/* =========================================================
   Meridian Intelligence: front-end styles
   Scoped to .mer-root and .mer-* classes so the theme is untouched.
   Palette taken from the existing Meridian homepage tokens.
   ======================================================= */

:root {
	--mer-ink: #0A0A0A;
	--mer-navy: #041D55;
	--mer-navy-deep: #03081E;
	--mer-gold: #C8A96E;
	--mer-gold-text: #7D6636;
	--mer-gold-light: #E8D5A3;
	--mer-cream: #F5F1EC;
	--mer-paper: #FAFAF9;
	--mer-pale: #E8E4DF;
	--mer-rule: #D4CFC9;
	--mer-grey: #6B6B6B;
	--mer-grey-dark: #2D2D2D;
	--mer-serif: 'Playfair Display', Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;
	--mer-sans: 'Inter', 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;
	--mer-max: 1200px;
	--mer-gutter: clamp(16px, 4vw, 48px);
	--mer-radius: 2px;
}

.mer-root { font-family: var(--mer-sans); color: var(--mer-ink); background: #fff; line-height: 1.55; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; width: 100%; max-width: none !important; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; }
.mer-root *, .mer-root *::before, .mer-root *::after { box-sizing: border-box; }
.mer-root a { color: inherit; }
.mer-root img { max-width: 100%; height: auto; display: block; }
.mer-root h1, .mer-root h2, .mer-root h3 { font-family: var(--mer-serif); font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: -0.01em; color: var(--mer-navy-deep); line-height: 1.15; }
:where(.mer-root) :where(h1, h2, h3, p) { margin: 0; }
.mer-main { margin-top: 0 !important; }
/* Site Additional CSS hides the theme header on the front page (legacy homepage had no masthead).
   The Meridian homepage needs the navigation, so show it again on Meridian pages only. */
body.home.mer-page header.wp-block-template-part, body.home.mer-page .wp-site-blocks > header { display: block !important; }
.mer-main > .wp-block-post-content { margin-top: 0 !important; }
body.mer-page .wp-block-post-content > .mer-root { margin-block-start: 0; }

.mer-wrap { max-width: var(--mer-max); margin: 0 auto; padding-left: var(--mer-gutter); padding-right: var(--mer-gutter); }

/* Type helpers */
.mer-kicker { font-family: var(--mer-sans); font-size: 11px; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: .14em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--mer-gold-text); margin: 0 0 12px; }
.mer-kicker--light { color: var(--mer-gold); }
.mer-lede { font-size: clamp(16px, 1.4vw, 18px); color: var(--mer-grey-dark); max-width: 62ch; }
.mer-meta { font-size: 13px; color: var(--mer-grey); margin-top: 12px; }
.mer-muted { color: var(--mer-grey); font-size: 14px; }
.mer-note { font-size: 13px; color: var(--mer-grey); margin-top: 28px; max-width: 80ch; }
.mer-note a { color: var(--mer-navy); }
.mer-section-title { font-size: clamp(26px, 3vw, 38px); }

/* Buttons and links */
.mer-btn { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 10px; font-family: var(--mer-sans); font-size: 15px; font-weight: 500; text-decoration: none !important; padding: 13px 20px; border-radius: var(--mer-radius); border: 1px solid transparent; transition: background-color .2s, color .2s, border-color .2s, transform .2s; line-height: 1.2; cursor: pointer; }
.mer-btn .mer-arrow { transition: transform .2s; flex: none; }
.mer-btn:hover .mer-arrow, .mer-link:hover .mer-arrow { transform: translateX(4px); }
.mer-btn--primary { background: var(--mer-navy); color: #fff !important; }
.mer-btn--primary:hover { background: var(--mer-navy-deep); }
.mer-btn--outline { border-color: var(--mer-navy); color: var(--mer-navy) !important; background: transparent; }
.mer-btn--outline:hover { background: var(--mer-navy); color: #fff !important; }
.mer-btn--gold { background: var(--mer-gold); color: var(--mer-navy-deep) !important; }
.mer-btn--gold:hover { background: var(--mer-gold-light); }
.mer-btn--text { padding: 0; color: var(--mer-navy) !important; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--mer-gold); border-radius: 0; padding-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 20px; }
.mer-link { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; color: var(--mer-navy) !important; text-decoration: none !important; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--mer-gold); padding-bottom: 3px; white-space: nowrap; }
.mer-link--light { color: #fff !important; }
.mer-link .mer-arrow { transition: transform .2s; }
.mer-actions { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 14px 20px; align-items: center; margin-top: 28px; }
.mer-root :focus-visible { outline: 2px solid var(--mer-gold); outline-offset: 3px; }

/* Section scaffolding */
.mer-section { padding: clamp(48px, 7vw, 88px) 0; }
.mer-section--tint { background: var(--mer-cream); }
.mer-section--ink { background: var(--mer-navy-deep); color: #EDEAE4; }
.mer-section--ink .mer-section-title, .mer-section--ink h3 { color: #fff; }
.mer-section--ink .mer-kicker { color: var(--mer-gold); }
.mer-section--ink .mer-link { color: #fff !important; }
.mer-section--ink .mer-note { color: #A9A7A2; }
.mer-section-head { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: flex-end; gap: 24px; margin-bottom: 32px; padding-bottom: 18px; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--mer-rule); }
.mer-section--ink .mer-section-head { border-color: rgba(255,255,255,.14); }

/* ---------- Hero ---------- */
.mer-hero { background: var(--mer-cream); padding: clamp(48px, 8vw, 104px) 0 clamp(48px, 6vw, 80px); border-bottom: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); }
.mer-hero__grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1.85fr) minmax(0, 1fr); gap: clamp(32px, 5vw, 72px); align-items: center; }
.mer-hero__title { font-size: clamp(40px, 5.6vw, 76px) !important; line-height: 1.02 !important; font-weight: 500 !important; color: var(--mer-navy-deep) !important; letter-spacing: -0.025em !important; }
.mer-hero__title em { font-style: italic; color: var(--mer-navy); position: relative; white-space: nowrap; }
.mer-hero__title em::after { content: ""; position: absolute; left: 0; right: 0; bottom: .04em; height: .07em; background: var(--mer-gold); transform-origin: left; animation: mer-rule 1.1s .3s cubic-bezier(.2,.7,.2,1) both; }
@keyframes mer-rule { from { transform: scaleX(0); } to { transform: scaleX(1); } }
.mer-hero__lede { font-size: clamp(17px, 1.5vw, 20px); color: var(--mer-grey-dark); max-width: 56ch; margin-top: 30px; }
.mer-search { display: flex; margin-top: 32px; max-width: 580px; border: 1px solid var(--mer-rule); background: #fff; border-radius: var(--mer-radius); transition: border-color .2s, box-shadow .2s; }
.mer-search:focus-within { border-color: var(--mer-navy); box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(4,29,85,.08); }
.mer-search input { flex: 1; min-width: 0; border: 0; padding: 15px 16px; font: inherit; font-size: 15px; background: transparent; color: var(--mer-ink); }
.mer-search input:focus { outline: none; }
.mer-search button { border: 0; background: transparent; color: var(--mer-navy); font: inherit; font-weight: 600; font-size: 14px; padding: 0 18px; cursor: pointer; border-left: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); }
.mer-search button:hover { color: var(--mer-gold-text); }
.mer-hero__aside { background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); border-top: 3px solid var(--mer-navy); padding: 28px; }
.mer-stats { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 24px 20px; margin: 0; }
.mer-stats div { margin: 0; }
.mer-stats dt { font-size: 12px; color: var(--mer-grey); order: 2; }
.mer-stats dd { font-family: var(--mer-serif); font-size: 40px; line-height: 1; margin: 0 0 6px; color: var(--mer-navy); }
.mer-stats div { display: flex; flex-direction: column-reverse; }
.mer-headlines { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; counter-reset: h; }
.mer-headlines li { border-top: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); counter-increment: h; }
.mer-headlines li:first-child { border-top: 0; }
.mer-headlines a { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 28px 1fr; padding: 14px 0; text-decoration: none; font-family: var(--mer-serif); font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.3; color: var(--mer-navy-deep); transition: color .2s; }
.mer-headlines a::before { content: counter(h, decimal-leading-zero); font-family: var(--mer-sans); font-size: 12px; color: var(--mer-gold-text); padding-top: 4px; grid-row: 1 / span 2; }
.mer-headlines a:hover { color: var(--mer-navy); text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-color: var(--mer-gold); text-underline-offset: 4px; }
.mer-headlines__cat { display: block; font-family: var(--mer-sans); font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: .1em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--mer-grey); margin-bottom: 4px; }

/* ---------- CTA strip / panel / band ---------- */
.mer-cta-strip { background: var(--mer-navy-deep); color: #EDEAE4; padding: 22px 0; }
.mer-cta-strip__inner { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: 24px 40px; }
.mer-cta-strip__title { font-family: var(--mer-serif); font-size: clamp(19px, 2vw, 24px); color: #fff; }
.mer-cta-strip__text { font-size: 14px; color: #B9B6AF; max-width: 78ch; margin-top: 4px; }
.mer-cta-strip .mer-btn--primary { background: var(--mer-gold); color: var(--mer-navy-deep) !important; flex: none; }
.mer-cta-strip .mer-btn--primary:hover { background: var(--mer-gold-light); }

.mer-cta-panel { background: var(--mer-cream); border-left: 3px solid var(--mer-gold); padding: 24px; }
.mer-cta-panel h3 { font-size: 22px; margin-bottom: 8px; }
.mer-cta-panel p:not(.mer-kicker) { font-size: 14px; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); margin-bottom: 18px; }

.mer-cta-band { background: var(--mer-navy); color: #E6E3DC; padding: clamp(56px, 8vw, 96px) 0; position: relative; overflow: hidden; }
.mer-cta-band::before { content: ""; position: absolute; inset: 0; background: repeating-linear-gradient(90deg, transparent 0 119px, rgba(255,255,255,.035) 119px 120px); pointer-events: none; }
.mer-cta-band__grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1.1fr; gap: 40px 72px; position: relative; }
.mer-cta-band .mer-section-title { color: #fff; }
.mer-cta-band .mer-lede { color: #C9C6BF; margin-top: 16px; }
.mer-disclaimer { grid-column: 1 / -1; font-size: 13px; color: #A9B0C4; border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.15); padding-top: 20px; }
.mer-steps { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; display: grid; gap: 0; }
.mer-steps li { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 56px 1fr; column-gap: 8px; padding: 20px 0; border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.15); }
.mer-steps li:first-child { border-top: 0; padding-top: 0; }
.mer-steps__n { font-family: var(--mer-serif); font-size: 28px; color: var(--mer-gold); line-height: 1; grid-row: 1 / span 2; }
.mer-steps h3 { color: #fff !important; font-size: 20px !important; margin-bottom: 6px !important; }
.mer-steps p { color: #C9C6BF; font-size: 15px; }
.mer-steps--dark { grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 32px; }
.mer-steps--dark li { border-top: 2px solid var(--mer-navy); padding-top: 20px !important; grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
.mer-steps--dark .mer-steps__n { color: var(--mer-gold-text); margin-bottom: 12px; font-size: 22px; }
.mer-steps--dark h3 { color: var(--mer-navy-deep) !important; }
.mer-steps--dark p { color: var(--mer-grey-dark); }

/* ---------- Chips and tabs ---------- */
.mer-chips { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 8px; margin: -8px 0 28px; }
.mer-chip { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; font-size: 13px; padding: 7px 12px; border: 1px solid var(--mer-rule); border-radius: 999px; text-decoration: none !important; color: var(--mer-grey-dark) !important; background: #fff; transition: border-color .2s, background .2s, color .2s; }
.mer-chip span { color: var(--mer-gold-text); font-weight: 600; font-size: 12px; }
.mer-chip:hover { border-color: var(--mer-navy); color: var(--mer-navy) !important; }
.mer-chip--active { background: var(--mer-navy); border-color: var(--mer-navy); color: #fff !important; }
.mer-chip--active span { color: var(--mer-gold-light); font-size: 15px; }
.mer-chip--active:hover { background: var(--mer-navy-deep); color: #fff !important; }
.mer-tabs { display: flex; gap: 4px; margin: -12px 0 28px; overflow-x: auto; scrollbar-width: none; }
.mer-tabs::-webkit-scrollbar { display: none; }
.mer-tab { font: inherit; font-size: 14px; padding: 8px 14px; border: 0; background: transparent; color: var(--mer-grey); cursor: pointer; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; white-space: nowrap; }
.mer-tab:hover { color: var(--mer-navy); }
.mer-tab.is-active { color: var(--mer-navy-deep); border-bottom-color: var(--mer-gold); font-weight: 600; }

/* ---------- Deal cards ---------- */
.mer-deal-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr)); gap: 20px; }
.mer-deal-card { position: relative; background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); border-top: 3px solid var(--mer-navy); padding: 22px 22px 18px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; transition: transform .25s ease, box-shadow .25s ease, border-color .25s; }
.mer-deal-card:hover { transform: translateY(-3px); box-shadow: 0 14px 30px -18px rgba(3,8,30,.35); border-top-color: var(--mer-gold); }
.mer-deal-card__top { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: baseline; gap: 12px; }
.mer-deal-card__top .mer-kicker { margin: 0; }
.mer-deal-card__year { font-size: 12px; color: var(--mer-grey); }
.mer-deal-card__title { font-size: 20px !important; line-height: 1.25 !important; margin: 12px 0 14px !important; }
.mer-deal-card__title a { text-decoration: none; }
.mer-deal-card__title a::after { content: ""; position: absolute; inset: 0; }
.mer-deal-card__title a:hover { text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-color: var(--mer-gold); text-underline-offset: 4px; }
.mer-deal-card__value { font-family: var(--mer-serif); font-size: 26px; color: var(--mer-navy); line-height: 1.1; }
.mer-deal-card__value span { font-family: var(--mer-sans); font-size: 13px; color: var(--mer-grey); }
.mer-deal-card__value.is-nd, .is-nd { color: var(--mer-grey); font-style: italic; }
.mer-deal-card__value.is-nd { font-size: 18px; }
.mer-deal-card__facts { margin: 16px 0 0; padding-top: 14px; border-top: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); display: grid; gap: 8px; font-size: 13px; flex: 1; }
.mer-deal-card__facts div { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 92px 1fr; gap: 8px; }
.mer-deal-card__facts dt { color: var(--mer-grey); }
.mer-deal-card__facts dd { margin: 0; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); }
.mer-deal-card__firms dd { font-weight: 600; color: var(--mer-navy-deep); }
.mer-prov { display: inline-block; font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: .04em; color: var(--mer-grey); margin-top: 14px; padding-left: 14px; position: relative; }
.mer-prov::before { content: ""; position: absolute; left: 0; top: 50%; width: 7px; height: 7px; border-radius: 50%; transform: translateY(-50%); border: 1px solid var(--mer-grey); }
.mer-prov--verified::before { background: var(--mer-navy); border-color: var(--mer-navy); }
.mer-prov--submitted::before { background: var(--mer-gold); border-color: var(--mer-gold); }

.mer-empty { border: 1px dashed var(--mer-rule); padding: 32px; text-align: center; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); background: var(--mer-paper); }
.mer-empty .mer-btn--text { margin-top: 12px; }

/* ---------- Feature ---------- */
.mer-feature { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.15fr 1fr; gap: clamp(28px, 4vw, 56px); align-items: center; }
.mer-feature__img { display: block; overflow: hidden; aspect-ratio: 4 / 3; background: var(--mer-pale); }
.mer-feature__img img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; transition: transform .6s ease; }
.mer-feature:hover .mer-feature__img img { transform: scale(1.03); }
.mer-feature__title { font-size: clamp(28px, 3.4vw, 44px) !important; }
.mer-feature__title a { text-decoration: none; }
.mer-feature__title a:hover { text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-color: var(--mer-gold); text-underline-offset: 6px; text-decoration-thickness: 2px; }
.mer-feature__excerpt { margin-top: 18px; font-size: 17px; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); }

/* ---------- Post cards ---------- */
.mer-post-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr)); gap: 40px 28px; }
.mer-post-grid--4 { grid-template-columns: repeat(4, minmax(0, 1fr)); }
.mer-post-card { display: flex; flex-direction: column; }
.mer-post-card[hidden] { display: none; }
.mer-post-card__img { display: block; aspect-ratio: 16 / 10; overflow: hidden; background: var(--mer-pale); margin-bottom: 18px; }
.mer-post-card__img img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; transition: transform .5s ease; }
.mer-post-card:hover .mer-post-card__img img { transform: scale(1.04); }
.mer-post-card__body { border-top: 1px solid var(--mer-rule); padding-top: 16px; }
.mer-post-card__img + .mer-post-card__body { border-top: 0; padding-top: 0; }
.mer-post-card__body .mer-kicker { margin-bottom: 8px; }
.mer-post-card__title { font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 1.28 !important; }
.mer-post-card__title a { text-decoration: none; }
.mer-post-card__title a:hover { text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-color: var(--mer-gold); text-underline-offset: 4px; }
.mer-post-card__excerpt { font-size: 15px; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); margin-top: 10px; }
.mer-post-card--report { background: #fff; padding: 26px; border: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); transition: box-shadow .25s, transform .25s; }
.mer-post-card--report:hover { transform: translateY(-3px); box-shadow: 0 14px 30px -18px rgba(3,8,30,.3); }
.mer-post-card--report .mer-post-card__body { border: 0; padding: 0; }

/* ---------- Data bars ---------- */
.mer-data-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr)); gap: 40px; }
.mer-data-grid h3 { font-size: 19px !important; margin-bottom: 18px !important; }
.mer-bars { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; }
.mer-bars li { margin: 0 0 14px; }
.mer-bars a { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr auto; row-gap: 6px; text-decoration: none; font-size: 14px; }
.mer-bars__n { font-weight: 600; color: var(--mer-gold); }
.mer-bars__track { grid-column: 1 / -1; height: 4px; background: rgba(255,255,255,.1); }
.mer-bars__track span { display: block; height: 100%; background: var(--mer-gold); transition: width .6s ease; }
.mer-bars a:hover .mer-bars__label { text-decoration: underline; }

/* ---------- Briefing ---------- */
.mer-briefing { background: var(--mer-cream); border-top: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); padding: clamp(48px, 7vw, 80px) 0; }
.mer-briefing__grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 40px; align-items: center; }
.mer-briefing .mer-lede { margin-top: 12px; }

/* ---------- Page heads ---------- */
.mer-page-head { background: var(--mer-cream); padding: clamp(40px, 7vw, 80px) 0 clamp(32px, 5vw, 56px); border-bottom: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); }
.mer-page-head__grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.6fr 1fr; gap: 40px; align-items: end; }
.mer-page-title { font-size: clamp(34px, 5vw, 60px) !important; line-height: 1.05 !important; margin-bottom: 18px !important; }
.mer-crumbs { font-size: 13px; color: var(--mer-grey); margin-bottom: 18px; }
.mer-crumbs a { color: var(--mer-navy); text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--mer-gold); }

/* ---------- Tracker filters ---------- */
.mer-filters-wrap { padding-top: 32px; padding-bottom: 8px; }
.mer-filters { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(4, minmax(0, 1fr)); gap: 14px 16px; padding: 20px; background: var(--mer-paper); border: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); }
.mer-filters__field { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 6px; min-width: 0; }
.mer-filters__field--search { grid-column: span 2; }
.mer-filters label { font-size: 11px; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: .1em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--mer-grey); }
.mer-filters input, .mer-filters select { font: inherit; font-size: 14px; padding: 10px 12px; border: 1px solid var(--mer-rule); border-radius: var(--mer-radius); background: #fff; color: var(--mer-ink); width: 100%; min-height: 44px; }
.mer-filters input:focus, .mer-filters select:focus { outline: none; border-color: var(--mer-navy); box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(4,29,85,.08); }
.mer-filters__actions { display: flex; align-items: flex-end; gap: 16px; }
.mer-filters__actions .mer-btn { padding: 11px 20px; min-height: 44px; }
.mer-filters-toggle { display: none; }
.mer-active { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 8px; margin-top: 16px; }
.mer-results { padding-bottom: 72px; }
.mer-results__count { font-size: 14px; color: var(--mer-grey); margin: 24px 0 12px; }

/* Table */
.mer-table { border-top: 2px solid var(--mer-navy-deep); }
.mer-table__head, .mer-table__row { display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 2.6fr) 60px minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, .9fr) minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 1.3fr); gap: 16px; padding: 16px 8px; align-items: start; }
.mer-table__head { font-size: 11px; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: .1em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--mer-grey); padding-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--mer-rule); }
.mer-table__row { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); font-size: 14px; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); transition: background-color .2s; }
.mer-table__row:hover { background: var(--mer-paper); }
.mer-table__deal .mer-kicker { font-size: 10px; margin-bottom: 4px; display: block; }
.mer-table__deal a { font-family: var(--mer-serif); font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.3; color: var(--mer-navy-deep); text-decoration: none; display: block; }
.mer-table__deal a:hover { text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-color: var(--mer-gold); text-underline-offset: 4px; }
.mer-table__deal .mer-prov { margin-top: 8px; }
.mer-table small { display: block; color: var(--mer-grey); font-size: 12px; }
.mer-table__firms { font-weight: 600; color: var(--mer-navy-deep); }
.mer-pager { display: flex; gap: 6px; margin-top: 28px; flex-wrap: wrap; }
.mer-pager a, .mer-pager span { min-width: 40px; height: 40px; display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; border: 1px solid var(--mer-rule); text-decoration: none; font-size: 14px; }
.mer-pager a:hover { border-color: var(--mer-navy); }
.mer-pager .is-current { background: var(--mer-navy); border-color: var(--mer-navy); color: #fff; }

/* ---------- Single record ---------- */
.mer-record__title { max-width: 26ch; }
.mer-record__grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) 320px; gap: clamp(32px, 5vw, 72px); padding-top: 48px; padding-bottom: 72px; }
.mer-record__aside { position: relative; }
.mer-record__aside .mer-cta-panel { position: sticky; top: 120px; }
.mer-facts { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(180px, 1fr)); gap: 0; margin: 0 0 40px; border-top: 2px solid var(--mer-navy-deep); }
.mer-facts div { padding: 16px 16px 16px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); }
.mer-facts dt { font-size: 11px; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: .1em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--mer-grey); margin-bottom: 6px; }
.mer-facts dd { margin: 0; font-size: 15px; color: var(--mer-navy-deep); }
.mer-prose { margin-bottom: 36px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.7; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); }
.mer-prose h2 { font-size: 24px !important; margin-bottom: 12px !important; }
.mer-prose p { margin-bottom: 12px; }
.mer-firm-list { list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 0 0 20px; }
.mer-firm-list li { padding: 10px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); display: flex; justify-content: space-between; gap: 12px; flex-wrap: wrap; }
.mer-firm-list a { font-weight: 600; color: var(--mer-navy); text-decoration: none; }
.mer-firm-list span { font-size: 13px; color: var(--mer-grey); }
.mer-lawyers { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 15px; }
.mer-lawyers th { text-align: left; font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: .1em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--mer-grey); padding: 8px 8px 8px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--mer-rule); }
.mer-lawyers td { padding: 10px 8px 10px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); }
.mer-sources { background: var(--mer-paper); border: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); padding: 24px; font-size: 15px; }
.mer-sources__note { font-size: 14px; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); font-style: italic; }
.mer-sources ul { margin: 12px 0; padding-left: 18px; }
.mer-sources a { color: var(--mer-navy); }
.mer-sources__fix { font-size: 13px; color: var(--mer-grey); }

/* ---------- Submission page ---------- */
.mer-page-head--submit .mer-page-title { max-width: 18ch; }
.mer-assurances { list-style: none; display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 24px; padding: 0; margin: 36px 0 0; }
.mer-assurances li { font-size: 14px; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); border-top: 2px solid var(--mer-gold); padding-top: 14px; }
.mer-assurances strong { display: block; color: var(--mer-navy-deep); font-weight: 600; margin-bottom: 4px; }
.mer-submit__grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 280px minmax(0, 1fr); gap: clamp(32px, 5vw, 72px); padding-top: 56px; padding-bottom: 72px; align-items: start; }
.mer-submit__aside { position: sticky; top: 110px; }
.mer-submit__note { margin-top: 28px; font-size: 14px; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); }
.mer-submit__note h2 { font-size: 18px !important; margin-bottom: 8px !important; }
.mer-progress__bar { height: 4px; background: var(--mer-pale); overflow: hidden; }
.mer-progress__bar span { display: block; height: 100%; width: 0; background: var(--mer-navy); transition: width .4s ease; }
.mer-progress__label { font-size: 13px; color: var(--mer-grey); margin: 10px 0 14px; }
.mer-progress__list { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; border-left: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); }
.mer-progress__list a { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 10px; padding: 7px 0 7px 16px; margin-left: -1px; border-left: 2px solid transparent; text-decoration: none; font-size: 14px; color: var(--mer-grey); transition: color .2s, border-color .2s; }
.mer-progress__list a:hover { color: var(--mer-navy); }
.mer-progress__list a.is-current { color: var(--mer-navy-deep); border-left-color: var(--mer-gold); font-weight: 600; }
.mer-progress__list a .mer-tick { width: 16px; height: 16px; border-radius: 50%; border: 1px solid var(--mer-rule); flex: none; display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; font-size: 10px; color: #fff; }
.mer-progress__list a.is-done .mer-tick { background: var(--mer-navy); border-color: var(--mer-navy); }
.mer-progress__list a.is-done .mer-tick::after { content: "✓"; }
.mer-fineprint { margin-top: 40px; padding: 24px; background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); font-size: 14px; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); }

/* ---------- Fluent Forms skin (scoped) ---------- */
.mer-root .fluentform { font-family: var(--mer-sans); }
.mer-root .fluentform .ff-el-group { margin-bottom: 22px; }
.mer-root .fluentform .ff-el-input--label label { font-size: 14px; font-weight: 600; color: var(--mer-navy-deep); }
.mer-root .fluentform .ff-el-form-control { border: 1px solid var(--mer-rule); border-radius: var(--mer-radius); padding: 11px 13px; font-size: 15px; min-height: 46px; background: #fff; color: var(--mer-ink); transition: border-color .2s, box-shadow .2s; }
.mer-root .fluentform textarea.ff-el-form-control { min-height: 96px; }
.mer-root .fluentform .ff-el-form-control:focus { border-color: var(--mer-navy); box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(4,29,85,.08); outline: none; }
.mer-root .fluentform .ff-el-help-message { font-size: 13px; color: var(--mer-grey); font-style: normal; margin-top: 6px; }
.mer-root .fluentform .ff-el-is-error .ff-el-form-control { border-color: #b32d2e; }
.mer-root .fluentform .error, .mer-root .fluentform .text-danger { font-size: 13px; color: #b32d2e; }
.mer-root .fluentform .ff-el-section-break { margin: 48px 0 24px; padding-top: 28px; border-top: 1px solid var(--mer-rule); scroll-margin-top: 120px; }
.mer-root .fluentform .ff-el-section-break:first-child, .mer-root .fluentform .ff-el-section-break.mer-first { margin-top: 0; padding-top: 0; border-top: 0; }
.mer-root .fluentform .ff-el-section-title { font-family: var(--mer-serif) !important; font-size: 28px !important; font-weight: 500 !important; color: var(--mer-navy-deep) !important; margin: 0 0 6px !important; }
.mer-root .fluentform .ff-section_break_desk { font-size: 15px; color: var(--mer-grey); }
.mer-root .fluentform .ff-el-section-break hr { display: none; }
.mer-root .fluentform .ff-el-form-check-label { font-size: 15px; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); }
.mer-root .fluentform .ff-el-form-check { margin-bottom: 8px; }
.mer-root .fluentform input[type=radio], .mer-root .fluentform input[type=checkbox] { accent-color: var(--mer-navy); width: 17px; height: 17px; }
.mer-root .fluentform .ff-el-tc label, .mer-root .fluentform .ff_t_c { font-size: 14px; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); line-height: 1.55; }
.mer-root .fluentform .ff-btn-submit, .mer-root .fluentform .mer-ff-submit { background: var(--mer-navy) !important; color: #fff !important; border-radius: var(--mer-radius) !important; padding: 16px 28px !important; font-size: 16px !important; font-weight: 500 !important; border: 0 !important; transition: background-color .2s; }
.mer-root .fluentform .ff-btn-submit:hover { background: var(--mer-navy-deep) !important; }
.mer-root .mer-ff-notice { background: #FBF7EE; border-left: 3px solid var(--mer-gold); padding: 14px 16px; font-size: 14px; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); }
.mer-root .mer-ff-notice strong { color: var(--mer-navy-deep); }
.mer-root .ff-message-success { border: 0 !important; box-shadow: none !important; padding: 0 !important; background: transparent !important; }
.mer-root .mer-ff-confirm { background: var(--mer-cream); border-top: 3px solid var(--mer-navy); padding: 32px; }
.mer-root .mer-ff-confirm h3 { font-size: 28px; margin-bottom: 12px; }
.mer-root .mer-ff-confirm p:not(.mer-kicker) { margin-bottom: 10px; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); }
.mer-root .ff-t-container { gap: 20px; }
.mer-root .mer-briefing .fluentform .ff-el-group { margin-bottom: 14px; }
.mer-root .mer-briefing .ff-btn-submit { width: 100%; }
.mer-root .mer-char { font-size: 12px; color: var(--mer-grey); text-align: right; margin-top: 4px; }

/* Uploader */
.mer-root .mer-upload__label { display: block; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 600; color: var(--mer-navy-deep); margin-bottom: 8px; }
.mer-root .mer-upload__row { display: flex; gap: 12px; align-items: center; flex-wrap: wrap; border: 1px dashed var(--mer-rule); padding: 14px; background: var(--mer-paper); }
.mer-root .mer-upload__row input[type=file] { font-size: 14px; max-width: 100%; }
.mer-root .mer-upload__remove { font: inherit; font-size: 13px; background: none; border: 0; color: #b32d2e; text-decoration: underline; cursor: pointer; }
.mer-root .mer-upload__help { font-size: 13px; color: var(--mer-grey); margin-top: 6px; }
.mer-root .mer-upload__status { font-size: 13px; margin-top: 6px; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); }
.mer-root .mer-upload__status.is-ok { color: #1e6b3a; }
.mer-root .mer-upload__status.is-error { color: #b32d2e; }

/* Header navigation call to action (theme navigation block) */
.wp-block-navigation .mer-nav-cta > a, .wp-block-navigation-item.mer-nav-cta .wp-block-navigation-item__content { background: #041D55; color: #fff !important; padding: 9px 16px !important; border-radius: 2px; transition: background-color .2s; }
.wp-block-navigation .mer-nav-cta > a:hover, .wp-block-navigation-item.mer-nav-cta .wp-block-navigation-item__content:hover { background: #03081E; }
.wp-block-navigation__responsive-container.is-menu-open .mer-nav-cta .wp-block-navigation-item__content { display: inline-block; margin-top: 8px; }

@media (min-width: 782px) {
	header .wp-block-navigation .wp-block-navigation-item__content { font-size: 15px; }
	header .wp-block-navigation .wp-block-navigation__container { gap: 1.5rem; }
}
@media (min-width: 782px) and (max-width: 1180px) {
	header .wp-block-navigation .wp-block-navigation-item__content { font-size: 14px; }
	header .wp-block-navigation .wp-block-navigation__container { gap: .95rem; }
	.wp-block-navigation .mer-nav-cta > a, .wp-block-navigation-item.mer-nav-cta .wp-block-navigation-item__content { padding: 8px 12px !important; }
}

/* Grid children must be allowed to shrink (prevents mobile overflow). */
.mer-submit__grid > *, .mer-record__grid > *, .mer-hero__grid > *, .mer-page-head__grid > *, .mer-cta-band__grid > *, .mer-briefing__grid > * { min-width: 0; }


/* ===== v1.1: cards, feeds, connected content ===== */
.mer-deal-card__value { margin-top: 14px; }
.mer-deal-card__value span { display: inline-block; margin-left: 6px; }
.mer-deal-card__title { font-size: 19px !important; margin: 10px 0 10px !important; }
.mer-deal-card__dek { font-size: 15px; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); margin-bottom: 12px; }
.mer-deal-card__parties { font-size: 13px; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); margin-bottom: 8px; }
.mer-deal-card__tags { font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: .02em; color: var(--mer-grey); margin-bottom: 14px; }
.mer-deal-card__foot { margin-top: auto; padding-top: 14px; border-top: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 10px; }
.mer-deal-card__firms { font-size: 13px; font-weight: 600; color: var(--mer-navy-deep); }
.mer-deal-card__firms span { font-weight: 400; color: var(--mer-grey); }
.mer-deal-card__firms a { position: relative; z-index: 2; text-decoration: none; }
.mer-deal-card__firms a:hover { text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-color: var(--mer-gold); }
.mer-deal-card__more { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 500; color: var(--mer-navy); }
.mer-deal-card:hover .mer-deal-card__more .mer-arrow { transform: translateX(4px); }
.mer-deal-card__more .mer-arrow { transition: transform .2s; }
.mer-deal-grid--featured { grid-template-columns: repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr)); }
.mer-section--ink .mer-deal-card { background: #0B1433; border-color: rgba(255,255,255,.1); border-top-color: var(--mer-gold); color: #E6E3DC; }
.mer-section--ink .mer-deal-card__title a, .mer-section--ink .mer-deal-card__firms, .mer-section--ink .mer-deal-card__firms a { color: #fff !important; }
.mer-section--ink .mer-deal-card__value { color: var(--mer-gold-light); font-size: 30px; }
.mer-section--ink .mer-deal-card__dek, .mer-section--ink .mer-deal-card__parties { color: #C9C6BF; }
.mer-section--ink .mer-deal-card__tags, .mer-section--ink .mer-deal-card__year, .mer-section--ink .mer-deal-card__firms span { color: #9DA3B4; }
.mer-section--ink .mer-deal-card__foot { border-color: rgba(255,255,255,.12); }
.mer-section--ink .mer-deal-card__more { color: var(--mer-gold); }
.mer-section-note { font-size: 13px; color: #A9A7A2; margin: -18px 0 26px; }
.mer-section--ink .mer-kicker { color: var(--mer-gold); }

/* Hero feed */
.mer-hero__aside { padding: 22px 24px; }
.mer-feed-head { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: baseline; margin-bottom: 6px; }
.mer-feed-head .mer-kicker { margin: 0; }
.mer-feed-head .mer-link { font-size: 13px; }
.mer-deal-rows { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; }
.mer-deal-row { border-top: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); }
.mer-deal-row:first-child { border-top: 0; }
.mer-deal-row a { display: block; padding: 14px 0; text-decoration: none; }
.mer-deal-row__meta { display: block; font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: .1em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--mer-gold-text); margin-bottom: 4px; }
.mer-deal-row__title { display: block; font-family: var(--mer-serif); font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.3; color: var(--mer-navy-deep); }
.mer-deal-row a:hover .mer-deal-row__title { text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-color: var(--mer-gold); text-underline-offset: 4px; }
.mer-deal-row__foot { display: flex; gap: 10px; flex-wrap: wrap; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 6px; color: var(--mer-grey); }
.mer-deal-row__foot strong { color: var(--mer-navy); font-weight: 600; }
.mer-stats--inline { display: flex; gap: 32px; margin-top: 30px; padding-top: 20px; border-top: 1px solid var(--mer-rule); }
.mer-stats--inline dd { font-size: 30px; }

/* Latest intelligence */
.mer-intel { display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1.5fr) minmax(0, 1fr); gap: clamp(28px, 4vw, 56px); }
.mer-intel .mer-feature { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 20px; align-items: start; }
.mer-intel .mer-feature__img { aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; }
.mer-feature--text { border-top: 3px solid var(--mer-navy); padding-top: 24px; }
.mer-feature--text .mer-feature__title { font-size: clamp(30px, 3.6vw, 46px) !important; }
.mer-intel__list { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; border-top: 1px solid var(--mer-rule); }
.mer-intel__list li { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); }
.mer-intel__list a { display: block; padding: 16px 0; text-decoration: none; }
.mer-intel__list .mer-kicker { display: block; margin-bottom: 6px; font-size: 10px; }
.mer-intel__title { display: block; font-family: var(--mer-serif); font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.3; color: var(--mer-navy-deep); }
.mer-intel__list a:hover .mer-intel__title { text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-color: var(--mer-gold); text-underline-offset: 4px; }
.mer-intel__list .mer-meta { display: block; margin-top: 6px; }

/* Legal market / Business & law split */
.mer-split { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: clamp(28px, 4vw, 56px); }
.mer-split__col { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 16px; }
.mer-split__col .mer-section-head { margin-bottom: 8px; }
.mer-split__col .mer-section-title { font-size: clamp(24px, 2.4vw, 30px) !important; }

/* Articles */
.mer-standfirst { font-family: var(--mer-serif, Georgia, serif); font-size: 1.25em; line-height: 1.45; color: #2D2D2D; margin-bottom: 1.2em; }
.mer-article-tags { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 8px 18px; font-size: 13px; color: #6B6B6B; border-top: 1px solid #E8E4DF; border-bottom: 1px solid #E8E4DF; padding: 10px 0; margin-bottom: 1.6em; }
.mer-article-tags em { font-style: normal; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: .08em; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 11px; color: #7D6636; margin-right: 4px; }
.mer-article-extras { margin-top: 2.4em; display: grid; gap: 16px; }
.mer-article-box { background: #F5F1EC; border-left: 3px solid #C8A96E; padding: 18px 20px; font-size: 15px; }
.mer-article-box h2 { font-size: 13px !important; font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif !important; letter-spacing: .12em; text-transform: uppercase; color: #7D6636; margin: 0 0 10px !important; }
.mer-article-box ul { margin: 0; padding-left: 18px; }
.mer-article-deals { list-style: none; padding: 0 !important; }
.mer-article-deals li + li { margin-top: 10px; }
.mer-article-deals a { text-decoration: none; color: #03081E; font-family: 'Playfair Display', Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; }
.mer-article-deals .mer-kicker { display: block; font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif; font-size: 10px; margin-bottom: 2px; }
.mer-article-deals strong { font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #041D55; margin-left: 6px; }
.mer-article-firms { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 8px; margin: 0; }
.mer-article-firms a { border: 1px solid #D4CFC9; background: #fff; padding: 5px 10px; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; color: #041D55; }
.mer-article-sources a { color: #041D55; }
.mer-page .mer-article-box ~ * { max-width: none; }

/* Firm pages */
.mer-firm__facts { font-size: 15px; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); margin-bottom: 12px; }
.mer-firm__facts a { color: var(--mer-navy); }
.mer-firm-index { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr)); gap: 0 32px; }
.mer-firm-index li { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); }
.mer-firm-index a { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 4px; padding: 16px 0; text-decoration: none; }
.mer-firm-index__name { font-family: var(--mer-serif); font-size: 20px; color: var(--mer-navy-deep); }
.mer-firm-index a:hover .mer-firm-index__name { text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-color: var(--mer-gold); text-underline-offset: 4px; }
.mer-firm-index__meta { font-size: 13px; color: var(--mer-grey); }

@media (max-width: 1080px) {
	.mer-deal-grid--featured { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
	.mer-firm-index { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr)); }
}
@media (max-width: 860px) {
	.mer-intel, .mer-split { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
	.mer-stats--inline { gap: 20px; }
}
@media (max-width: 600px) {
	.mer-firm-index { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
	.mer-stats--inline dd { font-size: 24px; }
	.mer-stats--inline dt { font-size: 11px; }
}


/* ===== v1.2: TV, events, index, work with Meridian ===== */
.mer-video-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr)); gap: 32px 24px; }
.mer-video { display: flex; flex-direction: column; }
.mer-video__thumb, .mer-video__play { position: relative; display: block; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; overflow: hidden; background: var(--mer-navy-deep); border: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; cursor: pointer; }
.mer-video__thumb img, .mer-video__play img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; opacity: .92; transition: opacity .2s, transform .5s; }
.mer-video__thumb:hover img, .mer-video__play:hover img { opacity: 1; transform: scale(1.03); }
.mer-video__icon { position: absolute; left: 16px; bottom: 16px; width: 44px; height: 44px; border-radius: 50%; background: rgba(3,8,30,.82); border: 1px solid var(--mer-gold); }
.mer-video__icon::after { content: ""; position: absolute; left: 17px; top: 13px; border-left: 13px solid var(--mer-gold); border-top: 9px solid transparent; border-bottom: 9px solid transparent; }
.mer-video__frame iframe { width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; border: 0; display: block; }
.mer-video__body { padding-top: 14px; }
.mer-video__body .mer-kicker { margin-bottom: 6px; }
.mer-video__title { font-size: 18px !important; line-height: 1.3 !important; }
.mer-video__person { font-size: 14px; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); margin-top: 6px; }
.mer-video__dek { font-size: 14px; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); margin-top: 8px; }
.mer-video .mer-meta a { color: var(--mer-navy); }

.mer-event-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(4, minmax(0, 1fr)); gap: 20px; }
.mer-event { background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); border-top: 3px solid var(--mer-gold); padding: 20px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; }
.mer-event__date { font-family: var(--mer-serif); font-size: 20px; color: var(--mer-navy); margin-bottom: 10px; }
.mer-event .mer-kicker { margin-bottom: 6px; font-size: 10px; }
.mer-event__title { font-size: 18px !important; line-height: 1.3 !important; }
.mer-event__title a { text-decoration: none; }
.mer-event__title a:hover { text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-color: var(--mer-gold); text-underline-offset: 4px; }
.mer-event__meta { font-size: 13px; color: var(--mer-grey); margin-top: 10px; }
.mer-event__why { font-size: 14px; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); margin: 12px 0 16px; flex: 1; }
.mer-event__link { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 500; color: var(--mer-navy) !important; text-decoration: none; }
.mer-section-note--dark { color: var(--mer-grey) !important; }

.mer-index-card { border-top: 3px solid var(--mer-navy-deep); padding-top: 24px; }
.mer-index-card__head { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: flex-end; gap: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; }
.mer-index-card__intro { font-size: 15px; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); max-width: 60ch; margin-top: 8px; }
.mer-index-card__links { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 12px; align-items: flex-end; }
.mer-index-card__status { font-size: 13px; color: var(--mer-grey); margin-top: 14px; max-width: 90ch; }
.mer-index-table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 14px; }
.mer-index-table th { text-align: left; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: .1em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--mer-grey); padding: 10px 12px 10px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--mer-rule); }
.mer-index-table td { padding: 12px 12px 12px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); vertical-align: top; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); }
.mer-index-table td a { color: var(--mer-navy-deep); font-weight: 600; text-decoration: none; }
.mer-index-table td a:hover { text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-color: var(--mer-gold); }
.mer-index-table__nr { font-size: 12px; color: var(--mer-grey) !important; white-space: nowrap; }
.mer-index-ext { font-size: 13px; }
.mer-index-ext a { font-weight: 400 !important; color: var(--mer-navy) !important; }
.mer-table-scroll { overflow-x: auto; }
.mer-table-scroll table { min-width: 860px; }
.mer-practice-list { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr)); gap: 0 32px; }
.mer-practice-list li { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; gap: 12px; padding: 12px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); font-size: 15px; }
.mer-practice-list em { font-style: normal; font-size: 12px; color: var(--mer-grey); white-space: nowrap; }
.mer-method__body { max-width: 860px; padding-top: 48px; padding-bottom: 72px; }
.mer-method__body section { margin-bottom: 36px; }
.mer-method__body h2 { font-size: 26px !important; margin-bottom: 12px !important; }
.mer-method__body p, .mer-method__body li { font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.7; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); }
.mer-method__body p + p { margin-top: 12px; }
.mer-method__body ul { padding-left: 20px; margin: 0; }

.mer-work__hero .mer-hero__title { max-width: 16ch; }
.mer-work__audience-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 2fr; gap: 40px; align-items: center; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--mer-rule); padding-bottom: 40px; }
.mer-work__stat { font-family: var(--mer-serif); font-size: clamp(48px, 6vw, 72px); color: var(--mer-navy); line-height: 1; }
.mer-work__stat-label { font-size: 15px; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); margin-top: 8px; }
.mer-work__roles { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 10px; }
.mer-work__roles li { border: 1px solid var(--mer-rule); padding: 8px 14px; font-size: 14px; color: var(--mer-navy-deep); }
.mer-tiers { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr)); gap: 24px; }
.mer-tier { background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); border-top: 3px solid var(--mer-navy); padding: 28px; }
.mer-tier .mer-steps__n { color: var(--mer-gold-text); font-size: 22px; display: block; margin-bottom: 12px; }
.mer-tier h3 { font-size: 26px !important; margin-bottom: 10px !important; }
.mer-tier__for { font-size: 15px; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); margin-bottom: 16px; }
.mer-tier ul, .mer-phase ul, .mer-work__list { margin: 0; padding: 0; list-style: none; }
.mer-tier li, .mer-phase li { font-size: 14px; padding: 8px 0; border-top: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); color: var(--mer-grey-dark); }
.mer-phases { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr)); gap: 32px; }
.mer-phase h3 { font-size: 20px !important; margin-bottom: 12px !important; padding-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 2px solid var(--mer-gold); }
.mer-work__reports, .mer-work__why, .mer-work__indep, .mer-work__cta-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: clamp(28px, 5vw, 72px); align-items: start; }
.mer-lede--light { color: #C9C6BF !important; margin-top: 14px; }
.mer-work__list li { font-size: 15px; padding: 10px 0; border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.14); color: #E6E3DC; }
.mer-work__list--dark li { color: var(--mer-grey-dark); border-top-color: var(--mer-rule); }
.mer-work__principle { font-family: var(--mer-serif); font-style: italic; font-size: 24px; color: var(--mer-gold-text); margin-top: 16px; }
.mer-work__cta { border-top: 1px solid var(--mer-rule); }
.mer-work__form { background: var(--mer-paper); border: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); padding: 24px; }
.mer-work-link { padding-top: 24px; padding-bottom: 32px; }

@media (max-width: 1080px) {
	.mer-event-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr)); }
	.mer-practice-list { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr)); }
}
@media (max-width: 860px) {
	.mer-video-grid--page, .mer-tiers, .mer-phases, .mer-work__reports, .mer-work__why, .mer-work__indep, .mer-work__cta-grid, .mer-work__audience-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
	.mer-video-grid:not(.mer-video-grid--page) { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr)); }
	.mer-index-card__head { flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; }
	.mer-index-card__links { align-items: flex-start; flex-direction: row; flex-wrap: wrap; }
}
@media (max-width: 600px) {
	.mer-video-grid.mer-scroll-x { display: flex; overflow-x: auto; scroll-snap-type: x mandatory; gap: 14px; margin-right: calc(var(--mer-gutter) * -1); padding-right: var(--mer-gutter); }
	.mer-video-grid.mer-scroll-x .mer-video { flex: 0 0 82%; scroll-snap-align: start; }
	.mer-event-grid, .mer-practice-list { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
	.mer-index-home .mer-index-table th:nth-child(3), .mer-index-home .mer-index-table td:nth-child(3) { display: none; }
	.mer-index-table { font-size: 13px; }
}

/* ---------- Responsive ---------- */
@media (max-width: 1080px) {
	.mer-deal-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr)); }
	.mer-post-grid--4 { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr)); }
	.mer-filters { grid-template-columns: repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr)); }
	.mer-table__head { display: none; }
	.mer-table__row { grid-template-columns: repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr)); gap: 12px 16px; padding: 20px 4px; }
	.mer-table__row > span::before { content: attr(data-label); display: block; font-size: 10px; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: .1em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--mer-grey); margin-bottom: 2px; }
	.mer-table__row > .mer-table__deal { grid-column: 1 / -1; }
	.mer-table__row > .mer-table__deal::before { display: none; }
	.mer-table__row > .mer-table__firms { grid-column: 1 / -1; }
}

@media (max-width: 860px) {
	.mer-hero__grid, .mer-feature, .mer-cta-band__grid, .mer-briefing__grid, .mer-page-head__grid, .mer-record__grid, .mer-submit__grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
	.mer-data-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 32px; }
	.mer-post-grid, .mer-post-grid--3 { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr)); }
	.mer-cta-strip__inner { flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; }
	.mer-steps--dark, .mer-assurances { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
	.mer-submit__aside, .mer-record__aside .mer-cta-panel { position: static; }
	.mer-submit__aside { order: 0; }
	.mer-progress__list { display: flex; overflow-x: auto; border-left: 0; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); gap: 4px; scrollbar-width: none; }
	.mer-progress__list a { border-left: 0; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; padding: 8px 10px 8px 0; margin: 0 0 -1px; white-space: nowrap; }
	.mer-progress__list a.is-current { border-bottom-color: var(--mer-gold); }
	.mer-submit__note { display: none; }
	.mer-submit__aside { position: sticky; top: 0; z-index: 5; background: #fff; padding: 12px 0; }
	.mer-filters-toggle { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 6px; font: inherit; font-weight: 600; font-size: 14px; padding: 11px 16px; border: 1px solid var(--mer-navy); background: #fff; color: var(--mer-navy); border-radius: var(--mer-radius); cursor: pointer; min-height: 44px; }
	.mer-filters-toggle span { color: var(--mer-gold-text); }
	.mer-filters { display: none; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; margin-top: 12px; }
	.mer-filters.is-open { display: grid; }
	.mer-filters__field--search { grid-column: 1 / -1; }
	.mer-hero__aside { padding: 22px; }
}

@media (max-width: 600px) {
	.mer-hero__lede { margin-top: 22px; }
	.mer-post-card--default { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 96px minmax(0, 1fr); gap: 16px; align-items: start; }
	.mer-post-card--default .mer-post-card__img { aspect-ratio: 1; margin: 0; }
	.mer-post-card--default .mer-post-card__title { font-size: 18px !important; }
	.mer-post-card--default .mer-post-card__body { border-top: 0; padding-top: 0; }
	.mer-post-grid:not(.mer-post-grid--3):not(.mer-post-grid--4) { gap: 24px; }
	.mer-feature__excerpt { display: -webkit-box; -webkit-line-clamp: 4; -webkit-box-orient: vertical; overflow: hidden; }
	.mer-deal-grid.mer-scroll-x { display: flex; overflow-x: auto; scroll-snap-type: x mandatory; gap: 14px; margin-right: calc(var(--mer-gutter) * -1); padding-right: var(--mer-gutter); padding-bottom: 8px; scrollbar-width: thin; }
	.mer-deal-grid.mer-scroll-x .mer-deal-card { flex: 0 0 84%; scroll-snap-align: start; }
	.mer-post-grid, .mer-post-grid--3, .mer-post-grid--4 { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 32px; }
	.mer-section-head { flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; }
	.mer-actions { flex-direction: column; align-items: stretch; }
	.mer-actions .mer-btn { justify-content: center; }
	.mer-actions .mer-link { align-self: flex-start; }
	.mer-filters { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
	.mer-filters__actions { flex-direction: row; align-items: center; }
	.mer-table__row { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
	.mer-stats dd { font-size: 32px; }
	.mer-hero__title em { white-space: normal; }
	.mer-cta-strip .mer-btn { width: 100%; justify-content: center; }
	.mer-root .ff-t-container { display: block !important; }
	.mer-root .ff-t-container .ff-t-cell { width: 100% !important; }
	.mer-sources { padding: 18px; }
	.mer-lawyers { font-size: 14px; }
}

@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
	.mer-root *, .mer-root *::after { animation: none !important; transition: none !important; }
}

.mer-work-link .mer-link { white-space: normal; }

.mer-image-credit{font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#6b6b6b;margin:0 0 14px}
.mer-image-credit a{color:inherit}

/* West Africa 50 */
.mer-table-scroll { overflow-x: auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; }
.mer-index-table__ev { font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.45; min-width: 260px; }
.mer-index-table__ev a { color: inherit; text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-color: var(--mer-rule); }
.mer-method { padding-left: 1.2rem; max-width: 820px; }
.mer-method li { margin: 0 0 .8rem; line-height: 1.6; }
.mer-disclosure { max-width: 820px; font-size: 14px; border-left: 3px solid var(--mer-rule); padding-left: 12px; }

/* The Meridian Briefing: sign-up components */
.mer-bf { font-family: var(--mer-sans); }
.mer-bf__row { display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, .8fr) minmax(0, 1.2fr) auto; gap: 10px; align-items: end; }
.mer-bf__f { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 6px; margin: 0; min-width: 0; }
.mer-bf__f span { font-size: 11px; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: .08em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); }
.mer-bf__f input { width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; font: 400 15px/1.2 var(--mer-sans); padding: 12px 14px; border: 1px solid var(--mer-rule); border-radius: var(--mer-radius); background: #fff; color: var(--mer-ink); }
.mer-bf__f input:focus { outline: 2px solid var(--mer-gold); outline-offset: 1px; border-color: var(--mer-navy); }
.mer-bf__btn { justify-content: center; white-space: nowrap; }
.mer-bf__btn[disabled] { opacity: .6; cursor: wait; }
.mer-bf__hp { position: absolute !important; left: -9999px !important; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; }
.mer-bf__note { margin: 10px 0 0; font-size: 12.5px; color: var(--mer-grey); }
.mer-bf__note a { color: inherit; text-decoration: underline; }
.mer-bf__msg { margin: 6px 0 0; font-size: 13px; color: var(--mer-navy); min-height: 1em; }
.mer-bf__msg:empty { display: none; }
.mer-bf__ok { margin: 0; font: 500 15px/1.5 var(--mer-sans); color: var(--mer-navy); padding: 14px 16px; border-left: 2px solid var(--mer-gold); background: rgba(255,255,255,.6); }
.mer-briefing .mer-bf__row { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
.mer-briefing .mer-bf__btn { width: 100%; }

/* Contextual embedded block (reuses the Briefing band language) */
.mer-bfx { background: var(--mer-cream); border-top: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); border-bottom: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); padding: clamp(32px, 5vw, 56px) var(--mer-gutter); margin: clamp(32px, 5vw, 56px) 0 0; clear: both; }
.mer-bfx__in { max-width: var(--mer-max); margin: 0 auto; display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 1.25fr); gap: clamp(20px, 4vw, 48px); align-items: center; }
.mer-bfx__h { font-family: var(--mer-serif); font-weight: 500; font-size: clamp(22px, 2.6vw, 30px); line-height: 1.2; color: var(--mer-navy-deep); margin: 8px 0 10px; }
.mer-bfx__l { margin: 0; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.55; }
.single-post .mer-bfx { max-width: 760px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 28px clamp(18px, 3vw, 32px); border: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); }
.single-post .mer-bfx__in { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 16px; }
.mer-bfx--footer { margin-top: 0; }
.mer-bf-line { border-top: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); border-bottom: 1px solid var(--mer-pale); padding: 12px 0; font: 400 14px/1.5 var(--mer-sans) !important; color: var(--mer-grey-dark); }
.mer-bf-line span { font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: .06em; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 11px; color: var(--mer-gold-text); margin-right: 8px; }
.mer-bf-line a { color: var(--mer-navy); font-weight: 500; }

/* Header CTA */
.mer-bf-hcta { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; margin-left: 14px; padding: 8px 14px; font: 600 12px/1 var(--mer-sans); letter-spacing: .08em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--mer-navy-deep) !important; background: var(--mer-gold); border-radius: var(--mer-radius); text-decoration: none !important; white-space: nowrap; flex: none; }
.mer-bf-hcta:hover { background: var(--mer-gold-light); }

/* Slide-in */
.mer-bfs { position: fixed; right: 20px; bottom: 20px; z-index: 9990; width: min(360px, calc(100vw - 32px)); box-sizing: border-box; background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--mer-rule); border-top: 2px solid var(--mer-gold); box-shadow: 0 12px 40px rgba(3, 8, 30, .14); padding: 18px 20px 20px; font-family: var(--mer-sans); transform: translateY(calc(100% + 40px)); opacity: 0; visibility: hidden; transition: transform .35s ease, opacity .35s ease, visibility .35s; }
.mer-bfs.is-open { transform: none; opacity: 1; visibility: visible; }
.mer-bfs.is-open.is-tucked { transform: translateY(calc(100% + 40px)); opacity: 0; visibility: hidden; }
.mer-bfs__x { position: absolute; top: 6px; right: 8px; background: none; border: 0; font-size: 22px; line-height: 1; color: var(--mer-grey); cursor: pointer; padding: 6px; }
.mer-bfs .mer-kicker { margin: 0 0 6px; }
.mer-bfs__h { font-family: var(--mer-serif); font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.25; color: var(--mer-navy-deep); margin: 0 24px 6px 0; }
.mer-bfs__l { margin: 0 0 14px; font-size: 13px; color: var(--mer-grey); }
.mer-bfs .mer-bf__row { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
.mer-bfs .mer-bf__btn, .mer-bfs__go { width: 100%; justify-content: center; }
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) { .mer-bfs { transition: none; } }

@media (max-width: 860px) {
	.mer-bfx__in { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
	.mer-bf__row { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
	.mer-bf__btn { grid-column: 1 / -1; width: 100%; }
}
@media (max-width: 560px) {
	.mer-bf__row { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
	.mer-bfs { right: 0; left: 0; bottom: 0; width: 100%; border-left: 0; border-right: 0; padding: 14px 16px 16px; }
	.mer-bfs__h { font-size: 17px; }
	.mer-bf-hcta { margin-left: 8px; padding: 7px 10px; font-size: 11px; }
}