== *\/\r\n  @media (max-width: 768px) {\r\n    .ma-cta-section {\r\n      padding: 3rem 1.2rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-cta-card {\r\n      padding: 2.5rem 1.5rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-cta-card h2 {\r\n      font-size: 2rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-cta-card .cta-text {\r\n      font-size: 0.95rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-cta-card .cta-buttons {\r\n      flex-direction: column;\r\n      align-items: center;\r\n      width: 100%;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-cta-card .btn-primary,\r\n    .ma-cta-card .btn-secondary {\r\n      justify-content: center;\r\n      width: 100%;\r\n      max-width: 320px;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-cta-card .cta-footer {\r\n      flex-direction: column;\r\n      align-items: center;\r\n      gap: 0.8rem;\r\n    }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  @media (max-width: 480px) {\r\n    .ma-cta-card h2 {\r\n      font-size: 1.6rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-cta-card .cta-text {\r\n      font-size: 0.9rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-cta-card .cta-icon {\r\n      font-size: 2.2rem;\r\n    }\r\n    .ma-tagline p {\r\n      font-size: 0.8rem;\r\n    }\r\n  }\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<!-- ===== HTML ===== -->\r\n<section class=\"ma-cta-section\">\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"ma-cta-card\">\r\n\r\n    <!-- Icon -->\r\n    <div class=\"cta-icon\"><i class=\"fas fa-handshake\"><\/i><\/div>\r\n\r\n    <!-- Heading -->\r\n    <h2>Let's Start the <span>Conversation<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n    <!-- Text -->\r\n    <p class=\"cta-text\">\r\n      Whether you're actively considering a sale, planning for retirement, or simply exploring your options, we'd be delighted to have a confidential conversation.\r\n      <br><br>\r\n      There's <strong>no obligation<\/strong>\u2014just an opportunity to discuss your firm's future with experienced professionals who understand the legal sector.\r\n    <\/p>\r\n\r\n    <!-- Buttons -->\r\n    <div class=\"cta-buttons\">\r\n      <a href=\"#\" class=\"btn-primary\">\r\n        <i class=\"fas fa-envelope\"><\/i> Get in Touch\r\n      <\/a>\r\n      <a href=\"#\" class=\"btn-secondary\">\r\n        <i class=\"fas fa-phone-alt\"><\/i> Call Us\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"divider\"><\/div>\r\n\r\n    <!-- Footer Info -->\r\n    <div class=\"cta-footer\">\r\n      <div class=\"footer-item\">\r\n        <i class=\"fas fa-envelope\"><\/i>\r\n        <a href=\"mailto:admin@earlsworth.co.uk\">admin@earlsworth.co.uk<\/a>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"footer-item\">\r\n        <i class=\"fas fa-phone-alt\"><\/i>\r\n        <a href=\"tel:01215171100\">0121 517 1100<\/a>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"footer-item\">\r\n        <i class=\"fas fa-map-marker-alt\"><\/i>\r\n        <span>102 Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 3AG<\/span>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <!-- Tagline -->\r\n  <div class=\"ma-tagline\">\r\n    <p>\r\n      <strong>Earlsworth Limited<\/strong> \u2014 Protecting legacies. Investing in the future of law.\r\n    <\/p>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- Font Awesome -->\r\n<script>\r\n  if (!document.querySelector('link[href*=\"font-awesome\"]')) {\r\n    var link = document.createElement('link');\r\n    link.rel = 'stylesheet';\r\n    link.href = 'https:\/\/cdnjs.cloudflare.com\/ajax\/libs\/font-awesome\/6.0.0-beta3\/css\/all.min.css';\r\n    document.head.appendChild(link);\r\n  }\r\n<\/script>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your firm took decades to build. We make sure it lasts. At Earlsworth, we acquire law firms from partners who are ready for their next chapter\u2014whether that&#8217;s retirement, succession planning, a change in direction, or simply passing the baton to a team that will carry your firm forward with the same care and commitment. We [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1536","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"blocksy_meta":{"has_hero_section":"disabled","styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":7}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/earlsworth.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1536","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/earlsworth.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/earlsworth.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/earlsworth.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/earlsworth.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1536"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/earlsworth.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1536\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1546,"href":"https:\/\/earlsworth.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1536\/revisions\/1546"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/earlsworth.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1536"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}