MDC Partners Inc Annual Report 2008

FY2008 Annual Report · MDC Partners Inc
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                                                  “WHERE GREAT TALENT LIVES” 

2008 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dear Fellow Shareholders:   

I am exceedingly proud of our accomplishments in 2008, a year in which MDC Partners attained 
success, both as a thought leader in the marketing services industry and financially, as a strong 
cash flow generating public entity.  Crispin Porter + Bogusky was crowned agency of the year by 
all three top industry publications, while many of our other Partner firms continued to produce 
outstanding work for their clients in the marketplace, working to generate over $77 million of net 
new business wins during the year. These market share gains put MDC in an excellent position 
heading into 2009. 

This  was  also  a  year  in  which  MDC  continued  to  invest  in  resources  to  support  the  growth 
ambitions  of  our  Partners.    The  Strategic  Resource  Group  continued  to  gain  traction  and  drive 
new business with approximately $15 million of new business generated by cross-referrals and 
an improved new business hit rate across the network.  While M&A activity during the year was 
limited,  several  small  ‘tuck  under’  acquisitions  were  made  to  boost  our  capabilities  in  digital, 
public relations and marketing consulting. Like 2008, we expect that 2009 will continue to be a 
modest  year  for  acquisitions.    We  will  continue,  as  always,  to  look  for  potential  opportunities, 
however in this environment we do not anticipate making any large bets with our capital. 

From a financial perspective, 2008 marked a year in which MDC was able to not only grow our 
earnings,  but  also  contain  capital  spending  and  harvest  cash,  generating  nearly  $33  million  of 
free cash flow, not including an over $18 million improvement in working capital.  Further, the 
Company ended the year with over $41 million of cash on the balance sheet putting it in a strong 
liquidity  position.    This  success  was  achieved  as  a  result  of  the  implementation  of  a  working 
capital  optimization  program,  tighter  controls  over  capital  expenditures  at  the  corporate  level, 
and more proactive actions being taken with underperforming assets.   

Despite a strong start to 2008 and best efforts by management, MDC, like many in the industry, 
began to experience some negative effects of the weakening economy during the third and fourth 
quarters.    Specifically,  a  slow  down  in  project  spending  by  our  clients,  resulted  in  growth  that 
was below what we had anticipated and what our shareholders have come to expect from MDC.  
As  a  result  of  this  slowdown,  we  immediately  shifted  our  focus  to  protecting  the  bottom  line.  
This resulted in growth of MDC EBITDA for 2008 of over 45%.  We are extremely proud of this 
accomplishment, as it is a reflection of the ability of our organization and management team to 
be  nimble  enough  to  successfully  adjust  to  difficult  circumstances  while  still  providing 
actionable  strategies  that  produce  results  for  our  clients.    With  that  in  mind,  we  have  been 
proactive in our efforts to bolster our margin heading into 2009 in light of the continued difficult 
economic circumstances. 

During  2009  our  primary  mission  is  to  control  the  knowns,  to  protect  ourselves  from  the 
unknowns.  We will focus on generating cash flow and growing profitability.  To achieve this we 
will not lose focus on growing our top line; pursuing new business opportunities has been a key 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
focus  at  all  of  our  Partner  firms.    Continuing  on  the  trend  of  the  last  several  years,  we  expect 
2009 to be a year of market share gains and profit growth for the company. 

We will also continue to harvest cash, as we anticipate several large capital commitments in the 
early part of 2010 including the maturation of our convertible debentures.  We are very confident 
in our ability to protect our balance sheet during 2009 and be in a position to handily repay all of 
these obligations. 

We know that 2009 will be a challenging year for the global economy.  Our promise to you is 
that  we  will  stay  focused  on  managing  risk  across  our  businesses,  preserving  our  capital  and 
outperforming the industry on a relative basis.  Our goal for 2009 is to put MDC Partners in a 
position to emerge from this year a stronger player in the marketing services landscape. 

We thank you for your support and look forward to a strong 2009.  

Best regards, 

Miles S. Nadal 
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, 
and President 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparison of 5 Years’ Cumulative Total Return among MDC Partners, the S&P 500 Index and Peer Group  

Set  forth  below  is  a  line  graph  comparing  the  yearly  percentage  change  in  the  company’s  cumulative  total 
shareholder  return  for  the  last  five  years  to  that  of  the  Standard  &  Poor’s  500  Stock  Index  and  a  peer  group  of 
publicly  held  corporate  communications  and  marketing  holding  companies.    The  peer  group  consists  of  The 
Interpublic  Group  of  Companies,  Inc.,  Omnicom  Group,  Inc.  and  WPP  Group  plc.    The  graph  below  shows  the 
value at the end of each year of each $100 invested in our common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the peer group.  
The graph assumes the reinvestment of dividends.  Total shareholder return for the peer group is weighted according 
to market capitalization at the beginning of each annual period. 

MDC Partners Inc. 
Comparison of 5-Year Cumulative Total Return 

$150

$100

$50

$0

S&P 500

Peer Group

MDC Partners

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

 
 
 
 
 
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2008

Commission File Number 001-13178

MDC PARTNERS INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Speciﬁed in Its Charter)

Canada
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)

98-0364441
(I.R.S. Employer
Identiﬁcation Number)

45 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 2E3
(416) 960-9000
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number,
Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

950 Third Avenue, New York, NY, 10022
(646) 429-1809
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number,
Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

Class A Subordinate Voting Shares, no par value

NASDAQ; Toronto Stock Exchange

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as deﬁned in Rule 405 of the Securities

Act. Yes (cid:1) No (cid:2)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to ﬁle reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the

Act. Yes (cid:1) No (cid:2)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has ﬁled all reports required to be ﬁled by Section 13 or 15(d) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was
required to ﬁle such reports), and (2) has been subject to such ﬁling requirements for the past 90 days. Yes (cid:2) No (cid:1)
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent ﬁlers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained

herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in deﬁnitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. □

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated ﬁler, an accelerated ﬁler, or a non-accelerated

ﬁler. See deﬁnition of ‘‘accelerated ﬁler and large accelerated ﬁler’’ in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

(Check one):

Large accelerated ﬁler □

Accelerated ﬁler (cid:2)

Non-accelerated □

The aggregate market value of the shares of all classes of voting and non-voting common stock of the registrant held

by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2008 was approximately $117.02 million, computed upon the basis of the closing sales
price ($7.18/share) of the Class A subordinate voting shares on that date.

As of February 27, 2009, there were 27,760,899 outstanding shares of Class A subordinate voting shares without par

value, and 2,503 outstanding shares of Class B multiple voting shares without par value, of the registrant.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MDC PARTNERS INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

Item 1.

Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Item 1A.

Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Item 2.

Item 3.

Item 4.

Item 5.

Item 6.

Item 7.

Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART II

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters . . . . . . . . . .

Selected Financial Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Item 8.

Item 9.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial
Disclosure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Item 9B. Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART III

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Item 11.

Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneﬁcial Owners and Management and Related
Stockholder Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence . . . . . . . . .

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statements Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Signatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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89

i

References in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to ‘‘MDC Partners’’, ‘‘MDC’’, the ‘‘Company,’’ ‘‘we,’’

‘‘us’’ and ‘‘our’’ refer to MDC Partners Inc. and, unless the context otherwise requires or otherwise is
expressly stated, its subsidiaries.

All dollar amounts are stated in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following sections of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on
June 2, 2009, are incorporated by reference in Parts I and III: ‘‘Election of Directors,’’ ‘‘Section 16(a) Beneﬁ-
cial Ownership Reporting Compliance,’’ ‘‘Compensation of Executive Officers,’’ ‘‘Report of the Compensation
Committee of the Board,’’ ‘‘Outstanding Shares,’’ ‘‘Transactions with MDC Partners Inc.’’ and ‘‘Appointment
of Independent Accountants’’.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

Information regarding the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q,
current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to these reports, will be made available, free of charge, at
the Company’s website at http://www.mdc-partners.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company
electronically ﬁles such reports with or furnishes them to the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘SEC’’).
Any document that the Company ﬁles with the SEC may also be read and copied at the SEC’s public refer-
ence room located at 100 F. Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. Please call the SEC at 1 (800) SEC-0330
for further information on the public reference room. The Company’s ﬁlings are also available to the public
from the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

The Company’s Code of Conduct, WhistleBlower Policy, and each of the charters for the Audit Commit-

tee, Human Resources & Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee, are available free of charge on the Company’s website at http://www.mdc-partners.com or by
writing to MDC Partners Inc., 950 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022, Attention: Investor Relations.

ii

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This document contains forward-looking statements. The Company’s representatives may also make
forward-looking statements orally from time to time. Statements in this document that are not historical facts,
including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, recent business and economic trends,
potential acquisitions, estimates of amounts for deferred acquisition consideration and ‘‘put’’ option rights,
constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections,
and are subject to change based on a number of factors, including those outlined in this section. Forward-
looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to
update publicly any of them in light of new information or future events, if any.

Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could

cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Such risk
factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

risks associated with severe effects of national and regional economic conditions;

the Company’s ability to attract new clients and retain existing clients;

the ﬁnancial success of the Company’s clients;

the Company’s ability to retain and attract key employees;

the Company’s ability to remain in compliance with its debt agreements and the Company’s ability
to ﬁnance its contingent payment obligations when due and payable, including but not limited to
those relating to ‘‘put’’ options rights and deferred acquisition consideration;

the successful completion and integration of acquisitions which complement and expand the Compa-
ny’s business capabilities; and

foreign currency ﬂuctuations;

The Company’s business strategy includes ongoing efforts to engage in material acquisitions of ownership

interests in entities in the marketing communications services industry. The Company intends to ﬁnance these
acquisitions by using available cash from operations, through incurrence of bridge or other debt ﬁnancing,
either of which may increase the Company’s leverage ratios, or by issuing equity, which may have a dilutive
impact on existing shareholders proportionate ownership. At any given time, the Company may be engaged in
a number of discussions that may result in one or more material acquisitions. These opportunities require
conﬁdentiality and may involve negotiations that require quick responses by the Company. Although there is
uncertainty that any of these discussions will result in deﬁnitive agreements or the completion of any transac-
tions, the announcement of any such transaction may lead to increased volatility in the trading price of the
Company’s securities.

Investors should carefully consider these risk factors and the additional risk factors outlined in more
detail in this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption ‘‘Risk Factors’’ and in the Company’s other
SEC ﬁlings.

SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The Company reports its ﬁnancial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles

(‘‘GAAP’’) of the United States of America (‘‘US GAAP’’). However, the Company has included certain
non-US GAAP ﬁnancial measures and ratios, which it believes, provide useful information to both manage-
ment and readers of this report in measuring the ﬁnancial performance and ﬁnancial condition of the
Company. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by US GAAP and, therefore, may
not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other publicly traded companies, nor should they
be construed as an alternative to other titled measures determined in accordance with US GAAP.

iii

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Item 1. Business

MDC PARTNERS INC.

PART I

BUSINESS

MDC was formed by Certiﬁcate of Amalgamation effective December 19, 1986, pursuant to the Business

Corporations Act (Ontario). Effective December 19, 1986, MDC amalgamated with Branbury Explorations
Limited, and thereby became a public company operating under the name of MDC Corporation. On May 28,
1996, MDC changed its name to MDC Communications Corporation and, on May 29, 1999, it changed its
name to MDC Corporation Inc. On July 31, 2003, MDC acquired the remaining 26% of Maxxcom Inc.
(‘‘Maxxcom’’) that it did not already own, privatizing the now wholly-owned subsidiary and merging
Maxxcom’s corporate functions with MDC’s existing corporate functions. On January 1, 2004, MDC changed
its name to its current name, MDC Partners Inc., and on June 28, 2004, MDC was continued under
Section 187 of the Canada Business Corporations Act. MDC’s registered and head office address is located at
45 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 2E3.

MDC is a leading provider of marketing communications services to customers globally. MDC has

operating units in the United States, Canada, Europe, Jamaica and Philippines.

MDC’s subsidiaries provide a comprehensive range of marketing communications and consulting ser-

vices, including advertising, interactive marketing, direct marketing, database and customer relationship
management, sales promotion, corporate communications, market research, corporate identity, design and
branding and other related services.

Part I — Business

MDC’s strategy is to build, grow and acquire market-leading businesses that deliver innovative, value-
added marketing communications and strategic consulting services to their clients. MDC Partners strives to be
a partnership of best in class marketing communications and consulting companies whose strategic, creative
and innovative solutions are media-agnostic, challenge the status quo and achieve superior results for clients
and stakeholders.

MDC’s Corporate Group ensures that MDC is the most Partner-responsive marketing services network
through its strategic mandate to help Partner ﬁrms ﬁnd clients, talent and tuck under acquisitions, as well as
cross-sell services and enhance their culture for innovation and growth. MDC’s Corporate Group also works
directly with Partner ﬁrms to expand their offerings through new strategic services, as well as leverage the
collective expertise and scale of the partnership as a whole. The Corporate Group uses this leverage to provide
various shared services to help reduce costs across the partnership.

The MDC model is driven by three key elements:

Perpetual Partnership. The perpetual partnership creates ongoing alignment of interests to drive perfor-

mance. The perpetual partnership model functions by (1) identifying the ‘right’ Partners with a sustainable
differentiated position in the marketplace; (2) creating the ‘right’ Partnership structure generally by taking a
majority ownership position and leaving a substantial minority equity or economic ownership position in the
hands of operating management to incentivize long-term growth; (3) providing access to more resources and
leverage the network’s scale; and (4) delivering ﬁnancial results.

Entrepreneurialism. Entrepreneurial spirit is optimized by creating customized solutions to support and

grow our businesses.

Human and Financial Capital. The model balances accountability with ﬁnancial ﬂexibility to support

growth.

1

MDC operates through ‘‘Partner’’ companies within the following reportable segments:

Strategic Marketing Services (‘‘SMS’’)

The SMS segment generally consists of ﬁrms that offer a full suite of integrated marketing communica-
tion and consulting services, including advertising and media, interactive marketing, direct marketing, public
relations, corporate communications, market research, corporate identity and branding, and sales promotion to
national and global clients. The SMS segment is comprised of the following agencies: Allard Johnson;
Colle + McVoy; Crispin Porter + Bogusky; Fletcher Martin; HL Group Partners; kirshenbaum bond + part-
ners; Mono Advertising; Redscout; Skinny, NYC; VitroRobertson; Zig; and Zyman Group.

Customer Relationship Management (‘‘CRM’’)

The CRM segment, comprised of Accent Marketing Services, provides marketing services that interface

directly with the consumer of a client’s product or service. These services include the design, development
and implementation of a complete customer service and direct marketing initiative intended to acquire, retain
and develop each client’s customer base. This is accomplished primarily through sophisticated database man-
agement and analytical services and through customer care services using several domestic and two
foreign-based customer care facilities to regional, national and global clients.

Specialized Communication Services (‘‘SCS’’)

The SCS segment includes marketing services ﬁrms that are generally engaged to provide a single or a
few speciﬁc marketing services to regional, national and global clients. These ﬁrms provide niche solutions by
providing world class expertise in selected marketing services. The services they provide include advertising,
interactive marketing, sales promotion, direct marketing, media relations, design and branding, research, and
corporate communications. The SCS segment is comprised of the following agencies: Accumark Communica-
tions, Bruce Mau Design; Bryan Mills Iradesso; Computer Composition; Hello Design; henderson bas;
Northstar Research Partners; Onbrand; Source Marketing; TargetCom; Veritas Communications; and
Yamamoto Moss Mackenzie.

Marketing Communications Equity

Adrenalina, LLC is accounted for under the equity method. Adrenalina is an agency focused on providing

marketing services to the Hispanic market, and its marketing disciplines include: advertising, retail and event
marketing and consumer promotions.

Ownership Information

The following table includes certain information about MDC’s operating subsidiaries. The ‘‘Put and Call

Options’’ information represents existing contractual rights. Owners of interests in certain subsidiaries have the
right in certain circumstances to require MDC to acquire additional ownership interests held by them. The
owners’ ability to exercise any such ‘‘put’’ option right is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions,
including conditions requiring notice in advance of exercise. In addition, these rights cannot be exercised prior
to speciﬁed staggered exercise dates. The exercise of these rights at their earliest contractual date would result
in obligations of MDC to fund the related amounts during the periods described in the accompanying notes. It
is not determinable, at this time, if or when the owners of these rights will exercise all or a portion of these
rights. The amount payable by MDC in the event such rights are exercised is dependent on deﬁned valuation
formulas and on future events, such as the average earnings of the relevant subsidiary through the date of
exercise, the growth rate of the earnings of the relevant subsidiary during that period, and, in some cases, the
currency exchange rate at the date of payment. See also ‘‘Management’s Discussion and Analysis — Off-
Balance Sheet Commitments — Put Rights of Subsidiaries’ Minority Shareholders’’ for further discussion.

Put options represent puts of ownership interests by other interest holders to MDC with reciprocal call
rights held by MDC for the same ownership interests with similar terms. The percentages shown represent the
potential ownership interest MDC could achieve in each company assuming that the remaining equity hold-
er(s) were to fully exercise their put option rights at the earliest opportunity.

2

MDC PARTNERS INC.

SCHEDULE OF CURRENT AND POTENTIAL MARKETING
COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY OWNERSHIP

% Owned at
12/31/08

Year of
Initial
Investment

Put/Call Options

2009

Thereafter

(See Notes)

Company

Consolidated:

Strategic Marketing Services

Allard Johnson Communications Inc. . . . . . . . . . .
Colle & McVoy, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Crispin Porter & Bogusky, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Company C Communications LLC . . . . . . . . . . .
Fletcher Martin, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HL Group Partners, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
kirshenbaum bond & partners, LLC . . . . . . . . . . .
Mono Advertising, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Redscout, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Skinny NYC, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vitro Robertson, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Zig Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Zyman Group, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Customer Relationship Management

Specialized Communication Services

Accumark Communications Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clifford/Bratskeir Public Relations LLC . . . . . . . .
Bruce Mau Design Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bryan Mills Iradesso Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Computer Composition of Canada Inc.. . . . . . . . .
Hello Design, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
henderson bas partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Northstar Research Partners Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Onbrand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Source Marketing, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TargetCom, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Veritas Communications Inc.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Yamamoto Moss Mackenzie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity Accounted:
Adrenalina, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

75.1%
95.0%
94.0%
90.0%
85.0%
55.4%
100.0%
49.9%
60.0%
50.1%
79.8%
74.07%
62.1%

1992
1999
2001
2000
1999
2007
2004
2004
2007
2008
2004
2004
2005

89.0%
—
—
—
100.0%
—
—
—
—
—
—
86.1%
—

55.0%
90.0%
50.1%
62.8%
100.0%
51.0%
65.0%
72.4%
89.0%
83.0%
100.0%
64.1%
100.0%

1993
2000
2004
1989
1988
2004
2004
1998
1992
1998
2000
1993
2000

—
—
—
88.2%
—
—
100.0%
—
—
—
—
78.4%
—

Note 1
Note 2
Note 3
Note 4

Note 5

Note 6
Note 7
Note 8
Note 9
Note 10
Note 11

Note 12
Note 13

Note 14

Note 15

Note 16

Note 17

49.9%

2007

—

Note 18

Accent Marketing Services, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . .

100.0%

1999

—

Notes
(1) MDC has the right to increase its ownership interest in Allard Johnson Communications Inc. through

acquisition of an incremental interest, and the other holders have the right to put to MDC the same
incremental interest up to 89% of this entity in 2009 and 100% only upon termination.

(2) MDC has the right to increase its economic ownership in Colle & McVoy, LLC through acquisition of an
incremental interest, and the other interest holder has the right to put to MDC the same incremental
interest, up to 100% of this entity in 2012.

(3) MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Crispin Porter & Bogusky, LLC (‘‘CPB’’) through acqui-
sitions of an incremental interest and the other interest holder has the right to put to MDC the same
incremental interest up to 100% in 2012.

3

(4) MDC has the right to increase its economic ownership in Company C Communications, LLC through

acquisition of an incremental interest, and the other interest holder has the right to put to MDC the same
incremental interest, up to 100% of this entity in 2012. Effective October 1, 2008, Company C is oper-
ated as a division of KBP.

(5) MDC has the right to increase its ownership in HL Group Partners, LLC through acquisitions of incre-
mental interests, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental
interests, up to 72.41% of this entity in 2012, up to 82.62% in 2013 and up to 93.73% in 2014. In
January 2009, MDC called 9% of this entity.

(6) MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Mono Advertising, LLC through acquisitions of incre-
mental interests, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental
interests, up to 54.9% of this entity in 2010, up to 60.0% in 2011, up to 65.0% in 2012, up to 70.0% in
2013 and up to 75.0% in 2014.

(7) MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Redscout, LLC through acquisition of an incremental
interest, and the other interest holder has the right to put to MDC the same incremental interest, up to
80% of this entity in 2012.

(8) MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Skinny NYC, LLC through acquisition of incremental

interests, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental interest, up to
60.1% of this entity in 2014, up to 70.1% of this entity in 2015 and up to 80.1% of this entity in 2016.
(9) MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Vitro Robertson, LLC through acquisition of an incremen-
tal interest, and the other interest holder has the right to put to MDC the same incremental interest, up to
95% of this entity in 2011, up to 97.5% in 2012 and up to 100% in 2013.

(10) MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Zig Inc. through acquisitions of incremental interests, and
the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental interest, up to 88.4% of this
entity in 2010, and up to 90.45% of this entity in 2012. Effective July 1, 2008, ACLC was merged into
Zig.

(11) As of December 31, 2008, MDC’s economic interest in Zyman Group, LLC was 100% of proﬁts as its

priority return is not expected to be exceeded. In January 2009, MDC called 32% of incremental interest.

(12) MDC, has the right to increase its ownership in Accumark Communications Inc. through acquisitions of
incremental interests, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental
interests up to 61.7% of this entity in 2010, up to 68.3% in 2011 and up to 75.0% in 2012. MDC’s
current economic interest is 42%.

(13) In December 2008, MDC sold certain assets of Clifford/Bratskeir Public Relations LLC to HL Group

Partners, LLC. MDC is in negotiations to sell the remaining assets of Clifford/Bratskeir Public Relations
LLC. This entity has been treated as a discontinued operation.

(14) MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Bryan Mills Iradesso, Inc. through acquisition of an

incremental interest, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental
interest, up to 100% of this entity in 2012.

(15) MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Northstar Research Partners Inc. through acquisitions of
incremental interests, and the other holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental interests
up to 100% only upon termination.

(16) MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Source Marketing, LLC through acquisitions of incremen-
tal interests, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental interests
up 87.1% of this entity in 2011 and 91.3% in 2012 and 100% in 2013.

(17) MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Veritas Communications Inc. through acquisitions of

incremental interests, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental
interests, up to 78.4% of this in 2010, up to 81.5% in 2011, up to 95.1% in 2012 and up to 100% in
2013.

(18) MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Adrenalina, LLC through acquisitions of incremental

interests, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental interests, up
to 61% of this entity in 2013, up to 72% in 2014 and up to 82% in 2015.

4

Financial Information Relating to Business Segments and Geographic Regions

For ﬁnancial information relating to the Company’s Marketing Communications Businesses and the
geographic regions the businesses operate within, refer to Note 15 (Segmented Information) of the notes to the
consolidated ﬁnancial statements included in this Annual Report and to ‘‘Item 7. Management’s Discussion
and Analysis’’ for further discussion.

Competition

In the competitive, highly fragmented marketing and communications industry, the Company’s operating

companies compete for business with the operating subsidiaries of large global holding companies such as
Omnicom Group Inc., Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc., WPP Group plc, Publicis Group SA and Havas
Advertising. These global holding companies generally have greater resources than those available to MDC
and its subsidiaries, and such resources may enable them to aggressively compete with the Company’s market-
ing communications businesses. Each of MDC’s operating companies also faces competition from numerous
independent agencies that operate in multiple markets. MDC’s operating companies must compete with these
other companies to maintain existing client relationships and to obtain new clients and assignments. MDC’s
operating companies compete at this level by providing clients with marketing ideas and strategies that are
focused on increasing clients’ revenues and proﬁts. These existing and potential clients include multinational
corporations and national companies with mid-to-large sized marketing budgets. MDC also beneﬁts from
cooperation among the operating companies through referrals and the sharing of both services and expertise,
which enables MDC to service clients’ varied marketing needs.

A partner agency’s ability to compete for new clients is affected in some instances by the policy, which
many advertisers and marketers impose, of not permitting their agencies to represent competitive accounts in
the same market. In the vast majority of cases, however, MDC’s consistent maintenance of separate, indepen-
dent operating companies has enabled MDC to represent competing clients across its network.

Industry Trends

Historically, advertising has been the primary service provided by the marketing communications indus-

try. However, as clients aim to establish one-to-one relationships with customers, and more accurately measure
the effectiveness of their marketing expenditures, specialized and digital communications services are consum-
ing a growing portion of marketing dollars. This is increasing the demand for a broader range of
non-advertising marketing communications services (i.e., direct marketing, sales promotion, interactive, etc).
The notion of a mass market audience is giving way to life-style segments, social events/networks, and
online/mobile communities, each segment requiring a different message and/or different, often non-traditional,
channels of communication. Global marketers now seek innovative ideas wherever they can ﬁnd them, provid-
ing new opportunities for small to mid-sized communications companies.

Clients

The Company serves clients in virtually every industry and in many cases the same clients in various
locations. Representation of a client rarely means that MDC handles marketing communications for all brands
or product lines of the client in every geographical location. MDC’s agencies have written contracts with
many of their clients. As is customary in the industry, these contracts provide for termination by either party
on relatively short notice. See ‘‘Management’s Discussion and Analysis — Executive Overview’’ for a further
discussion of MDC’s arrangements with its clients.

During 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company’s largest client, Sprint, accounted for approximately 19%,

17% and 16% of revenues, respectively. In addition, MDC’s ten largest clients (measured by revenue gener-
ated) accounted for 45%, 39% and 43% of 2008, 2007 and 2006 revenues, respectively.

5

Employees

As of December 31, 2008, MDC and its subsidiaries had the following number of employees within its

reportable segments:

Segment

Strategic Marketing Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Relationship Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specialized Communication Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corporate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total

1,803
3,432
527
23
5,785

See Management’s Discussion and Analysis for a discussion of the effect of cost of services sold on
MDC’s historical results of operations. Because of the personal service character of the marketing communica-
tions businesses, the quality of personnel is of crucial importance to MDC’s continuing success. MDC
considers its relations with employees to be satisfactory.

Effect of Environmental Laws

MDC believes it is substantially in compliance with all regulations concerning the discharge of materials
into the environment, and such regulations have not had a material effect on the capital expenditures or opera-
tions of MDC.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The following factors could adversely affect the Company’s revenues, results of operations or ﬁnancial

condition. See also ‘‘Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Disclosure.’’

Deteriorating economic and ﬁnancial conditions could adversely impact our ﬁnancial condition and results.

Economic and ﬁnancial conditions deteriorated sharply in the latter part of 2008, and these deteriorating

conditions are continuing in 2009. The effects could adversely affect our ﬁnancial condition and results of
operations.

a. As a marketing services company, our revenues are highly susceptible to declines as a result of unfa-

vorable economic conditions.

The current economic downturn could affect the advertising and marketing services industry more
severely than other industries, and any recovery of the advertising and marketing services industry could lag
that of the economy generally. In the past, some clients have responded to weakening economic conditions
with reductions to their marketing budgets, which include discretionary components that are easier to reduce
in the short term than other operating expenses. This pattern may recur in the future. A decrease in our rev-
enue would negatively affect our ﬁnancial results, including a reduction of our estimates of free cash ﬂow
from operations.

b. If our clients experience ﬁnancial distress, their weakened ﬁnancial position could negatively affect our

own ﬁnancial position and results.

We have a diverse client base, and at any given time, one or more of our clients may experience ﬁnancial
difficulty, ﬁle for bankruptcy protection or go out of business. The current unfavorable economic and ﬁnancial
conditions that are impacting most sectors of the economy could result in an increase in client ﬁnancial diffi-
culties that affect us. The direct impact on us could include reduced revenues and write-offs of accounts
receivable. If these effects were severe, the indirect impact could include impairments of goodwill, ﬁnancing
agreement covenant violations or reduced liquidity. Our largest single client accounted for approximately 19%
of revenue in 2008.

6

MDC competes for clients in highly competitive industries.

The Company operates in a highly competitive environment in an industry characterized by numerous
ﬁrms of varying sizes, with no single ﬁrm or group of ﬁrms having a dominant position in the marketplace.
Competitive factors include creative reputation, management, personal relationships, quality and reliability of
service and expertise in particular niche areas of the marketplace. In addition, because a ﬁrm’s principal asset
is its people, barriers to entry are minimal, and relatively small ﬁrms are, on occasion, able to take all or some
portion of a client’s business from a larger competitor.

While many of MDC’s client relationships are long-standing, companies put their advertising and market-
ing services businesses up for competitive review from time to time, including at times when clients enter into
strategic transactions. To the extent that the Company fails to maintain existing clients or attract new clients,
MDC’s business, ﬁnancial condition and operating results may be affected in a materially adverse manner.

The loss of lines of credit under our Financing Agreement could adversely affect MDC’s liquidity and our
ability to implement MDC’s acquisition strategy and fund any put options if exercised.

As of December 31, 2008, MDC had utilized approximately $144.4 million of its Financing Agreement

in the form of borrowings and letters of credit. MDC uses amounts available under the Financing Agreement,
together with cash ﬂow from operations, to fund its working capital needs, to fund the exercise of put option
obligations and to fund our strategy of making selective acquisitions of ownership interests in entities in the
marketing communications services industry.

The Company is currently in compliance with all of the terms and conditions of the Financing Agree-
ment, and management believes that the Company will be in compliance with covenants over the next twelve
months. If, however, events were to occur which result in MDC losing all or a substantial portion of its
available credit under the Financing Agreement, MDC would be required to seek other sources of liquidity. In
addition, if MDC were unable to replace this source of liquidity, then MDC’s ability to fund its working
capital needs and any contingent obligations with respect to put options would be materially adversely
affected.

MDC may not realize the beneﬁts it expects from past acquisitions or acquisitions MDC may make in the
future.

MDC’s business strategy includes ongoing efforts to engage in material acquisitions of ownership inter-
ests in entities in the marketing communications services industry. MDC intends to ﬁnance these acquisitions
by using available cash from operations and through incurrence of debt or bridge ﬁnancing, either of which
may increase its leverage ratios, or by issuing equity, which may have a dilutive impact on its existing share-
holders. At any given time MDC may be engaged in a number of discussions that may result in one or more
material acquisitions. These opportunities require conﬁdentiality and may involve negotiations that require
quick responses by MDC. Although there is uncertainty that any of these discussions will result in deﬁnitive
agreements or the completion of any transactions, the announcement of any such transaction may lead to
increased volatility in the trading price of its securities.

The success of acquisitions or strategic investments depends on the effective integration of newly
acquired businesses into MDC’s current operations. Such integration is subject to risks and uncertainties,
including realization of anticipated synergies and cost savings, the ability to retain and attract personnel and
clients, the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns, and undisclosed or potential
legal liabilities of the acquired company. MDC may not realize the strategic and ﬁnancial beneﬁts that it
expects from any of its past acquisitions, or any future acquisitions.

MDC’s business could be adversely affected if it loses key clients.

MDC’s strategy has been to acquire ownership stakes in diverse marketing communications businesses to

minimize the effects that might arise from the loss of any one client or executive. The loss of one or more
clients could materially affect the results of the individual operating companies and the Company as a whole.
Management succession at our operating units is very important to the ongoing results of the Company
because, as in any service business, the success of a particular agency is dependent upon the leadership of key

7

executives and management personnel. If key executives were to leave our operating units, the relationships
that MDC has with its clients could be adversely affected.

MDC’s ability to generate new business from new and existing clients may be limited.

To increase its revenues, MDC needs to obtain additional clients or generate demand for additional
services from existing clients. MDC’s ability to generate initial demand for its services from new clients and
additional demand from existing clients is subject to such clients’ and potential clients’ requirements, pre-
existing vendor relationships, ﬁnancial condition, strategic plans and internal resources, as well as the quality
of MDC’s employees, services and reputation and the breadth of its services. To the extent MDC cannot
generate new business from new and existing clients due to these limitations, it will limit MDC’s ability to
grow its business and to increase its revenues.

MDC’s business could be adversely affected if it loses or fails to attract key employees.

Employees, including creative, research, media, account and practice group specialists, and their skills

and relationships with clients, are among MDC’s most important assets. An important aspect of MDC’s com-
petitiveness is its ability to retain key employee and management personnel. Compensation for these key
employees is an essential factor in attracting and retaining them, and MDC may not offer a level of compen-
sation sufficient to attract and retain these key employees. If MDC fails to hire and retain a sufficient number
of these key employees, it may not be able to compete effectively. If key executives were to leave our operat-
ing units, the relationships that MDC has with its clients could be adversely affected.

MDC is exposed to the risk of client defaults.

The Company often incurs expenses on behalf of its clients for productions and in order to secure a

variety of media time and space, in exchange for which it receives a fee. The difference between the gross
cost of the production and media and the net revenue earned by us can be signiﬁcant. While MDC takes
precautions against default on payment for these services (such as advance billing of clients) and have histori-
cally had a very low incidence of default, MDC is still exposed to the risk of signiﬁcant uncollectible
receivables from our clients. This risk is enhanced by the current distress in the credit markets which could
impact our client’s ability to ﬁnance their businesses.

MDC’s results of operations are subject to currency ﬂuctuation risks.

Although MDC’s ﬁnancial results are reported in U.S. dollars, a portion of its revenues and operating
costs are denominated in currencies other than the US dollar. As a result, ﬂuctuations in the exchange rate
between the U.S. dollar and other currencies, particularly the Canadian dollar, may affect MDC’s ﬁnancial
results and competitive position.

Goodwill may become impaired.

We have recorded a signiﬁcant amount of goodwill in our consolidated ﬁnancial statements in accordance

with U.S. GAAP resulting from our acquisition activities, which principally represents the specialized know-
how of the workforce at the agencies we have acquired. We test, at least annually, the carrying value of
goodwill for impairment, as discussed in Note 2 to our consolidated ﬁnancial statements. The estimates and
assumptions about future results of operations and cash ﬂows made in connection with the impairment testing
could differ from future actual results of operations and cash ﬂows. While we have concluded, for each year
presented in our ﬁnancial statements, that our goodwill relating to continuing operations is not impaired,
future events could cause us to conclude that the asset values associated with a given operation may become
impaired. Any resulting impairment loss could materially adversely affect our results of operations and ﬁnan-
cial condition.

MDC is subject to regulations that could restrict its activities or negatively impact its revenues.

Advertising and marketing communications businesses are subject to government regulation, both domes-
tic and foreign. There has been an increasing tendency in the United States on the part of advertisers to resort
to litigation and self-regulatory bodies to challenge comparative advertising on the grounds that the advertising

8

is false and deceptive. Moreover, there has recently been an expansion of speciﬁc rules, prohibitions, media
restrictions, labeling disclosures, and warning requirements with respect to advertising for certain products and
usage of personally identiﬁable information. Representatives within government bodies, both domestic and
foreign, continue to initiate proposals to ban the advertising of speciﬁc products and to impose taxes on or
deny deductions for advertising which, if successful, may have an adverse effect on advertising expenditures
and consequently MDC’s revenues.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. Properties

See the notes to the Company’s consolidated ﬁnancial statements included in this Annual Report for a
discussion of the Company’s lease commitments and the ‘‘Management’s Discussion and Analysis’’ for the
impact of occupancy costs on the Company’s operating expenses.

The Company maintains office space in many cities in the United States, Canada, and in the United
Kingdom, Jamaica and the Philippines. This space is primarily used for office and administrative purposes by
the Company’s employees in performing professional services. This office space is in suitable and well-
maintained condition for MDC’s current operations. All of the Company’s materially important office space is
leased from third parties with varying expiration dates. Certain of these leases are subject to rent reviews or
contain various escalation clauses and certain of our leases require our payment of various operating expenses,
which may also be subject to escalation. In addition, leases related to the Company’s non-US businesses are
denominated in other than US dollars and are therefore subject to changes in foreign exchange rates.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

MDC’s operating entities are involved in legal proceedings of various types. While any litigation contains
an element of uncertainty, MDC has no reason to believe that the outcome of such proceedings or claims will
have a material adverse effect on the ﬁnancial condition or results of operations of MDC.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

MDC’s annual shareholders’ meeting has historically been held in the second quarter of the year. No

matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2008.

9

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

Market Information and Holders of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares

The principal United States market on which the Company’s Class A subordinate voting shares are traded

is the NASDAQ National Market (‘‘NASDAQ’’) (symbol: ‘‘MDCA’’), and the principal market in Canada is
The Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol: ‘‘MDZ.A’’). As of February 27, 2009, the approximate number of
holders of our Class A subordinate voting shares, including those whose shares are held in nominee name, was
2,800. Quarterly high and low sales prices per share of the Company’s Class A subordinate voting shares, as
reported by the NASDAQ composite and The Toronto Stock Exchange, respectively, for each quarter in the
years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

Quarter Ended

Nasdaq Market

High

Low

($ per Share)

March 31, 2007. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
June 30, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
September 30, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
March 31, 2008. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
June 30, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
September 30, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9.47
9.11
11.18
11.52
9.57
9.09
8.76
6.72

7.02
7.59
8.61
8.31
6.65
6.77
5.93
2.19

Quarter Ended

The Toronto Stock Exchange

High

Low

(C$ per Share)

March 31, 2007. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
June 30, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
September 30, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
March 31, 2008. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
June 30, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
September 30, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9.50
10.20
11.64
11.26
9.71
9.25
8.76
8.70

8.26
8.36
9.36
8.35
6.50
6.78
6.50
2.25

As of February 27, 2009, the last reported sale price of the Class A subordinate voting shares was $3.43

on NASDAQ and C$4.26 on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Dividend Policy

MDC has not declared nor paid any dividends on its Class A subordinate voting shares since its incorpo-

ration in 1986. In addition, MDC’s Financing Agreement prohibits MDC from declaring and paying cash
dividends. Accordingly, it is expected that no dividends will be paid by MDC on the Class A subordinate
voting shares or the Class B shares in the foreseeable future. Any future payment of dividends, if permitted,
will be determined by the board of directors of MDC Partners Inc. on the basis of MDC’s earnings, ﬁnancial
requirements and other relevant factors.

10

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table sets forth information regarding securities issued under our equity compensation

plans as of December 31, 2008.

Number of
Securities to Be
Issued upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options and
Rights

Weighted
Average Exercise
Price of
Outstanding
Options and
Rights

Number of
Securities
Remaining
Available for
Future Issuance
(Excluding
Column (a))

(a)

(b)

(c)

Equity Compensation Plans:
Approved by stockholders:

Share options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock appreciation rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Not approved by stockholders:

None . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

458,835

—(1)

—

$9.49
$9.74

—

821,741
1,047,894

—

(1) Based on December 31, 2008 closing Class A subordinate voting share price on the Toronto Stock

Exchange of C$3.80.

On May 26, 2005, the Company’s shareholders’ approved the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, which provides

for the issuance of two million Class A shares. On June 1, 2007, the Company’s shareholders approved an
amendment to the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, which increased the number of shares available for issuance to
three million Class A shares. On May 30, 2008, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2008 Key Partner
Incentive Plan, which provides for the issuance of 600,000 Class A shares.

See also Note 13 of the Notes to the consolidated ﬁnancial statements included in this Annual Report.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities; Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities

(1) On November 10, 2008, the Company acquired an additional 17% of the equity interests of Crispin
Porter & Bogusky LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (‘‘CPB’’). The Company paid
$6.4 million in cash, and issued 105,000 of the Company’s Class A Shares (valued at approximately
$393,000 on the date of issuance). The Class A Shares of the Company were issued by the Company
to the seller of CPB equity interests without registration in reliance on Section 4(2) under the Secu-
rities Act and Regulation D thereunder, based on the sophistication of the seller and its status as an
‘‘accredited investor’’ within the meaning of Rule 501(a) of Regulation D. The seller of CPB equity
interests had access to all of the documents ﬁled by the Company with the SEC.

(2) On December 31, 2008, HL Group LLC (a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company) acquired

substantially all of the assets of the Clifford public relations business from Clifford/Bratskeir Public
Relations LLC (another subsidiary of the Company). In connection with such acquisition, HL Group
issued additional equity interests to the Company, and the Company issued 45,000 Class A Shares to
Hamilton South. The Class A Shares of the Company were issued by the Company without registra-
tion in reliance on Section 4(2) under the Securities Act and Regulation D thereunder, based on the
sophistication of Mr. South and his status as an ‘‘accredited investor’’ within the meaning of
Rule 501(a) of Regulation D. Mr. South had access to all of the documents ﬁled by the Company
with the SEC.

Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities:

Shares — Class A subordinate voting shares

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2008, the Company made no open market purchases of its
Class A shares or its Class B shares. Pursuant to its Financing Agreement, the Company is currently restricted
from repurchasing its shares.

11

During 2008, the Company’s employees surrendered 112,146 Class A shares valued at $0.9 million in
connection with the required tax withholding resulting from the vesting of restricted stock. In addition, during
2008, the Company received 12,346 Class A shares valued at $0.1 million in connection with a partial repay-
ment of a note receivable from the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. These 124,492 Class A shares were
subsequently retired and no longer remain outstanding as of December 31, 2008.

Transfer Agent and Registrar for Common Stock

The transfer agent and registrar for the Company’s common stock is CIBC Mellon Trust Company.

CIBC Mellon Trust Company operates a telephone information inquiry line that can be reached by dialing
toll-free 1-800-387-0825 or 416-643-5500.

Correspondence may be addressed to:
MDC Partners Inc.
C/o CIBC Mellon Trust Company Corporate Trust Services
P.O. Box 7010 Adelaide Street
Postal Station Toronto, Ontario M5G 2M7

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The following selected ﬁnancial data should be read in connection with Item 7 — ‘‘Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations’’ and the consolidated ﬁnancial
statements and notes that are included in this annual report on Form 10-K.

Years Ended December 31,

2008

2007

2006
(Dollars in Thousands, Except per Share Data)

2005

2004

Operating Data
Revenues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating proﬁt . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from continuing

operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock-based compensation included

in income from continuing
operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Earnings (Loss) per Share
Basic
Continuing operations . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted
Continuing operations . . . . . . . . . .
Financial Position Data
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed charge coverage ratio . . . . . .

$584,648
$ 20,344

$533,883
$ 23,377

$403,086
$ 23,423

$341,000
$ 21,659

$226,162
3,365
$

$ 10,148

$ (18,182)

$ (8,312)

$ (7,539)

$

6,716

$ 14,437

$ 10,217

$

8,361

$

3,272

$

8,388

$

$

0.38

0.37

$529,239
$181,498
2.01

$

$

(0.73)

(0.73)

$

$

(0.35)

(0.35)

$

$

(0.32)

(0.32)

$520,698
$164,754
1.43

$493,501
$ 95,454
2.03

$507,315
$123,149
2.48

$

$

0.31

0.29

$437,341
$ 53,538
2.88

Several signiﬁcant factors that should be considered when comparing the annual results shown above are

as follows:

Year Ended December 31, 2008

During the year ended December 31, 2008, MDC recognized $13.3 million of primarily non-cash, unreal-
ized, foreign exchange gains due primarily to the strengthening of the US dollar as compared to the Canadian
dollar on its intercompany balances that are denominated in the US dollar.

Effective December 31, 2008, three of the Company’s operating subsidiaries, Clifford/Bratskeir Public

Relations LLC, Ito Partners, LLC and Mobium Creative Group (a division of Colle + McVoy) have been
deemed discontinued operations. All periods have been restated to reﬂect these discontinued operations. See
Note 10 of the notes to the consolidated ﬁnancial statements included herein.

12

Year Ended December 31, 2007

In March 2007, due to continued operating and client losses, the Company ceased Margeotes Fertitta
Powell, LLC (‘‘MFP’’) current operations and spun off a new operating business and as a result incurred a
goodwill impairment charge of $4.5 million in 2007. The Company also recorded an impairment charge
relating to MFP of $6.3 million in 2006. After reviewing the 2008 projections of the new operating business
the Company decided to cease the operations of the new operating business as well. As a result, the Company
has classiﬁed these operations as discontinued. In addition, an additional intangible relating to an employment
contract of $0.6 million was deemed impaired and written off.

In December 2007, due to continued operating losses and the lack of new business wins the Company
ceased Banjo Strategic Entertainment, LLC (‘‘Banjo’’) operations. All periods have been restated to reﬂect
these discontinued operations. See Note 10 of the notes to the consolidated ﬁnancial statements included
herein.

Year Ended December 31, 2006

On November 14, 2006, MDC sold its Secure Products International Products division, and all periods

have been restated to reﬂect these discontinued operations. See Note 10 of the notes to consolidated ﬁnancial
statements included herein.

Year Ended December 31, 2005

On June 28, 2005, MDC completed an issuance in Canada of convertible unsecured subordinated deben-

tures amounting to $38.7 million as of December 31, 2005 (C$45.0 million) (the ‘‘Debentures’’). The
Debentures mature on June 30, 2010. The Debentures bear interest at an annual rate of 8.00% payable semi-
annually, in arrears, on June 30 and December 31 of each year.

On April 1, 2005, MDC, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, purchased 61.6% of the total outstanding
membership units of Zyman Group, LLC for a purchase price equal to $52.4 million paid in cash, plus the
issuance of 1,139,975 class A shares of MDC valued at approximately $11.2 million.

Year Ended December 31, 2004

During 2004, MDC sold its remaining 20% interest in Custom Direct, Inc. (‘‘CDI’’) with a resulting

reduction in long-term debt and a net gain of $15.0 million.

MDC acquired interests in several marketing communication businesses in 2004, which contributed

$56.1 million of revenue, $2.9 million of income from continuing operations and $120.6 million of assets.

Effective September 22, 2004, MDC consolidated Crispin Porter + Bogusky, LLC (‘‘CPB’’) as a variable

interest entity. Prior to that date, CPB had been accounted for on an equity basis since acquired by MDC in
2001. As a result of the change in accounting, from September 22, 2004, CPB contributed revenues of
$13.3 million and increased MDC’s assets by approximately $80.0 million.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Unless otherwise indicated, references to the ‘‘Company’’ mean MDC Partners Inc. and its subsidiaries,
and references to a ﬁscal year means the Company’s year commencing on January 1 of that year and ending
December 31 of that year (e.g., ﬁscal 2008 means the period beginning January 1, 2008, and ending
December 31, 2008).

The Company reports its ﬁnancial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles

(‘‘GAAP’’) of the United States of America (‘‘US GAAP’’). However, the Company has included certain
non-US GAAP ﬁnancial measures and ratios, which it believes provide useful information to both manage-
ment and readers of this report in measuring the ﬁnancial performance and ﬁnancial condition of the
Company. One such term is ‘‘organic revenue’’, which means growth in revenues from sources other than
acquisitions or foreign exchange impacts. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by
US GAAP and, therefore, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other publicly
traded companies, nor should they be construed as an alternative to other titled measures determined in
accordance with US GAAP.

13

Executive Summary

The Company’s objective is to create shareholder value by building market-leading subsidiaries and
affiliates that deliver innovative, value-added marketing communications and strategic consulting to their
clients. Management believes that shareholder value is maximized with an operating philosophy of ‘‘Perpetual
Partnership’’ with proven committed industry leaders in marketing communications.

MDC manages the business by monitoring several ﬁnancial and non-ﬁnancial performance indicators.
The key indicators that we review focus on the areas of revenues and operating expenses and capital expendi-
tures. Revenue growth is analyzed by reviewing the components and mix of the growth, including: growth by
major geographic location; existing growth by major reportable segment (organic); growth from currency
changes; and growth from acquisitions.

MDC conducts its businesses through the Marketing Communications Group. Within the Marketing
Communications Group, there are three reportable operating segments: Strategic Marketing Services (‘‘SMS’’),
Customer Relationship Management (‘‘CRM’’) and Specialized Communication Services (‘‘SCS’’). In addi-
tion, MDC has a ‘‘Corporate Group’’ which provides certain administrative, accounting, ﬁnancial and legal
functions.

Marketing Communications Businesses

Through its operating ‘‘partners’’, MDC provides advertising, consulting, customer relationship manage-

ment, and specialized communication services to clients throughout the United States, Canada, Europe,
Jamaica and the Philippines.

The operating companies earn revenue from agency arrangements in the form of retainer fees or commis-

sions; from short-term project arrangements in the form of ﬁxed fees or per diem fees for services; and from
incentives or bonuses. Additional information about revenue recognition appears in Note 2 of the notes to the
consolidated ﬁnancial statements.

MDC measures operating expenses in two distinct cost categories: cost of services sold, and office and
general expenses. Cost of services sold is primarily comprised of employee compensation related costs and
direct costs related primarily to providing services. Office and general expenses are primarily comprised of
rent and occupancy costs and administrative service costs including related employee compensation costs.
Also included in operating expenses is depreciation and amortization.

Because we are a service business, we monitor these costs on a percentage of revenue basis. Cost of
services sold tend to ﬂuctuate in conjunction with changes in revenues, whereas office and general expenses
and depreciation and amortization, which are not directly related to servicing clients, tend to decrease as a
percentage of revenue as revenues increase because a signiﬁcant portion of these expenses are relatively ﬁxed
in nature.

We measure capital expenditures as either maintenance or investment related. Maintenance capital expen-

ditures are primarily composed of general upkeep of our office facilities and equipment that are required to
continue to operate our businesses. Investment capital expenditures include expansion costs, the build out of
new capabilities, technology or call centers, or other growth initiatives not related to the day to day upkeep of
the existing operations. Growth capital expenditures are measured and approved based on the expected return
of the invested capital.

Certain Factors Affecting Our Business

Acquisitions and Dispositions. Our strategy includes acquiring ownership stakes in well-managed busi-

nesses with strong reputations in the industry. We engaged in a number of acquisition and disposal
transactions during the 2006 to 2008 period, which affected revenues, expenses, operating income and net
income. Additional information regarding material acquisitions is provided in Note 4 ‘‘Acquisitions’’ and
information on dispositions is provided in Note 10 ‘‘Discontinued Operations’’ in the notes to the consolidated
ﬁnancial statements.

Foreign Exchange Fluctuations. Our ﬁnancial results and competitive position are affected by ﬂuctua-
tions in the exchange rate between the US dollar and non-US dollars, primarily the Canadian dollar. See also
‘‘Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk — Foreign Exchange.’’

14

Seasonality. Historically, with some exceptions, we generate the highest quarterly revenues during the

fourth quarter in each year. The fourth quarter has historically been the period in the year in which the highest
volumes of media placements and retail related consumer marketing occur.

Fourth Quarter Results and Current Economic Conditions. The Company’s results of operations during
the fourth quarter of 2008 were negatively impacted due to the current economic recession. Revenues for the
fourth quarter of 2008 decreased to $144.7 million, compared to 2007 fourth quarter revenues of $152.1
million. This decrease of $7.4 million was a result of foreign currency ﬂuctuations of $5.4 million and a
decrease in revenue of $2.0 million. The decrease in revenue occurred in the SCS segment and the CRM
segment. The decrease in the revenue in these segments is directly related to clients’ canceling, cutting back
and not spending on projects and other activities that they have traditionally engaged the Company to perform
for them. However, the SMS segment, which is retainer fee-based, had revenue growth of approximately
$3.0 million as clients continued to spend on annual programs. Operating proﬁt for the fourth quarter of 2008
decreased to $1.4 million from $10.9 million in 2007, primarily as a result of the decrease in revenue and an
increase in non-cash stock based compensation charges of $3.9 million. This amount was offset in part by a
decrease in administrative expenses. Non-cash stock based compensation charges increased due primarily to
amounts being allocated to compensation expense relating to step-acquisitions of additional equity interests in
Accent Marketing Services, Source Marketing and Allard Johnson Communications. Fourth quarter income
before income taxes decreased to $5.6 million in 2008, from $8.3 million in 2007, as a result of the above
factors and was offset in part by an unrealized gain from the strengthening of the US dollar primarily against
the Canadian dollar in 2008 of $7.7 million as compared to an unrealized loss in 2007 of $0.1 million.

The current stock market turmoil has, in part, led to a decline in the market value of the Company’s
stock. As a result of its lower stock price, the Company determined to pay certain acquisition related pay-
ments in the form of cash instead of with the Company’s Class A shares, in order to minimize dilution to the
current shareholder base. If the current market turmoil continues, it may require the Company to adjust its
acquisition strategy.

The severe tightening of the credit markets in 2008 has impacted the Company by virtue of its impact on

client spending. In evaluating the 2009 ﬁscal year, the Company is revisiting 2009 client budgets and assess-
ing the impact of a reduction of those anticipated client spends, including the potential impact that it could
have on the Company’s results of operations. The Company is currently taking steps to manage its costs to
ensure that if client spending is reduced, the Company is in a position to cut the appropriate costs accordingly.

The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1st. In performing this test in
October 2008, the Company used multiple valuation techniques to value its reporting units. Since the Com-
pany used multiple valuation techniques to measure fair value, the results (respective indications of fair value)
were evaluated and weighted, as appropriate, considering the reasonableness of the range indicated by those
results. A fair value measurement is the point within that range that is most representative of fair value in the
circumstances. Accordingly the Company used both a multiple of earnings and revenues, and discounted cash
ﬂow model, to perform the test. The discounted cash ﬂow model was used primarily to conﬁrm the multiples
used in the market value method. The Company uses multiples as provided by an industry survey of projected
2009 multiples and with data of actual 2008 transaction multiples. This industry survey was issued in Janu-
ary 2009. The Company used both 2008 actual and 2009 estimated results to determine fair value. In light of
the current economic conditions, the Company used multiples, discount rates and updated/revised 2009 bud-
gets as a basis to test for impairment based on the most current information available, in January 2009. The
Company also reconciled the aggregate fair value of the reporting units to the market capitalization of the
Company. This reconciliation was done as of October 1, 2008 as well as on December 31, 2008. After taking
into consideration outstanding indebtedness and considering a deduction for Corporate expenses, there was no
difference in the aggregate fair value of the reporting units as compared to the market capitalization. The
Company also considered a control premium discount; however, the Company determined that a control
premium would have little impact on the reconciliation. Accordingly, a control premium discount was not used
in the reconciliation. Based on the tests performed, the Company determined that none of its goodwill was
impaired in 2008.

15

Summary of Key Transactions

Year Ended December 31, 2008

Step-Up Acquisitions of Key Partners

On November 10, 2008, the Company acquired an additional 17% equity interest in CPB from certain
minority holders. The purchase price consisted of a cash payment equal to $6.4 million plus the issuance of
105,000 newly-issued Class A shares of the Company, plus an additional contingent purchase price payment
due in April 2010 based on 2007, 2008 and 2009 performance. Following the closing of this transaction, the
Company’s ownership in CPB is 94%.

On December 31, 2008, the Company acquired the remaining 6.3% of Accent Marketing Services
(‘‘Accent’’). The aggregate purchase price was equal to $4.8 million and was satisﬁed as follows: on closing,
the extinguishment of $1.8 million of outstanding loans, and payment of $1.0 million in cash; in July 2009,
$0.6 million payable in cash and in December 2009, $1.4 million payable in cash. The sellers may also earn
additional contingent payments based on 2009 performance.

Discontinued Operations

Effective December 3, 2008, Colle & McVoy, LLC completed the sale of certain assets of its Mobium

division. The purchase price consisted of minimal cash received at closing plus additional potential payments
to be received through 2010. As of December 31, 2008, Mobium is treated as a discontinued operation.

In December 2008, the Company entered into negotiations with the management of Clifford/Bratskeir

Public Relations LLC (‘‘Bratskeir’’) to sell certain remaining assets to management. This transaction is
expected to be completed in March 2009, although there can be no assurance that this transaction will be
completed. As of December 31, 2008, Bratskeir has been treated as a discontinued operation.

Year Ended December 31, 2007

Financing Agreement

On June 18, 2007, MDC and its material subsidiaries entered into a $185 million senior secured ﬁnancing

agreement (the ‘‘Financing Agreement’’) with Fortress Credit, an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group, as
collateral agent and Wells Fargo Bank, as administrative agent, and a syndicate of lenders. Proceeds from the
Financing Agreement were used to repay in full the outstanding balances on the Company’s prior credit
facility, which was terminated.

The Financing Agreement consists of a $55 million revolving credit facility, a $60 million term loan and

a $70 million delayed draw term loan. Borrowings under the Financing Agreement bear interest as follows:
(a) LIBOR Rate Loans bear interest at applicable interbank rates and Reference Rate Loans bear interest at the
rate of interest publicly announced by the Reference Bank in New York, New York, plus (b) a percentage
spread ranging from 0% to a maximum of 4.75% depending on the type of loan and the Company’s Senior
Leverage Ratio. In addition, the Company is required to pay a facility fee of 50 basis points.

Step-Up Acquisitions in Key Partners

On November 1, 2007, the Company acquired an additional 28% of CPB from certain minority holders.

The purchase price consisted of a payment of approximately $22.6 million in cash and the issuance of
514,025 newly-issued shares of the Company’s Class A stock valued at approximately $5.5 million. Following
this transaction, the Company’s ownership in CPB was 77%.

On October 18, 2007, the Company acquired the remaining 40% equity interest in kirshenbaum bond &
partners LLC (‘‘KBP’’). The purchase price consisted of an initial payment of approximately $12.3 million in
cash and the issuance of 269,389 newly-issued shares of the Company’s Class A stock valued at approxi-
mately $2.9 million. In addition, the Company expects to pay contingent amounts to the selling minority
holder in 2009 and 2010, based on KBP’s ﬁnancial performance in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Based on 2008
results, an additional payment of $16 million was paid as follows: $14.1 million in November 2008 and
$1.9 million is due in 2009.

16

Management Services Agreement

On April 27, 2007, the Company entered into a new Management Services Agreement (the ‘‘Services
Agreement’’) with Miles Nadal and with Nadal Management, Inc. to set forth the terms and conditions on
which Mr. Nadal will continue to provide services to the Company as its Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Nadal’s
prior services agreement with the Company was scheduled to expire on October 31, 2007, subject to two-year
annual renewals. If the Company were not going to enter into a new agreement with Mr. Nadal and did not
intend to allow the prior agreement to renew, it would have been required to give Mr. Nadal notice of such
non-renewal by April 30, 2007.

As an incentive to enter into the Services Agreement, the Company paid a one-time non-renewal fee of

$3.5 million upon execution of the Services Agreement, which was expensed during the second quarter of
2007. Mr. Nadal used a portion of the proceeds to repay to the Company the $2.7 million (C$3.0 million) note
receivable due on November 1, 2007 from Nadal Management, Inc. The Company had previously reserved the
principal amount of this note receivable; the collection of this receivable resulted in a one-time recovery of
$2.7 million, which was included in operating income for the year ended December 31, 2007. In addition,
during 2007, Mr. Nadal repaid an additional $0.5 million of other previously reserved notes receivable. As a
result of these transactions above, operating income was adversely impacted by $0.4 million during the year
ended December 31, 2007.

Separation Agreement

On July 23, 2007, the Company entered into a separation agreement and release with its former President

and Chief Financial Officer. In connection with this agreement and related matters, the Company incurred
charges of approximately $1.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2007. This charge represents all
costs and expenses incurred as a consequence of this separation.

Year Ended December 31, 2006

Sale of Secure Products International

On November 14, 2006, MDC completed the sale of its Secure Products International Group for consid-

eration equal to approximately $27 million. Consideration was received in the form of cash of $20 million and
additional $1 million annual payments over the next ﬁve years. In addition, MDC received a 7.5% equity
interest in the newly formed entity acquiring the Secure Products International Group. As of December 31,
2008, MDC has received $3.5 million of these annual payments and a dividend distribution equal to
$0.8 million. During 2006, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $19.5 million and a gain on a sale of
$1.8 million. The results of operations of the Secure Products International Group have been included in
discontinued operations.

17

Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are presented below:

Strategic
Marketing
Services

$333,370
207,529
76,534
24,055
$ 25,252

Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of services sold . . . . . . . . .
Office and general expenses . . . .
Depreciation and amortization. . .
Operating Proﬁt (Loss) . . . . . . .

Other Income (Expense):
Other income, net . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign exchange gain. . . . . . . .
Interest expense, net . . . . . . . . .
Income from continuing

operations before income
taxes, equity in affiliates and
minority interest . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense. . . . . . . . . .
Income from continuing

operations before equity in
affiliates and minority inter-
ests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in earnings of affiliates . .
Minority interests in income of

Customer
Relationship
Management

Corporate

For the Year Ended December 31, 2008
Specialized
Communication
Services
(Thousands of United States Dollars)
$117,308
83,604
20,735
2,598
$ 10,371

—
—
17,622
401
$(18,023)

$133,970
101,012
22,864
7,350
2,744

$

$

Total

$584,648
392,145
137,755
34,404
20,344

(14)
13,257
(13,255)

20,332
(2,397)

17,935
349

consolidated subsidiaries. . . . .

$ (4,402)

$

(266)

$ (3,468)

$

—

(8,136)

Income from continuing

operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Loss from discontinued

operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock-based compensation . . . . .

$

6,162

$

2,416

$ 1,281

$ 4,578

10,148

(10,015)
133
$
$ 14,437

18

Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of services sold . . . . . . . . .
Office and general expenses . . . .
Depreciation and amortization. . .
Operating Proﬁt (Loss) . . . . . . .

Other Income (Expense):
Other income, net . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign exchange loss . . . . . . . .
Interest expense, net . . . . . . . . .
Income from continuing

operations before income
taxes, equity in affiliates and
minority interest . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense. . . . . . . . . .
Income from continuing

operations before equity in
affiliates and minority inter-
ests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in earnings of affiliates . .
Minority interests in income of

consolidated subsidiaries. . . . .
Loss from continuing operations .
Loss from discontinued

operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock-based compensation . . . . .

Total

$533,883
343,297
138,234
28,975
23,377

3,165
(7,192)
(11,099)

8,251
(6,081)

2,170
165

(20,517)
(18,182)

(8,173)
$ (26,355)
$ 10,217

Strategic
Marketing
Services

$307,236
182,417
75,256
20,275
$ 29,288

Customer
Relationship
Management

For the Year Ended December 31, 2007
Restated for Discontinued Operations
Specialized
Communication
Services
(Thousands of United States Dollars)
$113,689
79,054
19,524
1,954
$ 13,157

—
—
$ 22,148
258
$(22,406)

Corporate

$112,958
81,826
21,306
6,488
$ 3,338

$ (15,653)

$

(122)

$ (4,742)

$

—

$ 5,194

$

91

$

489

$ 4,443

19

Strategic
Marketing
Services

$236,201
114,758
70,410
17,525
$ 33,508

Customer
Relationship
Management

For the Year Ended December 31, 2006
Restated for Discontinued Operations
Specialized
Communication
Services
(Thousands of United States Dollars)
$81,968
55,277
13,160
1,233
$12,298

$

$84,917
61,419
16,531
5,003
$ 1,964

24,063
284
$(24,347)

Corporate

—

$ (13,077)

$

(73)

$ (3,565)

$

—

$ 1,010

$

24

$ 2,339

$ 4,988

Total

$403,086
231,454
124,164
24,045
23,423

1,351
614
(9,821)

15,567
(7,332)

8,235
168

(16,715)
(8,312)

(25,227)
$ (33,539)
8,361
$

Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of services sold . . . . . . . . .
Office and general expenses . . . .
Depreciation and amortization. . .
Operating Proﬁt (Loss) . . . . . . .

Other Income (Expense):
Other income, net . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign exchange gain. . . . . . . .
Interest expense, net . . . . . . . . .
Income from continuing

operations before income
taxes, equity in affiliates and
minority interest . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense. . . . . . . . . .
Income from continuing

operations before equity in
affiliates and minority
interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in earnings of affiliates . .
Minority interests in income of

consolidated subsidiaries. . . . .
Loss from continuing operations .
Loss from discontinued

operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock-based compensation . . . . .

Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2007

Revenue was $584.6 million for the year ended 2008, representing an increase of $50.7 million, or 9.5%,

compared to revenue of $533.9 million for the year ended 2007. This increase relates primarily to organic
growth of $45.0 million, and $6.6 million relates to acquisitions. In addition, a strengthening of the US Dollar,
primarily versus the Canadian dollar during the year ended December 31, 2008, resulted in decreased revenues
of $0.8 million.

Operating proﬁt for the year ended 2008 was $20.3 million, compared to $23.4 million for the year
ended 2007. The decrease in operating proﬁt was primarily the result of decreases in operating proﬁt of
$4.0 million in the Strategic Marketing Services (‘‘SMS’’), $0.6 million within the Customer Relationship
Management (‘‘CRM’’) and $2.8 million in the Specialized Communication Services (‘‘SCS’’) segment.
Corporate operating expenses decreased by $4.4 million.

The income from continuing operations for 2008 was $10.1 million, compared to a loss of $18.2 million
in 2007. This increase in income of $28.3 million was primarily the result of a decrease in other expenses of
$15.1 million, which includes a $20.4 million increase in unrealized gains on foreign currency transactions;
decreased minority interest of $12.4 million; and decreased income taxes of $3.7 million. These amounts were
offset by the decrease in operating proﬁts of $3.0 million.

20

Marketing Communications Group

Revenues in 2008 attributable to the Marketing Communications Group, which consists of three report-

able segments — SMS, CRM, and SCS, were $584.6 million compared to $533.9 million in 2007,
representing a year-over-year increase of 9.5%.

The components of revenue growth for 2008 are shown in the following table:

Year ended December 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Organic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign exchange impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Year ended December 31, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Revenue

$000’s
$533,883
44,972
6,581
(788)
$584,648

%
—
8.4%
1.2%
(0.1%)
9.5%

The geographic mix in revenues was relatively consistent between 2008 and 2007 and is demonstrated in

the following table:

US . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
UK and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2008

83%
15%
2%

2007

80%
17%
3%

The operating proﬁt of the Marketing Communications Group decreased by approximately 16.2% to
$38.4 million from $45.8 million. Operating margins decreased to 6.6% for 2008 compared to 8.6% for 2007.
The decrease in operating margin is primarily attributable to an increase in direct costs (excluding staff costs)
as a percentage of revenues from 26.3% of revenue in 2007 to 27.5% of revenue in 2008 due to an increase
in reimbursed client related direct costs. In addition, total staff costs as a percentage of revenues increased
from 46.3% in 2007 to 47.3% in 2008. This was offset in part by a decrease in occupancy and administrative
costs as a percentage of revenue from 4.0% in 2007 to 3.8% in 2008. Depreciation and amortization expenses
increased as a percentage of revenue from 5.4% in 2007 to 5.8% in 2008, in addition non-cash stock based
compensation charges increased as a percentage of revenue from 1.1% in 2007 to 1.7% in 2008.

Marketing Communications Businesses

Strategic Marketing Services (‘‘SMS’’)

Revenues attributable to SMS in 2008 were $333.4 million compared to $307.2 million in 2007. The
year-over-year increase of $26.1 million or 8.5% was attributable primarily to organic growth of $20.4 million
as a result of net new business wins, and $5.7 million of the increase related to the 2007 acquisitions of
HL Group Partners and Redscout.

The operating proﬁt of SMS decreased by approximately 13.8% to $25.3 million in 2008, from

$29.3 million in 2007, while operating margins decreased to 7.6% in 2008 from 9.5% in 2007. The decrease
in margin is primarily related to an increase in direct costs (excluding staff costs) as a percentage of revenues
from 11.8% of revenue in 2007 to 11.9% of revenue in 2008, primarily due to an increase in reimbursed
client related direct costs. Total staff costs as a percentage of revenue increased from 56.5% in 2007 to 58.4%
in 2008. In addition, staff costs increased in 2008 due to a $1.0 million increase in non-cash stock based
compensation, primarily as a result of an increase of $0.9 million in the charge resulting from the 2008 con-
tingent payment relating to the 2007 purchase of the remaining 40% equity interest in kirshenbaum bond +
partners and other phantom equity plans at certain partner ﬁrms. Depreciation and amortization represented
7.2% and 6.6% of revenues during 2008 and 2007, respectively, as certain intangibles resulting from the CPB
and KBP step acquisitions have a full year of amortized expense.

21

Customer Relationship Management (‘‘CRM’’)

Revenues reported by the CRM segment in 2008 were $134.1 million, an increase of $21.0 million or
18.6% compared to the $113.0 million reported for 2007. This growth was entirely organic due primarily to
higher volumes from existing clients in part as a result of the opening of a new customer care center in
September 2007.

Operating proﬁt earned by CRM decreased by approximately $0.6 million to $2.7 million for 2008, from
$3.3 million for the previous year. Operating margins were 2.0% for 2008, as compared to 3.0% in 2007. The
decrease in operating proﬁt and margins is primarily due to an increase in non-cash stock based compensation
of $2.3 million in 2008 relating to the acquisition on December 31, 2008, of the remaining 6.3% of Accent.
Excluding this charge, operating proﬁt would have increased by $1.7 million, and margins would have been
3.9% in 2008 compared to 3% in 2007. This increase in margin relates to a decrease as a percentage of rev-
enue of office and general expenses from 18.9% in 2007, to 17.1% in 2008. This decrease is a result of
maintaining ﬁxed costs on increased revenues.

Specialized Communication Services (‘‘SCS’’)

SCS generated revenues of $117.3 million for 2008, which was $3.6 million or 3.2% higher than rev-

enues of $113.7 million in 2007. The year-over-year increase was attributable primarily to organic growth of
$3.4 million as a result of net new business wins, and $0.8 million relating to acquisitions. A strengthening of
the US dollar versus the Canadian dollar and British pound in 2008 compared to 2007 resulted in a
$0.6 million decrease in revenues from the division’s Canadian and UK-based operations.

The operating proﬁt of SCS decreased by $2.8 million to $10.4 million in 2008, from an operating proﬁt
of $13.2 million in 2007, with operating margins of 8.8% in 2008 compared to 11.6% in 2007. The decrease
in operating margin in 2008 was due primarily to an increase in direct costs as a percentage of revenues from
32.5% in 2007 to 34.4% in 2008. In addition, staff costs as a percentage of revenue increased to 43.8% in
2008 from 43.5% in 2007. This increase is a result of the timing of when expected clients’ projects were
expected to begin, while maintaining the appropriate staffing levels to properly service those projects. Margins
were also impacted by an increase in office and general expenses as a percent of revenue, which increased
from 17.2% in 2007 to 17.7% in 2008 and an increase in depreciation and amortization from 1.7% in 2007 to
2.2% in 2008. The increase in office and general expenses was in support of revenue growth which did not
occur. The increase in depreciation and amortization was due to the amortization of intangibles relating to the
acquisition of Clifford PR in February 2008.

Corporate

Operating costs related to the Company’s Corporate operations decreased by $4.4 million to $18.0 million
in 2008, compared to $22.4 million in 2007. This decrease in Corporate expenses was a result of 2007 charges
of $1.9 million of costs associated with the Company’s separation agreement with its former President and
Chief Financial Officer and the hiring of a new CFO, and the net $0.4 million impact of the renewal of the
CEO management services agreement. In addition, the Company reduced Corporate salaries expense, insur-
ance costs, professional and consulting fees and travel and entertainment costs by an aggregate amount equal
to $2.5 million. These decreases were offset by increases in non-cash stock based compensation and increased
promotional expenses and other expenses of $0.4 million.

Other Income, Net

Other income decreased $3.2 million in 2008 to almost nil compared to $3.2 million in 2007. The 2007
income is primarily comprised of a $1.8 million gain on the sale of the plane acquired in the Zyman acquisi-
tion, a dividend payment of $0.8 million from the purchaser of the Secured Products Group, and the recovery
of an investment of $0.4 million. The 2008 expense is comprised of losses on the sale of assets.

Foreign Exchange

The foreign exchange gain was $13.3 million for 2008 compared to the loss of $7.2 million recorded in
2007, and was due primarily to an unrealized gain due to a strengthening in the US dollar during 2008 com-
pared to the Canadian dollar primarily on its US dollar denominated intercompany balances with its Canadian
subsidiaries. At December 31, 2008, the exchange rate was 1.22 Canadian dollars to one US dollar, compared
to 0.99 at the end of 2007 and 1.17 at the end of 2006.

22

Net Interest Expense

Net interest expense for 2008 was $13.3 million, an increase of $2.2 million over the $11.1 million net
interest expense incurred during 2007. Interest expense increased $2.2 million in 2008 due to higher average
outstanding debt in 2008, offset by lower interest rates. Interest income was $1.7 million for 2008, as com-
pared to $2.7 million in 2007. This decrease was primarily due to the interest income recognized from the
acceleration of payments received in July 2007 related to the sale of SPI, originally due to be received in
2010 and 2011.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense in 2008 was $2.4 million compared to $6.1 million for 2007. In 2008, the Compa-
ny’s effective tax rate was substantially lower than the statutory tax rate due to a decrease in the Company’s
valuation allowance, a reversal of withholding taxes due to a change in the tax law, and minority interest
charges. These amounts were offset in part by non-deductible stock based compensation. The Company’s
effective tax rate was substantially higher than the statutory rate in 2007 due to non-deductible stock-based
compensation and an increase in the Company’s valuation allowance, offset in part by minority interest
charges.

The Company’s US operating units are generally structured as limited liability companies, which are
treated as partnerships for tax purposes. The Company is only taxed on its share of proﬁts, while minority
holders are responsible for taxes on their share of the proﬁts.

Equity in Affiliates

Equity in affiliates represents the income attributable to equity-accounted affiliate operations. For 2008

and 2007, income of $0.3 and $0.2 million was recorded, respectively. Included in 2007 is an impairment
charge of $0.2 million relating to the Company’s investment in Cliff Freeman.

Minority Interests

Minority interest expense was $8.1 million for 2008, down $12.4 million from the $20.5 million of

minority interest expense incurred during 2007. Such decrease was primarily due to the Company’s fourth
quarter 2007 step-up in ownership of CPB and KBP, and a decrease in proﬁtability of subsidiaries within the
SCS operating segment, which are not 100% owned.

Discontinued Operations

The loss net of taxes from discontinued operations for 2008 was $10.0 million and is comprised of the
operating results of Mobium, a division of Colle & McVoy, LLC (‘‘Colle’’), Clifford/Bratskeir Public Rela-
tions LLC (‘‘Bratskeir’’), The Ito Partnership (‘‘Ito’’) and Margeotes Fertitta Powell, LLC (‘‘MFP’’). MFP was
previously discontinued in 2007; the other entities were discontinued in 2008.

Effective December 3, 2008, Colle completed the sale of certain assets of its Mobium division. The

Company recorded a loss on sale of $1.2 million ($0.8 million net of taxes) and an operating loss of
$3.4 million ($2.3 million net of taxes).

In December 2008, the Company entered into negotiations to sell certain remaining assets in Bratskeir to
management. This transaction is expected to be completed in March 2009. As a result of this expected trans-
action, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $1.9 million ($1.3 million net of taxes). In addition,
Bratskeir recorded an operating loss of $3.8 million ($2.5 million net of taxes) in 2008.

Effective June 30, 2008, the Company completed the sale of its interests in Ito. The sale resulted in a loss

of $0.8 million ($0.5 million net of taxes.)

As a result, the Company has classiﬁed the Mobium, Bratskeir and Ito operations as discontinued.

In 2007, the Company ceased operation of MFP. In 2008, the Company recorded a loss of $4.0 million
($2.6 million net of taxes) resulting primarily from the accrual of lease abandonment costs and severance at
MFP.

The aggregate loss from discontinued operations for 2007 was $8.2 million and is comprised of the

operating results of Mobium, Bratskeir, Ito, MFP and Banjo Strategic Entertainment, LLC (‘‘Banjo’’).

23

The 2007 loss from discontinued operations consists of net income of $0.3 million from Mobium, income

of $0.1 million from Ito and a net loss of $1.3 million from Bratskeir.

In addition, in March 2007, due to continued operating and client losses, the Company ceased MFP’s

current operations and spun off a new operating division, and as a result incurred a goodwill impairment
charge of $4.5 million. After reviewing the 2008 projections of the new operating division, the Company
decided to cease the operations of the new operating business as well. In addition, an additional intangible
relating to an employment contract of $0.6 million was deemed impaired and written off. The results of
operations of MFP and the new operating business, net of income tax beneﬁts, was a loss of $7.1 million in
2007.

In December 2007, due to continued operating losses and the lack of new business wins, the Company

ceased Banjo’s operations. The results of operations of Banjo, net of income tax beneﬁts, was a loss
$0.2 million in 2007.

As a result, the Company has classiﬁed these operations as discontinued.

Net Income

As a result of the foregoing, the net income recorded for 2008 was $0.1 million or income of $0.01 per

diluted share, compared to a net loss of $26.4 million or $1.05 per diluted share reported for 2007.

Year Ended December 31, 2007 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2006

Revenue was $533.9 million for the year ended 2007, representing an increase of $130.8 million, or
32.5%, compared to revenue of $403.1 million for the year ended 2006. This increase relates primarily to
organic growth of $90.6 million, $19.8 million relating to the consolidation of three entities that were previ-
ously accounted for on the equity method and $12.7 million relating to acquisitions. In addition, a weakening
of the US Dollar, primarily versus the Canadian dollar during the year ended December 31, 2007, resulted in
increased revenues of $7.8 million.

Operating proﬁt for the year ended 2007 was $23.4 million, the same as the year ended 2006. Operating

proﬁt remained consistent despite a decrease in operating proﬁt of $4.2 million in the Strategic Marketing
Services (‘‘SMS’’) segment, partially offset by increases in operating proﬁts of $1.4 million and $0.9 million
within the Customer Relationship Management (‘‘CRM’’) and Specialized Communication Services (‘‘SCS’’)
segments, respectively. In addition, Corporate operating expenses decreased by $1.9 million.

During 2007, certain members of corporate management were permanently assigned and actively

involved in the strategic planning of the various operating subsidiaries within each of the Marketing Commu-
nication business segments in an effort to maximize growth and proﬁtability. As a result, during the year
ended December 31, 2007, approximately $2.4 million, $0.3 million and $1.5 million of costs were allocated
to the SMS, CRM, and SCS segments, respectively. The operating results of each of the operating segments
are discussed in further details within Management’s Discussion and Analysis that follows.

The loss from continuing operations for 2007 was $18.2 million, compared to $8.3 million in 2006. This

increase in loss of $9.9 million was primarily the result of an increase in other expenses of $7.3 million,
which includes a $7.8 million increase in unrealized losses on foreign currency transactions, increased minor-
ity interest of $3.8 million, partially offset by reduced income taxes of $1.3 million.

Marketing Communications Group

Revenues in 2007 attributable to the Marketing Communications Group, which consists of three report-

able segments — SMS, CRM, and SCS, were $533.9 million compared to $403.1 million in 2006,
representing a year-over-year increase of 32.5%.

24

The components of revenue growth for 2007 are shown in the following table:

Year ended December 31, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Organic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of accounting change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign exchange impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Year ended December 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Revenue

$000’s
$403,086
90,596
19,753
12,653
7,795
$533,883

%
—
22.5%
4.9%
3.2%
1.9%
32.5%

The geographic mix in revenues was relatively consistent between 2007 and 2006 and is demonstrated in

the following table:

US . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
UK and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2007

80%
17%
3%

2006

83%
15%
2%

The operating proﬁt of the Marketing Communications Group decreased by approximately 4.2% to
$45.8 million from $47.8 million. Operating margins decreased to 8.6% for 2007 compared to 11.9% for
2006. The decrease in operating margin is primarily attributable to an increase in direct costs (excluding staff
costs) as a percentage of revenues from 21.3% of revenue in 2006 to 26.3% of revenue in 2007 due to an
increase in reimbursed client related direct costs. In addition, staff costs as a percentage of revenues increased
from 45.2% in 2006 to 46.3% in 2007. This was offset in part by a decrease in office and general expenses as
a percentage of revenue from 24.8% in 2006 to 21.7% in 2007 and a decrease in depreciation and amortiza-
tion as a percentage of revenue from 5.9% in 2006 to 5.4% in 2007. Included in operating proﬁts in 2007 was
a termination payment of $5.3 million received in connection with the termination by a client of their engage-
ment with a subsidiary of the Company.

Marketing Communications Businesses

Strategic Marketing Services (‘‘SMS’’)

Revenues attributable to SMS in 2007 were $307.2 million compared to $236.2 million in 2006. The

year-over-year increase of $71.0 million or 30.1% was attributable primarily to organic growth of
$48.6 million as a result of net new business wins, $11.7 million of the increase related to the acquisitions of
HL Group Partners and Redscout, LLC and $8.5 million related to the change in accounting for Zig Inc., and
Mono Advertising, LLC, from the equity method of accounting in 2006 to consolidating them in 2007 for the
full year. A weakening of the US dollar versus the Canadian dollar in 2007 compared to 2006 resulted in a
$2.1 million increase in revenues from the division’s Canadian-based operations.

The operating proﬁt of SMS decreased by approximately 12.6% to $29.3 million in 2007 from $33.5 mil-

lion in 2006, while operating margins decreased to 9.5% in 2007 from 14.2% in 2006. Excluding the receipt
of the termination payment noted above, 2006 operating proﬁt would have been $28.2 million with operating
margins of 12.2%. The decrease in margin is primarily related to an increase in direct costs (excluding staff
costs) as a percentage of revenues from 5.5% of revenue in 2006 to 11.8% of revenue in 2007 primarily due
to an increase in reimbursed client related direct costs. Operating margins also decreased in 2007 by 0.8% due
to the allocation of $2.4 million relating to the reassignment of certain members of corporate management to
entities within this segment. Total staff costs as a percentage of revenue increased from 54.2% in 2006 to
56.5% in 2007. Excluding the termination payment, staff costs as a percentage of revenue in 2006 would have
been 55.4%. In addition, staff costs increased in 2007 due to a $4.2 million increase in non-cash stock based
compensation primarily as a result of a $2.6 million charge resulting from the acquisition of the remaining
40% equity interest in kirshenbaum bond + partners and other phantom equity plans at certain partner ﬁrms.
Office and general expenses increased due to additional occupancy and administrative costs relating to the
expansion of operations in Boulder, Colorado and expansions and office moves of other partner ﬁrms but as a

25

percentage of revenue office and general expenses decreased from 29.8% in 2006 to 24.5% in 2007. Deprecia-
tion and amortization represented 6.6% and 7.4% of revenues during 2007 and 2006, respectively, as certain
intangibles resulting from the Zyman acquisition were fully amortized during 2006. During 2007, amortization
expense increased from a change in the estimated amortization rate of customer lists.

Customer Relationship Management (‘‘CRM’’)

Revenues reported by the CRM segment in 2007 were $113.0 million, an increase of $28.1 million or
33.0% compared to the $84.9 million reported for 2006. This growth was entirely organic due primarily to
higher volumes from existing clients in part as a result of the opening of a new customer care center in
September 2007 and the opening of three additional customer care centers during 2006. Such growth was
offset by the closure of one customer care center in August 2006.

Operating proﬁt earned by CRM increased by approximately $1.3 million to $3.3 million for 2007 from
$2.0 million for the previous year. Operating margins were 3.0% for 2007 as compared to 2.3% in 2006. The
increase in margins is primarily due to a decrease in occupancy and administrative costs as a percentage of
revenue from 11.0% in 2006 to 9.4% in 2007.

Specialized Communication Services (‘‘SCS’’)

SCS generated revenues of $113.7 million for 2007, $31.7 million or 38.7% higher than revenues of

$82.0 million in 2006. The year-over-year increase was attributable primarily to organic growth of
$13.9 million as a result of net new business wins, $11.2 million relating to the change in accounting for
Accumark, Inc., from the equity method in 2006 to consolidating them in 2007 for the full year and
$0.9 million for acquisitions. A weakening of the US dollar versus the Canadian dollar and British pound in
2007 compared to 2006 resulted in a $5.7 million increase in revenues from the division’s Canadian and
UK-based operations.

The operating proﬁt of SCS increased by $0.9 million to $13.2 million in 2007, from an operating proﬁt

of $12.3 in 2006, with operating margins of 11.6% in 2007 compared to 15.0% in 2006. Included in 2006 was
a non-cash stock based compensation charge of $2.3 million relating to the price paid for membership inter-
ests, which was less than fair value of such membership interests and the fair value of an option granted to
certain members of management of Source Marketing LLC (‘‘Source’’). Excluding the Source non-cash stock
based compensation charge, 2006 operating income would have been $14.6 million with operating margins of
17.8% compared to 11.6% in 2007. The decrease in operating margin in 2007 was due primarily to an
increase in direct costs as a percentage of revenues from 27.1% in 2006 to 32.5% in 2007, primarily due to an
increase in reimbursed client related direct costs. Operating margins also decreased in 2007 by 1.3% due to
the allocation of $1.5 million relating to the reassignment of certain members of corporate management to
entities within this segment. In addition, staff costs excluding the Source non-cash stock based compensation
charge as a percentage of revenue increased to 43.5% in 2007 from 42.6% in 2006. Including the Source
non-cash stock based compensation charge staff costs as a percentage of revenue in 2006 was 45.4%. This
increase is a result of the timing of when expected clients’ projects will begin, while maintaining the appropri-
ate staffing levels to properly service those projects.

Corporate

Operating costs related to the Company’s Corporate operations totaled $22.4 million in 2007 compared to

$24.3 million in 2006. During 2007, certain members of corporate management were permanently assigned
and actively involved in the strategic planning of the various operating subsidiaries within each of the Market-
ing Communication business segments in an effort to maximize growth and proﬁtability. As a result,
approximately $4.2 million of costs were allocated to the Marketing Communications segments. Excluding the
allocation of these costs, corporate operating costs increased by $2.3 million. This increase in corporate
expenses was a result of $1.9 million of costs associated with the Company’s separation agreement with its
former President and Chief Financial Officer and the hiring of a new CFO, and the net $0.4 million impact of
the renewal of the CEO management services agreement. In addition, non-cash stock based compensation
increased by $1.0 million. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in insurance and professional
fees in 2007.

26

Other Income, Net

Other income increased to $3.2 million in 2007 compared to $1.4 million in 2006. The 2007 income is

primarily comprised of a $1.8 million gain on the sale of the plane acquired in the Zyman acquisition, a
dividend payment of $0.8 million from the purchaser of the Secured Products Group, and the recovery of an
investment of $0.4 million. The 2006 income is comprised of gains on the sale of assets, the settlement in
June 2006, of the Company’s cross currency swap, the recovery of an investment offset in part by a loss on an
equity transaction of a subsidiary.

Foreign Exchange

The foreign exchange loss was $7.2 million for 2007 compared to the gain of $0.6 million recorded in

2006 and was due primarily to an unrealized loss due to a weakening in the US dollar during 2007 compared
to the Canadian dollar primarily on its US dollar denominated intercompany balances with its Canadian
subsidiaries. At December 31, 2006, the exchange rate was 1.17 Canadian dollars to one US dollar, compared
to 0.99 at the end of 2007.

Net Interest Expense

Net interest expense for 2007 was $11.1 million, an increase of $1.3 million over the $9.8 million net

interest expense incurred during 2006. Interest expense increased $2.5 million in 2007 due to higher interest
rates and higher average outstanding debt in 2007. Interest income was $2.7 million for 2007, as compared to
$1.5 million in 2006. This increase was primarily due to the interest income recognized from the acceleration
of payments received in July 2007 related to the sale of SPI, originally due to be received in 2010 and 2011.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense in 2007 was $6.1 million compared to an expense of $7.3 million for 2006. In 2007,

the Company’s effective tax rate was substantially higher than the statutory tax rate in 2007 due to non
deductible stock based compensation, and an increase in the Company’s valuation allowance offset in part by
minority interest charges. The Company’s effective tax rate was substantially higher than the statutory rate in
2006 because the Company increased its valuation allowance in an amount equal to the tax loss resulting from
the sale of SPI.

The Company’s US operating units are generally structured as limited liability companies, which are
treated as partnerships for tax purposes. The Company is only taxed on its share of proﬁts, while minority
holders are responsible for taxes on their share of the proﬁts.

Equity in Affiliates

Equity in affiliates represents the income attributable to equity-accounted affiliate operations. For 2007
and 2006, income of $0.2 million was recorded. Included in 2006 is an impairment charge of $0.8 million
relating to the Company’s investment in Cliff Freeman.

Minority Interests

Minority interest expense was $20.5 million for 2007, up $3.8 million from the $16.7 million of minority

interest expense incurred during 2006. Such increase was primarily due to the increase in proﬁtability in the
subsidiaries within the SMS and SCS operating segments who are not 100% owned, offset in part by the
Company’s step-up in ownership of CPB and KBP.

Discontinued Operations

The loss from discontinued operations for 2007 was $8.2 million and is comprised of the operating

results of MFP and Banjo, which operations were discontinued during 2007. The loss also includes results
from Mobium, Ito and Bratskeir, entities that were discontinued in 2008.

The results of operations of MFP, net of income tax beneﬁts, was a loss of $7.1 million in 2007 and a

loss of $6.0 million in 2006.

The results of operations of Banjo, net of income tax beneﬁts, was a loss $0.2 million in 2007 and a loss

of $0.1 million in 2006.

27

The 2007 loss from discontinued operations consists of net income of $0.3 million from Mobium, income

of $0.1 million from Ito and a net loss of $1.3 million from Bratskeir.

The loss from discontinued operations for 2006 amounted to $25.2 million and is comprised of

$18.7 million relating to SPI and $6.1 million relating to MFP and Banjo and $0.4 million related to Mobium
and Bratskeir.

On November 14, 2006, the Company completed its sale of SPI, resulting in net proceeds of $27 million.

During 2006, the Company had previously recorded an impairment charge of $19.5 million relating to SPI’s
long lived assets to adjust them to fair market value. The sale of SPI resulted in a gain of $2.9 million
($1.8 million, net of taxes). The results of operations of SPI for 2006 resulted in a loss of $2.1 million.

Based on the net proceeds and average borrowing rate for each period, the Company has allocated inter-

est expense to discontinued operations of $1.4 million for the year ended 2006.

Net Income

As a result of the foregoing, the net loss recorded for 2007 was $26.3 million or a loss of $1.05 per

diluted share, compared to the net loss of $33.5 million or $1.40 per diluted share reported for 2006.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following table provides information about the Company’s liquidity position:

Liquidity

2008

2007

2006

Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Working capital (deﬁcit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash from operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash from investing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash from ﬁnancing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ratio of long-term debt to shareholders’ equity . . . . . .

(In Thousands, Except for Long-Term
Debt to Shareholders’ Equity Ratio)
$ 10,410
$(22,364)
$ 4,132
$(60,914)
$ 60,929
1.29

$
6,591
$(105,039)
$ 39,705
$ (14,315)
$ (31,597)
0.37

$ 41,331
$(12,091)
$ 57,446
$(50,186)
$ 23,510
1.43

As at December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, $8.4 million, $3.5 million and $2.3 million, respectively, of
the consolidated cash position was held by subsidiaries. Although this amount is available for the subsidiaries’
use, it does not represent cash that is distributable as earnings to MDC for use to reduce its indebtedness. It is
the Company’s intent through its cash management system to reduce outstanding borrowings under the
Financing Agreement by using available cash.

Working Capital

At December 31, 2008, the Company had a working capital deﬁcit of $12.1 million, compared to a
deﬁcit of $22.4 million at December 31, 2007. Working capital deﬁcit decreased by $10.3 million primarily
due to a signiﬁcant increase in operating results in 2008 compared to 2007. In addition, the Company made
improvements in its billing and collecting practices. The Company includes amounts due to minority interest
holders, for their share of proﬁts, in accrued and other liabilities. During 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company
made distributions to these minority interest holders of $11.6 million, $25.0 million and $19.4 million, respec-
tively. At December 31, 2008, $4.9 million remains outstanding to be distributed to minority interest holders
over the next twelve months.

The Company expects that available borrowings under its Financing Agreement, together with cash ﬂows

from operations, will be sufficient at any particular time to adequately fund working capital deﬁcits should
there be a need to do so from time to time.

28

Operating Activities

Cash ﬂow provided by continuing operations for 2008 was $60.9 million. This was attributable primarily

to income from continuing operations of $10.1 million, plus non-cash stock based compensation of
$13.5 million, depreciation and amortization of $35.8 million, a decrease in accounts receivable and expendi-
tures billable to clients of $28.5 million and a decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets and
liabilities of $1.6 million. This was partially offset by foreign exchange gains of $14.6 million, deferred taxes
of $1.0 million, changes in other non-current assets and liabilities of $1.3 million and decreases in accounts
payable, accruals and other current liabilities of $11.7 million. Discontinued operations used cash of
$3.5 million.

Cash ﬂow provided by continuing operations for 2007 was $3.1 million. This was attributable primarily

to a loss from continuing operations of $18.2 million, plus non-cash stock based compensation of
$9.1 million, depreciation and amortization of $31.3 million, foreign exchange losses of $7.3 million, deferred
income taxes of $5.3 million, a decrease in expenditures billable to clients of $8.9 million and a decrease in
other non-current assets and liabilities of $3.7 million. This was partially offset by decreases in accounts
payable, accruals and other current liabilities of $26.2 million and an increase in accounts receivable of
$11.6 million. Discontinued operations generated cash of $1.0 million.

Cash ﬂow provided by continuing operations for 2006 was $34.0 million. This was attributable primarily
to a loss from continuing operations of $8.3 million, plus non-cash stock based compensation of $7.4 million,
depreciation and amortization of $26.3 million, deferred income taxes of $4.9 million, an increase in accounts
payable, accruals and other liabilities of $34.5 million and an increase in advance billings of $15.4 million.
This was partially offset by increases in accounts receivable of $19.8 million and expenditures billable to
clients of $19.5 million. Discontinued operations provided cash of $5.7 million.

Investing Activities

Cash ﬂows used in investing activities were $50.2 million for 2008, compared with $60.9 million in

2007, and $14.3 million in 2006.

Cash used in acquisitions during 2008 was $35.8 million of which $19.1 million was paid in the acquisi-

tion of equity interests in Crispin Porter & Bogusky, Texture Media, Clifford PR, Core Strategy Group,
DMG Inc., Skinny NY, Source Marketing, Allard Johnson, Zig and Accent Marketing. In addition, the Com-
pany paid $16.7 million as contingent deferred payments from prior acquisitions.

The proceeds of $0.2 million from dispositions in 2008 primarily relate to proceeds received from the

sale of capital assets.

Expenditures for capital assets in 2008 were equal to $14.4 million. Of this amount, $8.8 million was
incurred by the SMS segment, $4.3 million was incurred by the CRM segment and $1.2 million was incurred
by the SCS segment. These expenditures consisted primarily of computer equipment, leasehold improvements,
furniture and ﬁxtures, and $0.1 million related to the purchase of Corporate assets, primarily software.

Cash used in acquisitions during 2007 was equal to $47.4 million. This amount included cash paid in the
acquisition of equity interests in Crispin Porter & Bogusky, kirshenbaum bond + partners, HL Group Partners
and Redscout.

The proceeds from dispositions in 2007 primarily relate to proceeds received from the sale of the plane

acquired in the Zyman acquisition.

Expenditures for capital assets in 2007 were equal to $19.5 million. Of this amount, $9.0 million was
incurred by the SMS segment, $7.9 million was incurred by the CRM segment and $2.4 million was incurred
by the SCS segment. These expenditures consisted primarily of computer equipment, leasehold improvements,
furniture and ﬁxtures, and $0.2 million related to the purchase of Corporate assets, primarily software.

In 2006, capital expenditures totaled $22.4 million, of which $9.1 million was incurred by the SMS
segment, $11.7 million was incurred by the CRM segment and $1.2 million was incurred by the SCS segment,
which expenditures consisted primarily of leasehold improvements, computer and switching equipment, and
$0.4 million related to the purchase of Corporate assets primarily software.

29

During 2006, the Company received net proceeds of $16.4 million in connection with the sale of SPI and

used $7.2 million of cash to fund acquisitions, step-ups in ownership of certain partner ﬁrms and earnout
payments.

Proﬁt distributions received from affiliates amounted to $0.4 million in 2008, nil for 2007, and

$0.9 million for 2006. The decrease between 2007 and 2006 related primarily to the consolidation in 2006 and
2007 of certain partner ﬁrms, which had been previously accounted for on the equity method of accounting.

Discontinued operations used cash of $0.5 million, $0.9 million and $2.7 million in 2008, 2007 and
2006, respectively, relating to expenditures for capital assets, and in 2008 and 2007 such payments also
related to acquisitions and earnout payments.

Financing Activities

During the year ended December 31, 2008, cash ﬂows provided by ﬁnancing activities amounted to

$23.5 million, and primarily consisted of $26.3 million of proceeds from borrowings under the Company’s
Financing Agreement. These proceeds were partially offset by $1.9 million of net repayments of long-term
debt and $0.9 million relating to the repurchase of treasury shares for income tax withholding requirements.

During the year ended December 31, 2007, cash ﬂows provided by ﬁnancing activities amounted to
$60.9 million, and primarily consisted of $113.4 million of proceeds from the current Financing Agreement.
These proceeds were partially offset by the $45.0 million repayment of the old credit facility, $10.8 million of
net repayments of long-term debt and bank borrowings, and the payment of $3.9 million of deferred ﬁnancing
costs relating to the current Financing Agreement. The Company also received proceeds from a forgivable
note payable amounting to $3.3 million relating to the opening of a new customer care center. In addition, the
Company received $4.9 million of proceeds from the issuance of share capital resulting from the exercise of
stock options. The Company also repurchased treasury shares of $0.8 million for income tax withholding
requirements. Discontinued operations used cash of $0.1 million for payments under capital leases.

During 2006, the Company used cash of $31.6 million to repay borrowings under the old credit facility

and payments under capital leases and other debt. Discontinued operations used cash of $3.3 million for
payments under capital leases.

Total Debt

On June 18, 2007, the Company and its material subsidiaries entered into a $185 million senior secured

ﬁnancing agreement (the ‘‘Financing Agreement’’) with Fortress Credit, an affiliate of Fortress Investment
Group, as collateral agent and Wells Fargo Bank, as administrative agent, and a syndicate of lenders. Proceeds
from the Financing Agreement were used to repay in full the outstanding balances on the Company’s prior
credit facility, which was terminated.

The Financing Agreement consists of a $55 million revolving credit facility, a $60 million term loan and

a $70 million delayed draw term loan. Borrowings under the Financing Agreement will bear interest as fol-
lows: (a) LIBOR Rate Loans bear interest at applicable interbank rates and Reference Rate Loans bear interest
at the rate of interest publicly announced by the Reference Bank in New York, New York, plus (b) a percent-
age spread ranging from 0% to a maximum of 4.75% depending on the type of loan and the Company’s
Senior Leverage Ratio. In addition, the Company is required to pay a facility fee of 50 basis points. The
weighted average interest rate at December 31, 2008 was 7.59%.

The Financing Agreement is guaranteed by the material subsidiaries and secured by all the assets of the
Company and matures on June 17, 2012. The Financing Agreement is subject to various covenants, including
a senior leverage ratio, ﬁxed charges ratio, limitations on debt incurrence, limitation on liens and limitation on
dividends and other payments.

Debt as of December 31, 2008 was $181.5 million, an increase of $16.7 million compared with the

$164.8 million outstanding at December 31, 2007, primarily as a result of borrowings under the revolving
Financing Agreement to fund seasonal working capital requirements and acquisitions. At December 31, 2008,
$40.6 million is available under the Financing Agreement plus cash of $32.9 million which is available to
fund working capital requirements.

30

The Company is currently in compliance with all of the terms and conditions of its Financing Agreement,

and management believes, based on its current ﬁnancial projections, that the Company will be in compliance
with covenants over the next twelve months.

If the Company loses all or a substantial portion of its lines of credit under the Financing Agreement, it

will be required to seek other sources of liquidity. If the Company were unable to ﬁnd these sources of liquid-
ity, for example through an equity offering or access to the capital markets, the Company’s ability to fund its
working capital needs and any contingent obligations with respect to put options would be adversely affected.

Pursuant to the Financing Agreement, the Company must comply with certain ﬁnancial covenants includ-

ing, among other things, covenants for (i) total debt ratio, (ii) ﬁxed charges ratio, (iii) minimum earnings
before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization, and (iv) limitations on capital expenditures, in each
case as such term is speciﬁcally deﬁned in the Financing Agreement. For the period ended December 31,
2008, the Company’s calculation of each of these covenants, and the speciﬁc requirements under the Financ-
ing Agreement, respectively, were as follows:

Total Senior Leverage Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maximum per covenant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed Charges Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minimum per covenant
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minimum earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minimum per covenant
Capital Expenditures:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maximum per covenant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

December 31,
2008

1.86
3.25
3.03
1.20
$65.5 million
$42.8 million
$14.6 million
$16.4 million

These ratios are not based on generally accepted accounting principles and are not presented as alterna-
tive measures of operating performance or liquidity. They are presented here to demonstrate compliance with
the covenants in the Company’s Financing Agreement, as non-compliance with such covenants could have a
material adverse effect on the Company.

8% Convertible Unsecured Subordinated Debentures

On June 28, 2005, the Company completed a public offering in Canada of convertible unsecured subordi-

nated debentures amounting to $36.7 million (C$45.0 million) (the ‘‘Debentures’’). The Debentures will
mature on June 30, 2010. The Debentures bear interest at an annual rate of 8.00% payable semi-annually, in
arrears, on June 30 and December 31 of each year. Unless an event of default has occurred and is continuing,
the Company may elect, from time to time, subject to applicable regulatory approval, to issue and deliver
Class A subordinate voting shares to the Debenture trustee in order to raise funds to satisfy all or any part of
the Company’s obligations to pay interest on the Debentures in accordance with the indenture in which event
holders of the Debentures will be entitled to receive a cash payment equal to the interest payable from the
proceeds of the sale of such Class A subordinate voting shares by the Debenture trustee.

The Debentures will be convertible at the holder’s option into fully-paid, non-assessable and freely

tradeable Class A subordinate voting shares of the Company, at any time prior to maturity or redemption,
subject to the restrictions on transfer, at a conversion price of $11.49 (C$14.00) per Class A subordinate
voting share being a ratio of approximately 71.4286 Class A subordinate voting shares per $821 (C$1,000)
principal amount of Debentures.

The Debentures may not be redeemed by the Company on or before June 30, 2008. Thereafter, but prior
to June 30, 2009, the Debentures may be redeemed, in whole or in part from time to time, at a price equal to
the principal amount of the Debenture plus accrued and unpaid interest, provided that the volume weighted
average trading price of the Class A subordinate voting shares on The Toronto Stock Exchange during a
speciﬁed period is not less than 125% of the conversion price. From July 1, 2009 until the maturity of the
Debentures, the Debentures may be redeemed by the Company at a price equal to the principal amount of the

31

Debenture plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. The Company may elect to satisfy the redemption consid-
eration, in whole or part, by issuing Class A subordinate voting shares of the Company to the holders, the
number of which will be determined by dividing the principal amount of the Debenture by 95% of the current
market price of the Class A subordinate voting shares on the redemption date. Upon the occurrence of a
change of control of the Company involving the acquisition of voting control or direction over 50% or more
of the outstanding Class A subordinate voting shares prior to June 30, 2008, the Company shall be required to
make an offer to purchase all of the then outstanding Debentures at a price equal to 100% of the principal
amount thereof plus an amount equal to the interest payments not yet received on the Debentures calculated
from the date of the change of control to June 30, 2008, discounted at a speciﬁed rate. Upon the occurrence
of a change of control on or after June 30, 2008, the Company shall be required to make an offer to purchase
all of the then outstanding Debentures at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Debentures
plus accrued and unpaid interest to the purchase date.

Disclosure of Contractual Obligations and Other Commercial Commitments

The following table provides a payment schedule of present and future obligations. Management antici-

pates that the obligations outstanding at December 31, 2008 will be repaid with new ﬁnancing, equity
offerings and/or cash ﬂow from operations (in thousands):

Contractual Obligations
Indebtedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital lease obligations . . . . . . .
Operating leases . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred acquisition

consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Management services agreement .
Total contractual obligations . . . .

Total
$179,436
2,062
77,727

5,538
1,869
$266,632

Payments Due by Period

Less than
1 Year

$

600
946
14,799

5,271
1,494
$23,110

1 − 3 Years
$38,535
1,098
24,907

267
375
$65,182

3 − 5 Years
$140,301
18
17,876

—
—
$158,195

After
5 Years
$ —
—
20,145

—
—
$20,145

The following table provides a summary of other commercial commitments (in thousands) at

December 31, 2008:

Other Commercial Commitments
Lines of credit . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Letters of credit
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Other Commercial

Payments Due by Period

Total
$ —
4,713

Less than
1 Year
$—
—

1 − 3 Years
$ —
4,713

3 − 5 Years
$—
—

After
5 Years
$—
—

Commitments . . . . . . . . . . . .

$4,713

$—

$4,713

$—

$—

For further detail on MDC’s long-term debt principal and interest payments, see Note 12 of the Compa-

ny’s consolidated ﬁnancial statements included in this Form 10-K. See also ‘‘Deferred Acquisition and
Contingent Consideration (Earnouts)’’ and ‘‘Off-Balance Sheet Commitments’’ below.

Capital Resources

At December 31, 2008, the Company had utilized approximately $144.4 million of its Financing Agree-

ment in the form of borrowings and letters of credit. Cash and undrawn available bank credit facilities to
support the Company’s future cash requirements at December 31, 2008 was approximately $73.5 million.

The Company expects to incur approximately $13 million of capital expenditures in 2009. Such capital

expenditures are expected to include leasehold improvements, furniture and ﬁxtures, and computer equipment
at certain of the Company’s operating subsidiaries. The Company intends to maintain and expand its business
using cash from operating activities, together with funds available under the Financing Agreement. Manage-
ment believes that the Company’s cash ﬂow from operations and funds available under the Financing
Agreement will be sufficient to meet its ongoing working capital, capital expenditures and other cash needs

32

over the next eighteen months. If the Company has growth through acquisitions, management expects that the
Company may need to obtain additional ﬁnancing in the form of debt and/or equity ﬁnancing.

Deferred Acquisition and Contingent Consideration (Earnouts)

Acquisitions of businesses by the Company may include commitments to contingent deferred purchase
consideration payable to the seller. These contingent purchase obligations are generally payable within a one
to three-year period following the acquisition date, and are based on achievement of certain thresholds of
future earnings and, in certain cases, also based on the rate of growth of those earnings. The contingent con-
sideration is recorded as an obligation of the Company when the contingency is resolved and the amount is
reasonably determinable. At December 31, 2008, there was $5.5 million of deferred consideration included in
the Company’s balance sheet. Based on the various assumptions as to future operating results of the relevant
entities, management estimates that approximately $45.6 million of additional deferred purchase obligations
could be triggered during 2009 or thereafter, including approximately $9.9 million which may be paid in the
form of issuance by the Company of its Class A shares. The actual amount that the Company pays in connec-
tion with the deferred and contingent obligations may be materially different from this estimate.

Off-Balance Sheet Commitments

Put Rights of Subsidiaries’ Minority Shareholders

Owners of interests in certain of the Company’s subsidiaries have the right in certain circumstances to
require the Company to acquire either a portion of or all of the remaining ownership interests held by them.
The owners’ ability to exercise any such ‘‘put option’’ right is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions,
including conditions requiring notice in advance of exercise. In addition, these rights cannot be exercised prior
to speciﬁed staggered exercise dates. The exercise of these rights at their earliest contractual date would result
in obligations of the Company to fund the related amounts during the period 2009 to 2018. It is not determin-
able, at this time, if or when the owners of these rights will exercise all or a portion of these rights.

The amount payable by the Company in the event such put option rights are exercised is dependent on

various valuation formulas and on future events, such as the average earnings of the relevant subsidiary
through that date of exercise, the growth rate of the earnings of the relevant subsidiary during that period,
and, in some cases, the currency exchange rate at the date of payment.

Management estimates, assuming that the subsidiaries owned by the Company at December 31, 2008,
perform over the relevant future periods at their 2008 earnings levels, that these rights, if all exercised, could
require the Company, in future periods, to pay an aggregate amount of approximately $31.7 million to the
owners of such rights to acquire such ownership interests in the relevant subsidiaries. Of this amount, the
Company is entitled, at its option, to fund approximately $4.0 million by the issuance of the Company’s Class
A subordinate voting shares. In addition, the Company is obligated under similar put option rights to pay an
aggregate amount of approximately $6.2 million only upon termination of such owners employment with the
applicable subsidiary. The Company intends to ﬁnance the cash portion of these contingent payment obliga-
tions using available cash from operations, borrowings under its Financing Agreement (and reﬁnancings
thereof) and, if necessary, through incurrence of additional debt. The ultimate amount payable and the incre-
mental operating income in the future relating to these transactions will vary because it is dependent on the
future results of operations of the subject businesses and the timing of when these rights are exercised.
Approximately $7.0 million of the estimated $31.7 million that the Company would be required to pay subsid-
iaries minority shareholders’ upon the exercise of outstanding ‘‘put’’ rights, relates to rights exercisable within
the next twelve months. Upon the settlement of the total amount of such put options, the Company estimates
that it would receive incremental operating income before depreciation and amortization of $5.7 million.

33

The following table summarizes the potential timing of the consideration and incremental operating

income before depreciation and amortization based on assumptions as described above.

Consideration(3)

2009

2010

2011

2012

Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating income before depreciation
and amortization to be received(1)
.
Cumulative operating income before

depreciation and amortization(2) . . .

$6.5
0.4
$6.9

$1.7

$1.7

$1.0
0.1
$1.1

$0.2

$1.9

($ Millions)

$1.3
0.7
$2.0

$0.8

$2.7

$4.6
1.0
$5.6

$1.6

$4.3

2013 &
Thereafter

$14.3
1.8
$16.1

Total

$27.7
4.0
$31.7

$ 1.4

$ 5.7

5.7

(4)

(1) This ﬁnancial measure is presented because it is the basis of the calculation used in the underlying agree-
ments relating to the put rights and is based on actual 2008 operating results. This amount represents
amounts to be received commencing in the year the put is exercised.

(2) Cumulative operating income before depreciation and amortization represents the cumulative amounts to

be received by the company.

(3) The timing of consideration to be paid varies by contract and does not necessarily correspond to the date

of the exercise of the put.

(4) Amounts are not presented as they would not be meaningful due to multiple periods included.

Guarantees

In connection with certain dispositions of assets and/or businesses in 2001 and 2003, as well as the 2006
sale of SPI, the Company has provided customary representations and warranties whose terms range in dura-
tion and may not be explicitly deﬁned. The Company has also retained certain liabilities for events occurring
prior to sale, relating to tax, environmental, litigation and other matters. Generally, the Company has indemni-
ﬁed the purchasers in the event that a third party asserts a claim against the purchaser that relates to a liability
retained by the Company. These types of indemniﬁcation guarantees typically extend for several years.

Historically, the Company has not made any signiﬁcant indemniﬁcation payments under such agreements
and no provision has been accrued in the accompanying consolidated ﬁnancial statements with respect to these
indemniﬁcation guarantees. The Company continues to monitor the conditions that are subject to guarantees
and indemniﬁcations to identify whether it is probable that a loss has occurred, and would recognize any such
losses under any guarantees or indemniﬁcations in the period when those losses are probable and estimable.

For guarantees and indemniﬁcations entered into after January 1, 2003, in connection with the sale of the
Company’s investment in CDI and the sale of SPI, the Company has estimated the fair value of its liability to
be insigniﬁcant.

Transactions with Related Parties

CEO Services Agreement

On April 27, 2007, the Company entered into a new Management Services Agreement (the ‘‘Services
Agreement’’) with Miles Nadal and with Nadal Management, Inc. to set forth the terms and conditions on
which Mr. Nadal will continue to provide services to the Company as its Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Nadal’s
prior services agreement with the Company was scheduled to expire on October 31, 2007, subject to two-year
annual renewals. If the Company were not going to enter into a new agreement with Mr. Nadal and did not
intend to allow the prior agreement to renew, it would have been required to give Mr. Nadal notice of such
non-renewal by April 30, 2007.

34

As an incentive to enter into the Services Agreement, the Company paid a one-time non-renewal fee of

$3.5 million upon execution of the Services Agreement, which was expensed during the second quarter of
2007. Mr. Nadal used a portion of the proceeds to repay to the Company the $2.7 million (C$3.0 million) note
receivable due on November 1, 2007 from Nadal Management, Inc. In addition, during 2007 and 2008 and in
accordance with this new Services Agreement, Mr. Nadal repaid an additional $0.5 million and $0.1 million,
respectively, of loans due to the Company.

At December 31, 2008, outstanding loans due from Nadal Management to the Company, with no stated

maturity date, amounted to C$6.3 million ($5.1 million), which have been reserved for in the Company’s
accounts.

Trapeze Media

In 2000, the Company purchased 1,600,000 shares in Trapeze Media Limited (‘‘Trapeze’’) for

$0.2 million. At the same time, the Company’s CEO purchased 4,280,000 shares of Trapeze for $0.6 million,
the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer and a Managing Director of the Company each purchased
50,000 Trapeze shares for $7,000 and a Board Member of the Company purchased 75,000 shares of Trapeze
for $10,000. In 2001, the Company purchased an additional 1,250,000 shares for $0.2 million, and the Com-
pany’s CEO purchased 500,000 shares for $0.1 million. In 2002, the Company’s CEO purchased 3,691,930
shares of Trapeze for $0.5 million. All of these purchases were made at identical prices (i.e., C$0.20/unit).

During 2008, 2007 and 2006, Trapeze provided services to certain partner ﬁrms of MDC, and the total
amount of such services provided was $0.4 million, $0.4 million, and $0.3 million, respectively. In addition, in
2008, an MDC Partner ﬁrm provided services to Trapeze in exchange for fees equal to $0.1 million.

The Company’s Board of Directors, through its Audit Committee, has reviewed and approved these

transactions.

Critical Accounting Policies

The following summary of accounting policies has been prepared to assist in better understanding the
Company’s consolidated ﬁnancial statements and the related management discussion and analysis. Readers are
encouraged to consider this information together with the Company’s consolidated ﬁnancial statements and the
related notes to the consolidated ﬁnancial statements as included in the Company’s annual report on
Form 10-K for a more complete understanding of accounting policies discussed below.

Estimates. The preparation of the Company’s ﬁnancial statements in conformity with generally accepted

accounting principles in the United States of America, or ‘‘GAAP’’, requires management to make estimates
and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities includ-
ing goodwill, intangible assets, valuation allowances for receivables and deferred income tax assets and stock
based compensation. The statements are evaluated on an ongoing basis and estimates are based on historical
experience, current conditions and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circum-
stances. Actual results can differ from those estimates, and it is possible that the differences could be material.

Revenue Recognition

The Company’s revenue recognition policies are in compliance with the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin
104, ‘‘Revenue Recognition’’ (‘‘SAB 104’’), and accordingly, revenue is generally recognized when services
are earned or upon delivery of the products when ownership and risk of loss has transferred to the customer,
the selling price is ﬁxed or determinable and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured.

The Company earns revenue from agency arrangements in the form of retainer fees or commissions; from
short-term project arrangements in the form of ﬁxed fees or per diem fees for services; and from incentives or
bonuses.

Non-refundable retainer fees are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the speciﬁc

customer contract. Commission revenue is earned and recognized upon the placement of advertisements in
various media when the Company has no further performance obligations. Fixed fees for services are recog-
nized upon completion of the earnings process and acceptance by the client. Per diem fees are recognized
upon the performance of the Company’s services. In addition, for certain service transactions, which require

35

delivery of a number of service acts, the Company uses the Proportional Performance model, which generally
results in revenue being recognized based on the straight-line method due to the acts being non-similar and
there being insufficient evidence of fair value for each service provided.

Fees billed to clients in excess of fees recognized as revenue are classiﬁed as advance billings.

A small portion of the Company’s contractual arrangements with clients includes performance incentive

provisions, which allow the Company to earn additional revenues as a result of its performance relative to
both quantitative and qualitative goals. The Company recognizes the incentive portion of revenue under these
arrangements when speciﬁc quantitative goals are achieved, or when the Company’s clients determine perfor-
mance against qualitative goals has been achieved. In all circumstances, revenue is only recognized when
collection is reasonably assured.

The Company follows EITF No. 99-19, ‘‘Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an
Agent’’ (‘‘EITF 99-19’’). This Issue summarized the EITF’s views on when revenue should be recorded at the
gross amount billed because revenue has been earned from the sale of goods or services, or the net amount
retained because a fee or commission has been earned. The Company’s business at times acts as an agent and
records revenue equal to the net amount retained, when the fee or commission is earned. The Company also
follows EITF No. 01-14 for reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses. This issue summarized the
EITF’s views that reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses incurred should be characterized in the
income statement as revenue. Accordingly, the Company has included in revenue such reimbursed expenses.

Acquisitions, Goodwill and Other Intangibles. A fair value approach is used in testing goodwill for
impairment under SFAS 142 to determine if an other than temporary impairment has occurred. One approach
utilized to determine fair values is a discounted cash ﬂow methodology. When available and as appropriate,
comparative market multiples are used. Numerous estimates and assumptions necessarily have to be made
when completing a discounted cash ﬂow valuation, including estimates and assumptions regarding interest
rates, appropriate discount rates and capital structure. Additionally, estimates must be made regarding revenue
growth, operating margins, tax rates, working capital requirements and capital expenditures. Estimates and
assumptions also need to be made when determining the appropriate comparative market multiples to be used.
Actual results of operations, cash ﬂows and other factors used in a discounted cash ﬂow valuation will likely
differ from the estimates used and it is possible that differences and changes could be material.

The Company has historically made and expects to continue to make selective acquisitions of marketing
communications businesses. In making acquisitions, the price paid is determined by various factors, including
service offerings, competitive position, reputation and geographic coverage, as well as prior experience and
judgment. Due to the nature of advertising, marketing and corporate communications services companies; the
companies acquired frequently have signiﬁcant identiﬁable intangible assets, which primarily consist of cus-
tomer relationships. The Company has determined that certain intangibles (trademarks) have an indeﬁnite life,
as there are no legal, regulatory, contractual, or economic factors that limit the useful life.

A summary of the Company’s deferred acquisition consideration obligations, sometimes referred to as

earnouts, and obligations under put rights of subsidiaries’ minority shareholders to purchase additional inter-
ests in certain subsidiary and affiliate companies is set forth in the ‘‘Liquidity and Capital Resources’’ section
of this report. The deferred acquisition consideration obligations and obligations to purchase additional inter-
ests in certain subsidiary and affiliate companies are primarily based on future performance. Contingent
purchase price obligations are accrued, in accordance with GAAP, when the contingency is resolved and
payment is determinable.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. Trade receivables are stated less allowance for doubtful accounts. The

allowance represents estimated uncollectible receivables usually due to customers’ potential insolvency. The
allowance includes amounts for certain customers where risk of default has been speciﬁcally identiﬁed.

36

Income Tax Valuation Allowance. The Company records a valuation allowance against deferred income

tax assets when management believes it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred
income tax assets will not be realized. Management considers factors such as the reversal of deferred income
tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, the character of the income tax asset, tax planning strategies,
changes in tax laws and other factors. A change to any of these factors could impact the estimated valuation
allowance and income tax expense.

Stock-based Compensation

The fair value method is applied to all awards granted, modiﬁed or settled on or after January 1, 2003.

Under the fair value method, compensation cost is measured at fair value at the date of grant and is expensed
over the service period, that is the award’s vesting period. When awards are exercised, share capital is credited
by the sum of the consideration paid together with the related portion previously credited to additional paid-in
capital when compensation costs were charged against income or acquisition consideration. Stock-based
awards that are settled in cash or may be settled in cash at the option of employees are recorded as liabilities.
The measurement of the liability and compensation cost for these awards is based on the fair value of the
award, and is recorded into operating income over the service period, that is the vesting period of the award.
Changes in the Company’s payment obligation are revalued each period and recorded as compensation cost
over the service period in operating income.

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS 123(R) and has opted to use the modiﬁed pro-

spective application transition method. Under this method the Company will not restate its prior ﬁnancial
statements. Instead, the Company will apply SFAS 123(R) for new awards granted or modiﬁed after the
adoption of SFAS 123(R), any portion of awards that were granted after December 15, 1994 and have not
vested as of January 1, 2006, and any outstanding liability awards.

New Accounting Pronouncements

The following recent pronouncements were issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board

(‘‘FASB’’):

In February 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 159, ‘‘The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Finan-

cial Liabilities’’ (‘‘SFAS 159’’). This statement permits entities to choose to measure many ﬁnancial
instruments and certain other items at fair value. This statement expands the use of fair value measurement
and applies to entities that elect the fair value option. The fair value option established by this Statement
permits all entities to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at speciﬁed election dates. SFAS 159 is
effective as of the beginning of an entity’s ﬁrst ﬁscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. The adoption
of this statement did not have a material effect on our ﬁnancial statements.

In September 2006, FASB issued SFAS No. 157, ‘‘Fair Value Measurements’’. This statement deﬁnes fair

value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measure-
ments. This statement is effective for all ﬁscal year beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods
within those ﬁscal years. Earlier application is encouraged. The adoption of this statement did not have a
material effect on our ﬁnancial statements.

Effective in Future Periods

In December 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 141R ‘‘Business Combination’’ (‘‘SFAS 141R’’). This revised

statement retains some fundamental concepts of the current standard, including the acquisition method of
accounting (known as the ‘‘purchase method’’ in Statement 141) for all business combinations but SFAS 141R
broadens the deﬁnitions of both businesses and business combinations, resulting in the acquisition method
applying to more events and transactions. This statement also requires the acquirer to recognize the identiﬁ-
able assets and liabilities, as well as the noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, at the full amounts of their fair
values. SFAS 141R will require both acquisition-related costs and restructuring costs to be recognized sepa-
rately from the acquisition and be expensed as incurred. In addition, acquirers will record contingent
consideration at fair value on the acquisition date as either a liability or equity. Subsequent changes in fair
value will be recognized in the income statement for any contingent consideration recorded as a liability.
SFAS 141R is to be applied prospectively for ﬁnancial statements issued for ﬁscal years beginning on or after
December 15, 2008. Early application is prohibited.

37

In December 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 160 ‘‘Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial

Statements’’ (‘‘SFAS 160’’). This statement amends ARB No. 51 Consolidated Financial Statements, to now
require the classiﬁcation of noncontrolling (minority) interests and dispositions of noncontrolling interests as
equity within the consolidated ﬁnancial statements. The income statement will now be required to show net
income/loss with and without adjustments for noncontrolling interests. SFAS 160 is to be applied prospec-
tively for ﬁnancial statements issued for ﬁscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and interim
periods within those years. However, this statement requires companies to apply the presentation and disclo-
sure requirements retrospectively to comparative ﬁnancial statements. Early application is prohibited. The
Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new statement on its ﬁnancial statements. However, in
accordance with the adoption of this statement, the Company will record the put options (see Off-Balance
Sheet Commitments) as an adjustment to non-controlling interests with a corresponding adjustment to addi-
tional paid-in capital. In addition, in the statement of operations minority interests in income of consolidated
subsidiaries will be reclassiﬁed.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, ‘‘Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging

Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133’’ (‘‘SFAS 161’’), which requires enhanced disclosures
for derivative and hedging activities. SFAS 161 will become effective beginning with our ﬁrst quarter of 2009.
Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our Consolidated
Financial Statements.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company is exposed to market risk related to interest rates and foreign currencies.

Debt Instruments: At December 31, 2008, the Company’s debt obligations consisted of amounts out-
standing under its Financing Agreement. This facility bears interest at variable rates based upon the Eurodollar
rate, US bank prime rate and, US base rate, at the Company’s option. The Company’s ability to obtain the
required bank syndication commitments depends in part on conditions in the bank market at the time of
syndication. Given the existing level of debt of $139.7 million, as of December 31, 2008, a 1.0% increase or
decrease in the weighted average interest rate, which was 7.59% at December 31, 2008, would have an inter-
est expense impact of approximately $1.4 million annually.

Foreign Exchange: The Company conducts business in ﬁve currencies, the US dollar, the Canadian
dollar, Jamaican dollar, the Mexican Peso and the British Pound. Our results of operations are subject to risk
from the translation to the US dollar of the revenue and expenses of our non-US operations. The effects of
currency exchange rate ﬂuctuations on the translation of our results of operations are discussed in the
‘‘Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Result of Operations’’ and in Note 2 of
our consolidated ﬁnancial statements. For the most part, our revenues and expenses incurred related to our
non-US operations are denominated in their functional currency. This minimizes the impact that ﬂuctuations in
exchange rates will have on proﬁt margins. The Company generally does not enter into foreign currency
forward exchange contracts or other derivative ﬁnancial instruments to hedge the effects of adverse ﬂuctua-
tions in foreign currency exchange rates.

The Company is exposed to foreign currency ﬂuctuations relating to its intercompany balances between
the US and Canada. For every one cent change in the foreign exchange rate between the US and Canada, the
Company will incur an approximate $0.5 million impact to its ﬁnancial statements.

38

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

MDC PARTNERS INC.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Financial Statements:

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2008 . . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2008. . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2008 . . .

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Financial Statement Schedules:

Page

40

41

42

43

45

47

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2008 . .

88

39

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Stockholders
MDC Partners, Inc.
New York, New York

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of MDC Partners, Inc. and subsidiaries as

of December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity,
and cash ﬂows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008. These ﬁnancial statements
are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
ﬁnancial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assur-
ance about whether the ﬁnancial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on
a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the ﬁnancial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and signiﬁcant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
ﬁnancial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated ﬁnancial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material
respects, the ﬁnancial position of MDC Partners, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and
the results of its operations and its cash ﬂows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
2008, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States), MDC Partners, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over ﬁnancial reporting as of
December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated March 6,
2009 expressed an unqualiﬁed opinion thereon.

/s/ BDO Seidman, LLP

New York, New York
March 6, 2009

40

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Except Share and per Share Amounts)

Revenue:

Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

584,648

$

533,883

$

403,086

2008

Years Ended December 31,
2007

2006

Operating Expenses:

Cost of services sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Office and general expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating Proﬁt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other Income (Expenses)

Loss (gain) on sale of assets and other . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign exchange gain, (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income from continuing operations before income taxes,
equity in affiliates and minority interests . . . . . . . . . .
Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from continuing operations before equity in

affiliates and minority interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in earnings of affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minority interests in income of consolidated

subsidiaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (Loss) from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . .
Loss from discontinued operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net Income (Loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (Loss) Per Common Share:
Basic

Continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net Income (Loss). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income (Loss) Per Common Share:
Diluted

Continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net Income (Loss). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Weighted Average Number of Common Shares

Outstanding:
Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

392,145
137,755
34,404
564,304
20,344

(14)
13,257
(14,998)
1,743
(12)

20,332
2,397

17,935
349

(8,136)
10,148
(10,015)
133

0.38
(0.37)
0.01

0.37
(0.36)
0.01

$

$

$

$

$

343,297
138,234
28,975
510,506
23,377

3,165
(7,192)
(13,801)
2,702
(15,126)

8,251
6,081

2,170
165

(20,517)
(18,182)
(8,173)
(26,355)

(0.73)
(0.32)
(1.05)

(0.73)
(0.32)
(1.05)

$

$

$

$

$

231,454
124,164
24,045
379,663
23,423

1,351
614
(11,290)
1,469
(7,856)

15,567
7,332

8,235
168

(16,715)
(8,312)
(25,227)
(33,539)

(0.35)
(1.05)
(1.40)

(0.35)
(1.05)
(1.40)

$

$

$

$

$

26,765,839
27,430,162

25,000,582
25,000,582

23,875,286
23,875,286

Non cash stock based compensation expense is included in the following line items above:

Cost of services sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Office and general expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total

$ 7,494
6,943
$14,437

$ 4,245
5,972
$10,217

$3,373
4,988
$8,361

The accompanying notes to the consolidated ﬁnancial statements are an integral part of these statements.

41

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Thousands of United States Dollars)

Current Assets:

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,179 and

$1,357 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expenditures billable to clients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Current Assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in affiliates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other intangible assets, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current Liabilities:

Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued and other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Advance billings, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current portion of long-term debt
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred acquisition consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Current Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Revolving credit facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long-term debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convertible notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minority interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Commitments, contingencies and guarantees (Note 17)
Shareholders’ Equity:

Preferred shares, unlimited authorized, none issued. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Class A Shares, no par value, unlimited authorized, 26,987,017 and

26,235,932 shares issued in 2008 and 2007, respectively . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Class B Shares, no par value, unlimited authorized, 2,503 issued in 2008 and
2007, respectively, convertible into one Class A share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Share capital to be issued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated deﬁcit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock subscription receivable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated other comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Shareholders’ Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

December 31,

2008

2007

$ 41,331

$ 10,410

106,954
16,949
5,240
5,270
175,744
44,021
1,593
238,214
46,852
11,926
10,889
$ 529,239

$ 75,360
55,338
50,053
1,546
5,538
187,835
9,701
133,305
36,946
6,949
4,700
379,436
22,622

135,260
19,409
5,937
2,422
173,438
47,440
1,434
217,726
55,399
9,175
16,086
$ 520,698

$ 65,839
74,668
50,988
1,796
2,511
195,802
1,901
115,662
45,395
8,267
819
367,846
24,919

—

—

213,533

207,958

1
—
33,470
(112,836)
(354)
(6,633)
127,181
$ 529,239

1
214
26,743
(112,969)
(357)
6,343
127,933
$ 520,698

The accompanying notes to the consolidated ﬁnancial statements are an integral part of these statements.

42

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Thousands of United States Dollars)

Cash ﬂows from operating activities:

Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss from discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustments to reconcile net loss from continuing operations to cash

provided by operating activities:
Stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of intangibles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization and write-off of deferred ﬁnance charges. . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings of non consolidated affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other non-current assets and liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign exchange. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Changes in non-cash working capital

Accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expenditures billable to clients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid expenses and other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable, accruals and other current liabilities . . . . . . . . .
Advance billings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash ﬂows from continuing operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Discontinued operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash ﬂows from investing activities:

Capital expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net proceeds from sale of business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from dispositions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proﬁt distributions from affiliates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash ﬂows from continuing investing activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Discontinued operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash ﬂows from ﬁnancing activities:

Increase (decrease) in bank indebtedness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repayments under previous revolving credit facility . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from term loans under current Financing Agreement . . . . .
Proceeds from current revolving credit facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from notes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repayment of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred ﬁnancing costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subsidiary issuance of share capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Issuance of share capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchase of share capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash ﬂows from continuing ﬁnancing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Discontinued operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash provided by (used in) ﬁnancing activities. . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . .
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Years Ended December 31,
2007

2006

2008

133
$
(10,015)
10,148

$(26,355)
(8,173)
(18,182)

$(33,539)
(25,227)
(8,312)

13,543
16,759
17,645
1,348
(960)
142
(349)
(1,284)
(14,567)

26,316
2,154
1,637
(11,745)
158
60,945
(3,499)
57,446

(14,395)
—
242
(35,841)
440
(85)
(49,639)
(547)
(50,186)

—
—
18,500
7,800
—
(1,884)
—
—
—
(906)
23,510
—
23,510
151
30,921
10,410
$ 41,331

9,088
14,478
14,497
2,330
5,253
(1,709)
(165)
3,739
7,278

(11,559)
8,868
(2,339)
(26,202)
(2,251)
3,124
1,008
4,132

(19,453)
—
8,270
(47,398)
—
(1,464)
(60,045)
(869)
(60,914)

(4,910)
(45,000)
111,500
1,901
3,250
(5,843)
(3,946)
—
4,893
(769)
61,076
(147)
60,929
(328)
3,819
6,591
$ 10,410

7,360
13,146
10,899
2,213
4,857
—
(168)
(2,618)
(2,157)

(19,769)
(19,527)
(1,774)
34,470
15,393
34,013
5,692
39,705

(22,350)
16,407
656
(7,230)
940
—
(11,577)
(2,738)
(14,315)

1,171
(28,506)
—
—
—
(1,477)
—
385
177
—
(28,250)
(3,347)
(31,597)
(125)
(6,332)
12,923
$ 6,591

The accompanying notes to the consolidated ﬁnancial statements are an integral part of these statements.

43

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS — (Continued)
(Thousands of United States Dollars)

Years Ended December 31,
2007

2006

2008

Supplemental disclosures:

Cash paid to minority partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash income taxes paid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash interest paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-cash transactions:
Share capital issued, or to be issued, on acquisitions . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note receivable exchanged for shares of subsidiary . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred acquisition consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$11,649
$ 1,037
$13,196

$ 1,889
$
349
$ 1,872
$ 5,383

$25,033
$ 1,216
$14,085

$10,302
$ 1,756
$
125
$ 2,511

$19,359
$ 1,459
$ 9,920

$ 4,459
$ 1,351
$ 1,540
$ 3,071

The accompanying notes to the consolidated ﬁnancial statements are an integral part of these statements.

44

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Thousands of United States Dollars)

2008

2007

2006

Number of
Shares

Amount

Number of
Shares

Amount

Number of
Shares

Amount

Class A Shares
Balance at beginning of year . . 26,235,932
Stock appreciation rights

$207,958

23,923,522

$184,698

23,437,615

$178,589

exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Share options exercised. . . . . .
Shares acquired and cancelled .
Shares issued as acquisition

—
—
(124,492)

—
—
(1,009)

350,264
592,000
(93,848)

4,948
4,993
(770)

99,844
30,400
—

consideration . . . . . . . . . . .

306,922

1,889

988,394

10,088

30,058

830
820
—

250

Shares issued as deferred

acquisition consideration . . .

27,545

214

108,097

856

315,247

4,209

Shares issued on privatization

—
of Maxxcom . . . . . . . . . . .
Issuance of restricted stock . . .
541,110
Balance at end of year . . . . . . 26,987,017
Class B Shares
Balance at beginning of year . .
Shares converted to Class B

2,503

—
2,503

shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at end of year . . . . . .
Share Capital to Be Issued
Balance at beginning of year . .
Shares to be issued as deferred
acquisition consideration . . .

Shares issued as deferred

acquisition consideration . . .
Balance at end of year . . . . . .
Additional Paid-In Capital
Balance at beginning of year . .
Stock-based compensation . . . .
Acquisition contingency

payment . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Acquisition purchase price

consideration . . . . . . . . . . .
Share options exercised. . . . . .
Issuance of restricted stock . . .
Share appreciation rights

exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at end of year . . . . . .

—
4,481
$213,533

3
367,500
26,235,932

—
3,145
$207,958

10,358
—
23,923,522

—
—
$184,698

$

$

$

$

1

—
1

214

—

(214)
—

$ 26,743
10,129

—

1,001
—
(4,481)

—
78
$ 33,470

2,502

$

1
2,503

$

$

$

1

—
1

—

214

—
214

$ 26,216
9,088

(82)

—
(364)
(3,145)

(4,970)
—
$ 26,743

2,502

$

—
2,502

$

$

1

—
1

4,209

—

(4,209)
—

$

$ 20,028
7,395

(377)

—
—
—

(830)
—
$ 26,216

The accompanying notes to the consolidated ﬁnancial statements are an integral part of these statements.

45

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY — (Continued)
(Thousands of United States Dollars)

2008

2007

2006

Number of
Shares

Amount

Number of
Shares

Amount

Number of
Shares

Amount

Accumulated Deﬁcit
Balance at beginning of year . .
Income (Loss) for the year . . .
Balance at end of year . . . . . .

Stock Subscription

Receivable

Balance at beginning of year . .
Exercise of stock options . . . .
Receipts for exercise of stock

options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at end of year . . . . . .
Accumulated Other

Comprehensive Income
(Loss)

Balance at beginning of year . .
Foreign currency translation

adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at end of year . . . . . .
Total Shareholders’ Equity . .

$(112,969)
133
$(112,836)

$

$

(357)
—

3
(354)

$

6,343

(12,976)
(6,633)
$ 127,181

$ (86,614)
(26,355)
$(112,969)

$

$

(643)
—

286
(357)

756

5,587
6,343
$ 127,933

$ (53,075)
(33,539)
$ (86,614)

$

$

—
(674)

31
(643)

$

2,966

(2,210)
756
$124,414

The accompanying notes to the consolidated ﬁnancial statements are an integral part of these statements.

46

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

1. Basis of Presentation

MDC Partners Inc. (the ‘‘Company’’) has prepared the consolidated ﬁnancial statements included herein
pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘SEC’’)
and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (‘‘GAAP’’) of the United States of America
(‘‘US GAAP’’).

Nature of Operations

MDC Partners Inc., formerly MDC Corporation Inc., is incorporated under the laws of Canada. The
Company commenced using the name MDC Partners Inc. on November 1, 2003 and legally changed its name
through amalgamation with a wholly-owned subsidiary on January 1, 2004. The Company’s operations are in
primarily one business group — Marketing Communications. The business group operates primarily in the
United States (‘‘US’’), Canada and in the United Kingdom. See Note 15, ‘‘Segment Information’’, for further
description of the one business group and MDC’s reportable segments.

2. Signiﬁcant Accounting Policies

The Company’s signiﬁcant accounting policies are summarized as follows:

Principles of Consolidation. The accompanying consolidated ﬁnancial statements include the accounts
of MDC Partners Inc. its domestic and international controlled subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and trans-
actions have been eliminated on consolidation.

Use of Estimates. The preparation of ﬁnancial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires man-
agement to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities including goodwill, intangible assets, valuation allowances for receivables and deferred
tax assets and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The estimates are
evaluated on an ongoing basis and estimates are based on historical experience, current conditions and various
other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments. Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157,

‘‘Fair Value Measurements’’ (SFAS 157). SFAS 157 deﬁnes fair value, establishes a framework for measuring
fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and expands
disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. In accordance with FASB Staff Position FAS 157-2,
‘‘Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157’’ (FSP 157-2), we will defer the adoption of SFAS 157 for our
nonﬁnancial assets and nonﬁnancial liabilities except those items recognized or disclosed at fair value on an
annual or more frequent recurring basis, until January 1, 2009. The adoption of SFAS 157 did not have a
material impact on our fair value measurements.

Concentration of Credit Risk. The Company provides marketing communications services to clients who

operate in most industry sectors. Credit is granted to qualiﬁed clients in the ordinary course of business. Due
to the diversiﬁed nature of the Company’s client base, the Company does not believe that it is exposed to a
concentration of credit risk; however, one client accounted for approximately 17% of the Company’s consoli-
dated accounts receivable as of December 31, 2008. This client also accounted for 19%, 17% and 16% of
revenue for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company’s cash equivalents are primarily comprised of investments in

overnight interest-bearing deposits, commercial paper and money market instruments and other short-term
investments with original maturity dates of three months or less at the time of purchase. The Company has a
concentration of credit risk in that there are cash deposits in excess of federally insured amounts. Included in
cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2008 and 2007 is $51 and $63, respectively of cash restricted as to
withdrawal pursuant to a collateral agreement and a customer’s contractual requirement.

47

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

2. Signiﬁcant Accounting Policies − (continued)

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. Trade receivables are stated at invoiced amounts less allowances for

doubtful accounts. The allowances represent estimated uncollectible receivables associated with potential
customer defaults usually due to customers’ potential insolvency. The allowances include amounts for certain
customers where a risk of default has been speciﬁcally identiﬁed. The assessment of the likelihood of cus-
tomer defaults is based on various factors, including the length of time the receivables are past due, historical
experience and existing economic conditions.

Expenditures Billable to Clients. Expenditures billable to clients consist principally of outside vendors

costs incurred on behalf of clients when providing advertising, marketing and corporate communications
services to clients that have not been invoiced. Such amounts are invoiced to clients at various times over the
course of the production process.

Fixed Assets. Fixed assets are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Buildings are depreciated

on a declining balance basis over the estimated useful lives of 20 to 25 years. Computers, furniture and ﬁx-
tures are depreciated on a straight-line basis over periods of 3 to 7 years. Machinery and equipment are
depreciated on a straight-line basis over periods of 3 to 10 years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated on
a straight-line basis over the lesser of the term of the related lease or the estimated useful life of the asset.
Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets.

In accordance with SFAS, No. 144, ‘‘Accounting for the Impairment
or Disposal of Long-lived Assets,’’ (‘‘SFAS No. 144’’) a long-lived asset or asset group is tested for recover-
ability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable.
When such events occur, the Company compares the sum of the undiscounted cash ﬂows expected to result
from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group to the carrying amount of the long-lived asset
or asset group. If this comparison indicates that there is an impairment, the amount of the impairment is
typically calculated using discounted expected future cash ﬂows where observable fair values are not readily
determinable. The discount rate applied to these cash ﬂows is based on the Company’s weighted average cost
of capital, risk adjusted where appropriate.

Equity Method Investments. The equity method is used to account for investments in entities in which
the Company has an ownership interest of less than 50.1% and has signiﬁcant inﬂuence, or joint control by
contractual arrangement with all parties having an equity interest, over the operating and ﬁnancial policies of
the affiliate or has an ownership interest of greater than 50% however the substantive participating rights of
the minority interest shareholders preclude the Company from exercising unilateral control over the operating
and ﬁnancial policies of the affiliate. The Company’s investments accounted for using the equity method
includes Adrenalina, 49.9% owned by the Company, and a 50% undivided interest in a real estate joint ven-
ture. The Company’s management periodically evaluates these investments to determine if there has been a
decline in value that is other than temporary.

Cost Method Investments. The Company’s cost-based investments at December 31, 2008 were primarily

comprised of various interests in limited partnerships and companies where the Company does not exercise
signiﬁcant inﬂuence over the operating and ﬁnancial policies of the investee. The total net cost basis of these
investments, which are included in Other Assets on the balance sheet, as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 was
$3,387 and $3,783, respectively. These investments are periodically evaluated to determine if there have been
any other than temporary declines below book value. A variety of factors are considered when determining if
a decline in fair value below book value is other than temporary, including, among others, the ﬁnancial condi-
tion and prospects of the investee, as well as the Company’s investment intent. In addition, the Company has
a 7.5% interest in the entity which purchased the Secured Products International Group. See Note 10.

Goodwill and Indeﬁnite Lived Intangibles.

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, ‘‘Goodwill and Other

Intangible Assets’’ (‘‘SFAS No 142’’), goodwill and indeﬁnite life intangible assets (trademarks) acquired as a
result of a business combination which are not subject to amortization are tested for impairment annually, and

48

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

2. Signiﬁcant Accounting Policies − (continued)

more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is
recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value. For goodwill, this determina-
tion is made at the reporting unit level and consists of two steps. First, the Company determines the fair value
of a reporting unit and compares it to its carrying amount. Fair value is determined based on earnings mul-
tiples of each subsidiary. Second, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an
impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the
implied fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair
value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation, in accordance with SFAS
No. 141, ‘‘Business Combinations’’. The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the
reporting unit goodwill. Impairment losses, where applicable, will be charged to operating proﬁt. The Com-
pany identiﬁes certain intangible assets (trademarks) as indeﬁnite life if there are no legal, regulatory,
contractual or economic factors that limit the useful life. If the carrying amount of an indeﬁnite life intangible
exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for the excess. As of December 31, 2008, there was
no impairment of goodwill.

Deﬁnite Lived Intangible Assets.

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, acquired intangibles, are subject to

amortization over their useful lives. The method of amortization selected reﬂects the pattern in which the
economic beneﬁts of the speciﬁc intangible asset is consumed or otherwise used up. If that pattern cannot be
reliably determined, a straight-line amortization method is used over the estimated useful life. Intangible assets
that are subject to amortization are reviewed for potential impairment in accordance with SFAS 144 at least
annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable. See also
Note 8.

Deferred Taxes. The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes.
Deferred income taxes are provided for the temporary difference between the ﬁnancial reporting basis and tax
basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities. Deferred tax beneﬁts result principally from certain tax carryover
beneﬁts and from recording certain expenses in the ﬁnancial statements that are not currently deductible for
tax purposes and from differences between the tax and book basis of assets and liabilities recorded in connec-
tion with acquisitions. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of
management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Deferred tax liabilities result principally from deductions recorded for tax purposes in excess of that recorded
in the ﬁnancial statements. The effect of changes in tax rates is recognized in the period the rate change is
enacted.

Minority Interest. The Company accounts for minority interest in two accounts, long term minority
interest and short term minority interest. Long term minority interest represents the minority holders share of
equity in the related subsidiaries that is not expected to be distributed in the near term. Short term minority
interest represents the minority holders share of current year proﬁts that are expected to be distributed within
the next twelve months.

Guarantees. Guarantees issued or modiﬁed by the Company to third parties after January 1, 2003 are
generally recognized, at the inception or modiﬁcation of a guarantee, as a liability for the obligations it has
undertaken in issuing the guarantee, including its ongoing obligation to stand ready to perform over the term
of the guarantee in the event that the speciﬁed triggering events or conditions occur. The initial measurement
of that liability is the fair value of the guarantee. The recognition of the liability is required even if it is not
probable that payments will be required under the guarantee. The Company’s liability associated with guaran-
tees is not signiﬁcant. (See Note 17)

49

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

2. Signiﬁcant Accounting Policies − (continued)

Revenue Recognition

The Company’s revenue recognition policies are in compliance with the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin
104, ‘‘Revenue Recognition’’ (‘‘SAB 104’’), and accordingly, revenue is generally recognized as services are
provided or upon delivery of the products when ownership and risk of loss has transferred to the customer, the
selling price is ﬁxed or determinable and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured.

In November 2002, EITF Issue No. 00-21, ‘‘Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables’’

(‘‘EITF 00-21’’) was issued. EITF 00-21 addresses certain aspects of the accounting by a vendor for arrange-
ments under which it will perform multiple revenue-generating activities and how to determine whether an
arrangement involving multiple deliverables contains more than one unit of accounting. EITF 00-21 is effec-
tive for revenue arrangements entered into in ﬁscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. Also, in July 2000,
the EITF of the Financial Accounting Standards Board released Issue No. 99-19, ‘‘Reporting Revenue Gross
as a Principal versus Net as an Agent’’ (‘‘EITF 99-19’’). This Issue summarized the EITF’s views on when
revenue should be recorded at the gross amount billed because it has earned revenue from the sale of goods or
services, or the net amount retained because it has earned a fee or commission. The Company also follows
EITF No. 01-14, ‘‘Income Statement Characterization of Reimbursements Received for Out-of-Pocket
Expenses Incurred’’, for reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses. This issue summarized the
EITF’s views that reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses incurred should be characterized in the
income statement as revenue. Accordingly, the Company has included in revenue such reimbursed expenses.

The Company earns revenue from agency arrangements in the form of retainer fees or commissions; from
short-term project arrangements in the form of ﬁxed fees or per diem fees for services; and from incentives or
bonuses.

Non refundable retainer fees are generally recognized on a straight line basis over the term of the speciﬁc

customer contract. Commission revenue is earned and recognized upon the placement of advertisements in
various media when the Company has no further performance obligations. Fixed fees for services are recog-
nized upon completion of the earnings process and acceptance by the client. Per diem fees are recognized
upon the performance of the Company’s services. In addition, for certain service transactions, which require
delivery of a number of service acts, the Company uses the Proportional Performance model, which generally
results in revenue being recognized based on the straight-line method due to the acts being non-similar and
there being insufficient evidence of fair value for each service provided.

Fees billed to clients in excess of fees recognized as revenue are classiﬁed as Advanced Billings.

A small portion of the Company’s contractual arrangements with customers includes performance incen-
tive provisions, which allows the Company to earn additional revenues as a result of its performance relative
to both quantitative and qualitative goals. The Company recognizes the incentive portion of revenue under
these arrangements when speciﬁc quantitative goals are achieved, or when the company’s clients determine
performance against qualitative goals has been achieved. In all circumstances, revenue is only recognized
when collection is reasonably assured. The Company records revenue net of sales and other taxes due to be
collected and remitted to governmental authorities.

Cost of Services Sold. Costs of services sold do not include depreciation charges for related ﬁxed assets.

Stock-Based Compensation

Under the fair value method, compensation cost is measured at fair value at the date of grant and is
expensed over the service period, that is the award’s vesting period. When awards are exercised, share capital
is credited by the sum of the consideration paid together with the related portion previously credited to addi-
tional paid-in capital when compensation costs were charged against income or acquisition consideration. The

50

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

2. Signiﬁcant Accounting Policies − (continued)

Company uses its historical volatility derived over the expected term of the award, to determine the volatility
factor used in determining the fair value of the award. The Company uses the ‘‘simpliﬁed’’ method to deter-
mine the term of the award.

Stock-based awards that are settled in cash or may be settled in cash at the option of employees are
recorded as liabilities. The measurement of the liability and compensation cost for these awards is based on
the fair value of the award, and is recorded into operating income over the service period, that is the vesting
period of the award. Changes in the Company’s payment obligation prior to the settlement date are recorded
as compensation cost in operating proﬁt in the period of the change. The ﬁnal payment amount for such
awards is established on the date of the exercise of the award by the employee.

Stock-based awards that are settled in cash or equity at the option of the Company are recorded at fair

value on the date of grant and recorded as additional paid-in capital. The fair value measurement of the com-
pensation cost for these awards is based on using the Black-Scholes option pricing-model and is recorded in
operating income over the service period, that is the vesting period of the award.

The fair value of the stock options and similar awards at the grant date were estimated using the Black-

Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for each of the following
years:

Expected dividend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected volatility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Risk-free interest rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected option life in years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted average fair value of options granted . . . . . . . . . . .

Years Ended December 31,

2007

$0

2006

$0

65.6% − 66.7%
4.95% − 5.0%

32.2% − 40%
4.57% − 4.95%

7.5
$5.75

5.75 − 7
$4.50

For the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company did not issue any stock options or similar awards.

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS 123(R) and has opted to use the modiﬁed pro-
spective application transition method. Under this method the Company has not restated its prior ﬁnancial
statements. Instead, the Company applies SFAS 123(R) for new awards granted or modiﬁed after the adoption
of SFAS 123(R), any portion of awards that were granted after December 15, 1994 and have not vested as of
January 1, 2006, and any outstanding liability awards. It is the Company’s policy for issuing shares upon the
exercise of an equity incentive award to verify the amount of shares to be issued, as well as the amount of
proceeds to be collected (if any) and delivery of new shares to the exercising party.

Measurement of compensation cost for awards that are outstanding and classiﬁed as equity, at January 1,

2006, will be based on the original grant-date fair value calculations of those awards. The Company had
previously adopted SFAS 123 and as such has been expensing the fair value of all awards issued after
January 1, 2003. For all previously issued awards, the Company has been providing pro-forma disclosure for
such awards. Upon the adoption of SFAS 123(R), the Company expenses the fair value of the awards granted
prior to January 1, 2003. The Company has adopted the straight-line attribution method for determining the
compensation cost to be recorded during each accounting period. However, awards based on performance
conditions are recorded as compensation expense when the performance conditions are expected to be met.
The adoption of SFAS 123(R) did not have a material effect on the Company’s ﬁnancial position or results of
operations.

51

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

2. Signiﬁcant Accounting Policies − (continued)

Pension Costs. Several of the Company’s US and Canadian subsidiaries offer employees access to
certain deﬁned contribution pension programs. Under the deﬁned contribution plans, these subsidiaries, in
some cases, make annual contributions to participants’ accounts which are subject to vesting. The Company’s
contribution expense pursuant to these plans was $2,736, $2,238 and $1,476 for the years ended December 31,
2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Earnings per Common Share. Basic earnings per share is based upon the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding during each period, including the ‘‘Share capital to be issued’’ as reﬂected in the
Shareholders’ Equity on the balance sheet. Diluted earnings per share is based on the above, plus, if dilutive,
common share equivalents, which include outstanding options, warrants, stock appreciation rights, restricted
stock units and convertible notes.

Sale of Subsidiary Interests. The Company records dilution gains and losses on sales of certain subsid-

iary interests as a component of the statement operations as other income (expense).

Foreign Currency Translation. The Company’s ﬁnancial statements were prepared in accordance with
the requirements of SFAS No. 52, ‘‘Foreign Currency Translation’’ (‘‘SFAS 52’’). The functional currency of
the Company is the Canadian dollar and it has decided to use US dollars as its reporting currency for consoli-
dated reporting purposes. All of the Company’s subsidiaries use their local currency as their functional
currency in accordance with SFAS 52. Accordingly, the currency impacts of the translation of the balance
sheets of the Company’s non-US dollar based subsidiaries to US dollar statements are included as cumulative
translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income. Cumulative translation adjustments are
not included in net earnings unless they are actually realized through a sale or upon complete or substantially
complete liquidation of the Company’s net investment in the foreign operation. The balance sheets of non-US
dollar based subsidiaries are translated at the period end rate. The income statements of non-US dollar based
subsidiaries are translated at average exchange rates for the period.

Gains and losses arising from the Company’s foreign currency transactions are reﬂected in net earnings.

Unrealized gains or losses arising on the translation of certain intercompany foreign currency transactions that
are of a long-term nature (that is settlement is not planned or anticipated in the future) are included as cumu-
lative translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Derivative Financial Instruments. The Company follows SFAS No. 133, ‘‘Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities’’ (‘‘SFAS 133’’). SFAS 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards
requiring that every derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other con-
tracts and debt instruments) be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair
value. The accounting for the change in fair value of the derivative depends on whether the instrument quali-
ﬁes for and has been designated as a hedging relationship and on the type of hedging relationship. There are
three types of hedging relationships: a cash ﬂow hedge, a fair value hedge and a hedge of foreign currency
exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation. The designation is based upon the exposure being hedged.
Derivatives that are not hedges, or become ineffective hedges, must be adjusted to fair value through earnings.

Effective June 28, 2005, the Company entered into a cross currency swap contract (‘‘Swap’’), a form of

derivative. The Swap contract provides for a notional amount of debt ﬁxed at $45,000 Canadian dollars
(‘‘C$’’) and at $36,452, with the interest rates ﬁxed at 8% per annum for the Canadian dollar amount and
ﬁxed at 8.25% per annum for the US dollar amount. Consequently, under the terms of this Swap, semi-
annually, the Company will receive interest of C$1,800 and will pay interest of $1,503 per annum. On
June 22, 2006, the Company settled this swap for its fair value of $357, which resulted in a gain of $192 for
the year ended December 31, 2006 and is included in other income.

52

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

2. Signiﬁcant Accounting Policies − (continued)

Put Options. The minority interest shareholders of certain subsidiaries have the right to require the

Company to acquire their ownership interest under certain circumstances pursuant to a contractual arrange-
ment and the Company has similar call options under the same contractual terms. The amount of
consideration under the put and call rights is not a ﬁxed amount, but rather is dependent upon various valua-
tion formulas and on future events, such as the average earnings of the relevant subsidiary through the date of
exercise, the growth rate of the earnings of the relevant subsidiary through the date of exercise, etc. as
described in Note 17.

The Company accounts for the put options with a charge to minority interest expense to reﬂect the
excess, if any, of the estimated exercise price over the estimated fair value of the minority shares at the date
of the option being exercised. No recognition is given to any increase in value of the put option if the esti-
mated exercise price is less than the estimated fair value of the minority interest shares. The estimated
exercise price is determined based on deﬁned criteria pursuant to each arrangement. The commitment is
calculated at each reporting period based on the earliest contractual exercise date. The estimated fair value of
the minority interest shares is based on an overall value determined by a multiple of historical and projected
future earnings.

3. Income (Loss) per Common Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted income (loss) per common share from

continuing operations for the years ended December 31:

2008

2007

2006

Numerator
Numerator for diluted income (loss) per common

share − income (loss) from continuing operations . .

$

10,148

$

(18,182)

$

(8,312)

Denominator
Denominator for basic income (loss) per common

share − weighted average common shares . . . . . . .

26,765,839

25,000,582

23,875,286

Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options, warrants, and stock

appreciation rights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Employee restricted stock units. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dilutive potential common shares . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Denominator for diluted income (loss) per common
share − adjusted weighted shares and assumed
conversions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Basic income (loss) per common share from

continuing operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diluted income (loss) per common share from

continuing operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,710
662,613
664,323

—
—
—

—
—
—

27,430,162

25,000,582

23,875,286

$

$

0.38

0.37

$

$

(0.73)

(0.73)

$

$

(0.35)

(0.35)

At December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 convertible notes, warrants, options and other rights to purchase
4,547,390, 6,929,101 and 8,504,707 shares of common stock, respectively, were not included in the computa-
tion of diluted income (loss) per common share because doing so would have had an antidilutive effect.

53

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

4. Acquisitions

2008 Acquisitions

Effective December 31, 2008, the Company acquired an additional 6.3% of equity interests in Accent

Marketing LLC, increasing the Company’s ownership to 100%. The aggregate purchase price totaled $4,830
and was paid in cash of $995 at closing and repayment of outstanding loans of $1,830. The balance aggregate
of $2,005 will be paid in 2009 and has been recorded in deferred acquisition consideration. In addition, an
additional contingent performance payment may be paid based on Accent’s ﬁnancial results in 2009. The
allocation of the excess purchase consideration of these step acquisitions to the fair value of the net assets
acquired resulted in identiﬁable intangibles of $1,900 (consisting of customer lists), goodwill of $365 and a
stock based compensation charge of $2,285, relating to the amount paid in excess of the fair value of the
equity purchase. The identiﬁed intangibles will be amortized over a seven year period in a manner represented
by the pattern in which the economic beneﬁts of the customer contracts/relationships are realized. The intan-
gibles, goodwill and stock based compensation charge are tax deductible.

Effective December 1, 2008, the Company acquired an additional 3% of equity interests in Source Mar-
keting LLC, increasing the Company’s ownership to 83%. The purchase price totaled $1,286 and was paid in
cash less $42 of outstanding loans. The allocation of the excess purchase consideration of this step acquisition
to the fair value of the net assets acquired resulted in identiﬁable intangibles of $300 (consisting of customer
lists), goodwill of $504 and a stock based compensation charge of $524, relating to the amount paid in excess
of the fair value of the equity purchase. The identiﬁed intangibles will be amortized over a ﬁve year period in
a manner represented by the pattern in which the economic beneﬁts of the customer contracts/relationships are
realized. The intangibles, goodwill and stock based compensation charge are tax deductible.

On November 24, 2008, the Company agreed to make an early payment to KBP Management Partners

LLC of the contingent payment originally due in 2009 pursuant to the purchase agreement entered into in
November 2007. The additional payment totaled $16,005, of which $14,124 was paid in cash in November
2008 and $1,881 will be paid in 2009. The 2009 payment is included in deferred acquisition consideration.
This additional payment was accounted for as additional goodwill. In addition, pursuant to an existing phan-
tom stock arrangement a stock based compensation charge of $3,548 has been recorded for amounts paid to
the phantom equity holders. The goodwill is tax deductible.

Effective November 10, 2008, the Company acquired an additional 17% of equity interests in Crispin
Porter & Bogusky LLC (‘‘CPB’’), increasing the Company’s ownership to 94%. The purchase price totaled
$6,823 plus a contingent payment in April of 2010 based on the ﬁnancial performance of 2009. This contin-
gent payment will be calculated in accordance with CPB’s existing limited liability company agreement. The
consideration was paid in cash of $6,430 and the issuance of 105,000 newly-issued shares of the Company’s
Class A subordinated voting stock valued at $393. For accounting purposes, the value of the Company’s
Class A shares issued as consideration was calculated based on the price of the Company’s Class A shares
over a period of two days before and after the November 10, 2008 announcement date. This acquisition
represented an accelerated exercise of the Company’s existing call option that was otherwise exercisable in
April 2010. The allocation of the excess purchase consideration of this acquisition to the fair value of the net
assets acquired resulted in $5,008 being allocated to identiﬁable intangibles, existing backlog. This intangible
will be amortized over 14.5 month period. This intangible is tax deductible.

Effective October 10, 2008, MDC acquired an additional 8.56% of Zig Inc and an additional 13.17% of

an affiliate of Zig Inc for cash of $1,320. These transactions increased the Company’s equity ownership in
Zig Inc to 74.07%. The allocation of the excess purchase consideration of these step acquisitions to the fair
value of the net assets acquired resulted in identiﬁable intangibles of $176 (consisting of customer lists and
existing backlog) and goodwill of $1,196. The identiﬁed intangibles will be amortized over 30 months in a
manner represented by the pattern in which the economic beneﬁts of the customer contracts/relationships are
realized. The tax deductible portion of these transactions amounts to $253.

54

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

4. Acquisitions − (continued)

On June 16, 2008, CPB, acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Texture Media, Inc.
Texture Media is a digital agency specializing in website development, and is based in Boulder, Colorado with
approximately 50 employees. The purchase price consisted of $2,500 in cash and a non-contingent cash
payment of $1,040 in one year, which is included in deferred acquisition consideration. The allocation of the
excess purchase consideration of this acquisition to the fair value of the net assets acquired resulted in identi-
ﬁable intangibles of $150 (consisting of customer lists and covenants not to compete) and goodwill of $3,111.
The identiﬁed intangibles will be amortized up to a two year period in a manner represented by the pattern in
which the economic beneﬁts of the customer contracts/relationship are realized. The intangibles and goodwill
are tax deductible.

On February 12, 2008, the Company’s Bratskeir subsidiary purchased the net assets of Clifford PR for

$2,050 in cash and the issuance of 30,444 newly issued shares of the Company’s Class A stock valued at
$249, plus a 10% membership interest in Clifford/Bratskeir. For accounting purposes, the value of the Compa-
ny’s Class A shares issued as consideration was calculated based on the price of the Company’s Class A
shares on the date of the acquisition. The accounting value of the 10% membership interest in
Clifford/Bratskeir was valued at $400. The allocation of the excess purchase consideration of this acquisition
to the fair value of the net assets acquired resulted in identiﬁable intangibles of $1,031 (consisting of customer
lists, backlog and covenants not to compete) and goodwill of $1,432. The identiﬁed intangibles will be amor-
tized over a period of up to ﬁve years in a manner represented by the pattern in which the economic beneﬁts
of the customer contracts/relationship are realized. Effective December 31, 2008, the Company transferred the
ownership of the Clifford PR assets to HL Group Partners, LLC. As part of this transfer, the Company issued
45,000 Class A Shares valued at $137 which have been recorded as stock based compensation expense. In
connection with that transaction, the Company purchased the 10% membership interest in Clifford/Bratskeir
for $400 less an adjustment for working capital of $88. This net amount will be paid over a three-year period
and is included in deferred acquisition consideration. The intangibles and goodwill are tax deductible.

In January 2008, the Company’s 62% owned subsidiary, Zyman Group, purchased certain assets of Core
Strategy Group and DMG Inc. The aggregate purchase price paid at closing consisted of $1,000 paid in cash
and the issuance of 126,478 newly issued shares of the Company’s Class A stock valued at $1,110. In addi-
tion, the principals of Core Strategy Group and DMG received 1,000,000 newly-issued Restricted Class C
units of Zyman Group, which will entitle them to a proﬁt interest of 15% of Zyman Group’s pre-tax income
in excess of a speciﬁed threshold amount. For accounting purposes, the value of the Company’s Class A
shares issued as consideration was calculated based on the price of the Company’s Class A share on the date
of the acquisitions. The accounting value of the Restricted Class C units of Zyman Group was determined
based on a Black-Scholes value of $1,001. The allocation of the excess purchase consideration of these acqui-
sitions to the fair value of the net assets acquired resulted in identiﬁable intangibles of $497 (consisting of
customer lists and covenants not to compete) and goodwill of $2,626. The identiﬁed intangibles will be amor-
tized up to a ﬁve year period in a manner represented by the pattern in which the economic beneﬁts of the
customer contracts/relationship are realized. The intangibles and goodwill are tax deductible.

Throughout 2008, the Company completed 16 equity acquisitions with various shareholders of Allard
Johnson Communications Inc. (‘‘Allard’’). The aggregate purchase price for the 16 transactions was cash equal
to $3,442. These transactions increased the Company’s equity ownership in Allard to 75.06%, an increase of
14.8%. The allocation of the excess purchase consideration of these step acquisitions to the fair value of the
net assets acquired resulted in identiﬁable intangibles of $247 (consisting of customer lists and existing back-
log), goodwill of $2,752 and a stock based compensation charge of $467, relating to amounts paid in excess
of the fair value of the equity purchased. The identiﬁed intangibles will be amortized over a ﬁve year period
in a manner represented by the pattern in which the economic beneﬁts of the customer contracts/relationship
are realized. The intangible and goodwill are not tax deductible.

55

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

4. Acquisitions − (continued)

2007 Acquisitions

On November 1, 2007, the Company acquired an additional 28% of Crispin Porter & Bogusky LLC,
(‘‘CPB’’) from certain minority holders resulting in the Company’s current ownership of 77%. The purchase
price consisted of a payment of approximately $22,561 in cash and the issuance of 514,025 newly-issued
shares of the Company’s Class A subordinated voting stock valued at approximately $5,546. For accounting
purposes, the value of the Company’s Class A shares issued as consideration was calculated based on the price
of the Company’s Class A shares over a period two days before and after the November 1, 2007 announce-
ment date. This acquisition represented an accelerated exercise of the Company’s existing call option that was
otherwise exercisable in December 2007 and in April 2008. Prior to the transaction, the Company consolidated
CPB as a Variable Interest Entity (‘‘VIE’’). As a result of this step acquisition, the Company now consolidates
CPB as a majority owned subsidiary. The allocation of the excess purchase consideration of this acquisition to
the fair value of net assets acquired resulted in 100% or $4,637 of the excess consideration being allocated to
identiﬁable intangible assets. Approximately $2,000 represented customer backlog and is being amortized over
a ﬁve month period and the balance of $2,637 represents customer relationships and will be amortized over a
ﬁve year period in a manner represented by the pattern in which the economic beneﬁts of the customer con-
tractual relationships are realized. These intangibles are tax deductible in future years as well as $23,471 of
intangibles which have been previously recorded in connection with the VIE accounting.

On October 18, 2007, the Company acquired the remaining 40% equity interest in KBP Holdings LLC,

(‘‘KBP’’) from KBP Management Partners LLC (‘‘Minority Holder’’). The purchase price consisted of an
initial payment of approximately $12,255 in cash and the issuance of 269,389 newly-issued shares of the
Company’s Class A subordinated voting stock valued at approximately $2,901. For accounting purposes, the
value of the Company’s Class A shares issued as consideration was calculated based on the price of the Com-
pany’s Class A shares on the date of the acquisition. In addition, the Company expects to pay a contingent
amount to the Minority Holder in 2009 and 2010, based on KBP’s ﬁnancial performance in 2008 and 2009.
These additional contingent payments will be calculated in accordance with KBP’s existing limited liability
company agreement. In connection with this acquisition, certain key executives of KBP agreed to extend the
terms of their existing employment agreements and received grants of restricted stock of the Company valued
at $234 in the aggregate. These equity grants vest over a three year period. This acquisition represented an
accelerated exercise of the Company’s existing call option that was otherwise exercisable in 2008. The alloca-
tion of the excess purchase consideration of this acquisition to the fair value of net assets acquired resulted in
100% or $14,494 of the excess consideration being allocated to identiﬁable intangible assets. Approximately
$2,711 represented customer backlog and is being amortized over a six and one-half month period and the
balance of $11,783 represented customer relationships and will be amortized over a ﬁve year period in a
manner represented by the pattern in which the economic beneﬁts of the customer contractual relationships are
realized. The value of the restricted stock grants will be amortized over a three year period. In addition, the
Company incurred a non-cash stock based compensation charge of approximately $2,603 resulting from a
portion of the purchase price being paid by the Minority Holder to certain employees of KBP pursuant to an
existing phantom equity plan between those employees and the Minority Holder. A similar type of charge will
be incurred if and when any contingent payments are made in 2009 and 2010. The intangibles are tax deduct-
ible in future years. In May 2008, it was determined that an additional payment of $814 was due. This
additional payment has been allocated to backlog and written off during the second quarter of 2008. This
amount was paid in cash in December 2008. In addition, the Company incurred a non-cash stock based com-
pensation charge of $142 resulting from this payment to the phantom equity holders.

On August 17, 2007, the Company purchased an additional 16% of the equity interests of VitroRobertson

LLC (‘‘Vitro’’) resulting in the Company’s current ownership of 84%. This 16% represents one of the
founders’ remaining equity interest in Vitro. This founder initially had a put option right to the Company for
this 16%, which was to become exercisable in 2011. However, the Company agreed to purchase this 16% for

56

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

4. Acquisitions − (continued)

an initial payment of $650, together with the potential of two additional payments of $75 each based upon
client retention targets. The allocation of the cost of the acquisition to the fair value of net assets acquired
resulted in identiﬁable intangible assets of $200 and goodwill of $375. The identiﬁable intangibles will be
amortized on a straight line basis over ﬁve years. The intangibles and goodwill are tax deductible in future
years. During 2008, it was determined that only one payment of $75 was due. The amount was paid in
January 2009, at December 31, 2008, this amount was included in deferred acquisition consideration.

On June 15, 2007, the Company acquired a 60% membership interest in Redscout, LLC (‘‘Redscout’’).

Redscout is a brand development and innovation consulting ﬁrm. Redscout is expected to expand the Compa-
ny’s strategic consultancy services within the Strategic Marketing Services segment. The purchase price
consisted of $4,021 in cash and $641 was paid in the form of 76,340 newly issued Class A shares of the
Company. In addition, the Company may be required to make additional payments which are contingent on
the results of Redscout’s operations through December 2008. As of December 31, 2007, the Company will be
required to make additional payments of $1,500 of which approximately $214 may be paid in the form of
Class A shares. At December 31, 2007, this amount has been accrued in deferred acquisition consideration. In
addition, the Company incurred approximately $35 of transaction related costs for a total purchase price of
$4,697. The allocation of the cost of the acquisition to the fair value of net assets acquired resulted in amor-
tizable intangible assets of $1,275 and goodwill of $2,706 and is based on estimates of fair values and certain
assumptions that the Company believed were reasonable. The intangibles and goodwill are tax deductible in
future years. As of December 31, 2008, it has been determined that no additional payments are due.

On May 1, 2007, the Company’s 70.1% owned subsidiary, Northstar Research Holdings USA LP,
acquired a 51% membership interest in Trend Core LLC (‘‘TC’’). TC is a qualitative research ﬁrm with a
specialty in the understanding of the merger of cultural trends and consumer needs with product innovation.
TC is expected to expand the Company’s research capabilities within the Specialized Communication Services
segment. The purchase price consisted of $103 in cash and related closing costs. In addition, the Company
may be required to pay up to an additional $900 in cash to the sellers if TC achieves speciﬁed ﬁnancial
targets at certain speciﬁed times over the period ending April 30, 2011. The allocation of the cost of the
acquisition to the fair value of net assets acquired resulted in an amortizable intangible asset of approximately
$96 based on estimates of fair values and certain assumptions that the Company believed were reasonable.
The intangible is tax deductible in future years.

On April 4, 2007, the Company acquired a 59% membership interest in HL Group Partners LLC (‘‘HL’’).

The Company intends to use up to 8% of the membership interests acquired for purposes of entering into a
proﬁts interest arrangement with other key executives of HL, or ‘‘Gen II’’ management. Gen II management
will also have liquidity rights based on any appreciation of value over the original purchase price attributable
to the proﬁts interest. HL is a marketing strategy and corporate communications ﬁrm with a specialty in high
end fashion and luxury goods. HL is expected to expand the Company’s creative talent within the Strategic
Marketing Services segment. The purchase price consisted of $4,813 in cash, of which $4,493 was paid and
$320 will be paid on April 4, 2008, and $1,000 was paid in the form of 128,550 newly-issued Class A shares
of the Company. In addition, the Company incurred transaction costs of approximately $30 for a total pur-
chase price of $5,843. The allocation of the cost of the acquisition to the fair value of net assets acquired
resulted in amortizable intangible assets of $2,154 and goodwill of $3,442 and is based on estimates of fair
values and certain assumptions that the Company believed were reasonable. The intangibles and goodwill are
tax deductible in future years.

57

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

4. Acquisitions − (continued)

2006 Acquisitions

During 2006, the Company did not complete any material acquisitions, however the Company did com-

plete the following transactions:

On February 7, 2006, the Company purchased the remaining outstanding membership interests of 12.33%

of Source Marketing LLC (‘‘Source’’) pursuant to an exercise of a put option notice delivered in October
2005. The purchase price of $2,287 consisted of cash of $1,830 and the delivery of 1,063,516 shares of
LifeMed Media Inc. (‘‘LifeMed’’) valued at $457. The Company’s carrying value of these LifeMed shares was
$27, thus the Company recorded a gain on the disposition of these shares of $430, which has been included in
other income.

On February 15, 2006, Source issued 15% of its membership interests to certain members of manage-

ment. The purchase price for these membership interests was $1,540, which consisted of $385 cash and
recourse notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to $1,155. In addition, the purchaser also received a
fully vested option to purchase an additional 5% of Source at an exercise price equal to the price paid above.
The option is exercisable any time prior to December 31, 2010. An amended and restated LLC agreement was
entered into with these new members. The agreement also provides these members with an option to put to
the Company these membership interests from December 2008-2012. As a result of the above transactions, the
Company now owns 85% of Source. During the quarter ended March 31, 2006, the company recorded a
non-cash stock based compensation charge of $2,338 relating to the price paid for the membership interests
which was less than the fair value of such membership interests and the fair value of the option granted. On
October 1, 2006, the options noted above were exercised. This exercise resulted in a dilution loss of $626 and
reduced the Company’s ownership down to 80%.

On July 1, 2006, the Company and Mono Advertising, LLC amended its operating agreement to elimi-

nate certain limitations that the Company had on its ability to exercise control of Mono Advertising, LLC.
Effective July 1, 2006 the Company has consolidated Mono Advertising, LLC which had previously been
accounted for under the equity method.

On July 27, 2006, the Company settled a put option obligation for a ﬁxed amount equal to $1,492,
relating to the purchase of 4.3% of additional equity interests of Accent Marketing, LLC. The settlement of
this put was satisﬁed by a cash payment of $424, plus the cancellation of an outstanding promissory note to
the Company in a principal amount equal to $1,068. The purchase price was allocated as follows: $403 to
identiﬁed intangibles, amortized over eight years and the balance of $1,089 as additional goodwill. The good-
will and intangibles are deductible for tax purposes. Including this transaction, the Company now owns 93.7%
of Accent Marketing, LLC.

On November 14, 2006, the Company purchased an additional 20% interest in Northstar Research
Partners Inc. for $3,405 in cash. This transaction resulted in an allocation of the purchase price to goodwill of
$2,989 and identiﬁable intangible assets of $415. The goodwill and intangibles are deductible for tax
purposes.

On November 14, 2006, the Company through its subsidiary Zig Inc. purchased a 65% interest in

Hadrian’s Wall Advertising, LLC for $550. Hadrian’s Wall Advertising, LLC is a creative advertising ﬁrm that
was acquired to facilitate the expansion of the Zig Canada business into the US market. In addition the
Company purchased an additional 0.2% of Zig Inc. for cash of $18 and 30,000 of the Company’s Stock
Appreciation Rights, valued at $104. The purchase price was allocated to goodwill of $18 and the value of the
SAR’s was considered to be compensation expense and will be amortized over the vesting period of the
SAR’s. Effective November 17, 2006, as a result of the additional share purchase, the Company has consoli-
dated Zig Inc. which had previously been accounted for under the equity method.

58

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

4. Acquisitions − (continued)

On December 15, 2006, the Company and Accumark Communications Group Inc. amended its operating

agreement to eliminate certain minority rights. As a result of this amendment, effective December 15, 2006,
the Company has consolidated Accumark Communications Inc. which had previously been accounted for
under the equity method.

Proforma Information

The following unaudited pro forma results of operations of the Company for the years ended Decem-

ber 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 assume that the acquisition of the operating assets of the signiﬁcant businesses
acquired during 2008 and 2007 had occurred on January 1st of the respective year in which the business was
acquired and for the comparable period only (i.e., 2008 acquisitions are reﬂected in 2007, not 2006). During
2006, there were no signiﬁcant businesses acquired. These unaudited pro forma results are not necessarily
indicative of either the actual results of operations that would have been achieved had the companies been
combined during these periods, or are they necessarily indicative of future results of operations. These unau-
dited pro forma results for the years December 31, 2007 and 2006, include in each of the years, an adjustment
for the non-cash stock based compensation charge of $2,603 resulting from the KBP acquisition.

Revenues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) per common share:
Basic − net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted − net income (loss). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$584,648
1,097
$

$
$

0.04
0.04

5. Fixed Assets

The following is a summary of the ﬁxed assets as of December 31:

Year Ended
December 31,
2008

Year Ended
December 31,
2007

$533,883
$ (24,168)

Year Ended
December 31,
2006

$403,086
$ (38,840)

$
$

(0.94)
(0.94)

$
$

(1.58)
(1.58)

2008

2007

Cost

Accumulated
Depreciation

Net Book
Value

Cost

Accumulated
Depreciation

Net Book
Value

Computers, furniture

and ﬁxtures . . . . . .

$ 74,593

$(50,743)

$23,850

$ 70,342

$(44,053)

$26,289

Leasehold

improvements . . . . .

38,446
$113,039

(18,275)
$(69,018)

20,171
$44,021

35,920
$106,262

(14,769)
$(58,822)

21,151
$47,440

Included in ﬁxed assets are assets under capital lease obligations with a cost of $3,731, (2007 — $7,373)
and accumulated depreciation of $1,707 (2007 — $4,838). During 2007, a plane acquired in the Zyman acqui-
sition with a net book value of $4,218 was sold and resulted in a gain on sale of $1,846 and is reﬂected in
other income. Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $16,759,
$14,478 and $12,193, respectively.

6. Accrued and Other Liabilities

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, accrued and other liabilities included amounts due to minority interest

holders, for their share of proﬁts, which will be distributed within the next twelve months of $4,856 and
$7,916, respectively.

59

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

7. Financial Instruments

Financial assets, which include cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable, have carrying values

which approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these assets. Financial liabilities with carrying
values approximating fair value due to short-term maturities include accounts payable, accrued and other
liabilities, advance billings, and deferred acquisition consideration. Bank debt and long-term debt are variable
rate debt, the carrying value of which approximates fair value. The Company’s convertible debt and note
payable are ﬁxed rate debt instruments, the carrying values of which approximates fair value. The fair value
of ﬁnancial commitments, guarantees and letters of credit, are based on the stated value of the underlying
instruments. Guarantees have been issued in conjunction with the disposition of businesses in 2001 and 2003
and letters of credit have been issued in the normal course of business.

8. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

As of December 31, the gross and net amounts of acquired intangible assets were as follows:

2008

2007

Goodwill:

Beginning of the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquired goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reduction for disposition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill impairment − discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency translation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance end of the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intangibles:

Trademarks (indeﬁnite life) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer relationships − gross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less accumulated amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer relationships − net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other intangibles − gross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less accumulated amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other intangibles − net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less accumulated amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total intangible assets − net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$217,726
29,210

(2,727)
(5,995)
$238,214

$ 17,780
$ 59,075
(39,145)
$ 19,930
$ 29,729
(20,587)
$ 9,142
$106,584
(59,732)
$ 46,852

$203,693
14,383
(175)
(4,475)
4,300
$217,726

$ 17,780
$ 56,619
(28,703)
$ 27,916
$ 23,581
(13,878)
$
9,703
$ 97,980
(42,581)
$ 55,399

During 2008, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $1,590 relating to

Clifford/Bratskeir Public Relations LLC (‘‘Bratskeir’’). Bratskeir’s business operations have been treated as
discontinued as of December 31, 2008. In addition, the Company completed the sale of certain assets of its
Mobium division resulting in a $1,137 reduction of goodwill.

During 2007, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge relating to MFP. MFP’s business
operations have been discontinued as of December 31, 2007. In addition, the Company recognized losses in
connection with an equity transaction of one of its consolidated subsidiaries in 2007 and reduced the carrying
value of the goodwill related to the respective subsidiaries by $175.

60

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

8. Goodwill and Intangible Assets − (continued)

The weighted average amortization periods for customer relationships are 5 years and other intangible

assets are 6 years. In total, the weighted average amortization period is 5 years. The amortization expense of
amortizable intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2008, was $17,515 (2007 — $14,497;
2006 — $10,787) the estimated amortization expense for the ﬁve succeeding years is:

Year

2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amortization

$13,834
$ 5,542
$ 4,465
$ 2,770
$ 1,123

9. Income Taxes

The components of the Company’s income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes, equity

in affiliates and minority interests by taxing jurisdiction for the years ended December 31, were:

Income (loss):
US . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-US . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2008

2007

2006

$13,425
6,907
$20,332

$14,143
(5,892)
$ 8,251

$13,647
1,920
$15,567

The provision (beneﬁt) for income taxes by taxing jurisdiction for the years ended December 31, were:

Current tax provision

US federal
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
US state and local . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-US . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deferred tax provision (beneﬁt):

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
US federal
US state and local . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-US . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income tax provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2008

2007

2006

$ 4,948
328
(1,919)
3,357

(5,057)
189
3,908
(960)
$ 2,397

$ 461
(343)
710
828

3,145
867
1,241
5,253
$6,081

$ 212
1,523
740
2,475

5,550
(844)
151
4,857
$7,332

61

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

9. Income Taxes − (continued)

A reconciliation of income tax expense using the statutory Canadian federal and provincial income tax

rate compared with actual income tax expense for the years ended December 31, is as follows:

Income from continuing operations before income
taxes, equity in affiliates and minority interest

. . . . .
Statutory income tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tax expense using statutory income tax rate . . . . . . . .
Other taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-deductible stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . .
Other non-deductible expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change to valuation allowance on items affecting

taxable income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minority interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effective income tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

See Note 10 for income taxes for discontinued operations.

2008

2007

2006

$20,332

$ 8,251

$15,567

33.5%
6,811
(960)
2,796
876

36.12%
2,980
508
3,065
577

36.12%
5,623
1,086
3,017
407

(4,149)
(2,726)
(251)
$ 2,397

6,870
(7,428)
(491)
$ 6,081

3,038
(6,035)
196
$ 7,332

11.8%

73.7%

47.1%

The 2008 effective income tax rate was signiﬁcantly lower than the statutory rate due primarily from the

reversal of Canadian withholding taxes due to a change in Canadian tax law of $2,088 (included in other
taxes above) and a decrease in the Company’s valuation allowance of $4,149, primarily due to utilization of
net operating loss carry forwards.

Income taxes receivable were $1,312 and $579 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and were
included in accounts receivable on the balance sheet. Income taxes payable were $1,056 and $987 at Decem-
ber 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and were included in accrued and other liabilities on the balance sheet.
It is the Company’s policy to classify interest and penalties arising in connection with the under payment of
income taxes as a component of income tax expense. For the years ended 2008, 2007 and 2006, income tax
expense does not include any amounts for interest and penalties.

62

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

9. Income Taxes − (continued)

The tax effects of signiﬁcant temporary differences representing deferred tax assets and liabilities at

December 31, were as follows:

Deferred tax assets:
Capital assets and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net operating loss carry forwards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest deductions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unrealized foreign exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital loss carry forwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounting reserves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross deferred tax asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deferred tax liabilities:
Capital assets and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred ﬁnance charges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unrealized foreign exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total deferred tax liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net deferred tax asset. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Disclosed as:
Deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2008

2007

$ 4,404
41,498
99
10,406
682
—
15,240
6,111
78,440
(59,781)
18,659

—
(464)
(3,739)
(4,516)
(8,719)
$ 9,940

$ 14,852
(4,912)
$ 9,940

$

1,631
65,077
252
8,383
461
2,548
20,123
3,033
101,508
(86,125)
15,383

(981)
(609)
—
(4,813)
(6,403)
8,980

9,883
(903)
8,980

$

$

Included in accrued and other liabilities at December 31, 2008 and 2007 is a deferred tax liability of
$212 and $84, respectively. Included in other current assets at December 31, 2008 and 2007 is a deferred tax
asset of $2,925 and $707, respectively.

The Company has US federal net operating loss carry forwards of $29,459 and non-US net operating loss

carry forwards of $75,020, these carry forwards expire in years 2009 through 2028. The Company also has
total indeﬁnite loss carry forwards of $121,113. These indeﬁnite loss carry forwards consist of $30,125 relat-
ing to the US and $90,988 which are related to capital losses from the Canadian operations. In addition, the
Company has net operating loss carry forwards for various state taxing jurisdictions of approximately $93,015.

The Company records a valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets when management
believes it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be real-
ized. Management considers factors such as the reversal of deferred income tax liabilities, projected future
taxable income, the character of the income tax asset; tax planning strategies, changes in tax laws and other
factors. A change to these factors could impact the estimated valuation allowance and income tax expense.

The valuation allowance has been recorded to reduce our deferred tax asset to an amount that is more

likely than not to be realized, and is based upon the uncertainty of the realization of certain US, non-US and
state deferred tax assets. The increase in the Company’s valuation allowance charged to the statement of

63

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

9. Income Taxes − (continued)

operations for each of the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 was $6,870 and $3,038, respectively. In
2008, the Company reduced its valuation and recorded a beneﬁt in the statement of operations of $4,149.

Deferred taxes are not provided for temporary differences representing earnings of non-Canadian subsid-
iaries that are intended to be permanently reinvested. The potential deferred tax liability associated with these
undistributed earnings is not material.

On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FIN48. We have classiﬁed certain liabilities

as unrecognized tax beneﬁts as well as any applicable penalties and interest.

The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax beneﬁts:

Balance at January 1, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Increases related to current year tax positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expiration of statute of limitations for the assessment of taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Increases related to current year tax positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expiration of statute of limitations for the assessment of taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total

$617
—
—
617
—
—
$617

We do not expect our unrecognized tax beneﬁts to change signiﬁcantly over the next 12 months.

The Company has completed US federal tax audits through 2006 and has completed a non-US tax audit

through 2004.

10. Discontinued Operations

In December 2008, the Company entered into negotiations to sell certain remaining assets in Bratskeir to
management. This transaction is expected to be completed in March 2009. As a result of this expected trans-
action, the Company recorded a goodwill and intangibles impairment charge of $1,945. Including the
impairment charge Bratskeir’s results of operations, net of income tax beneﬁts, for the years ended 2008, 2007
and 2006 were losses of $3,815, $1,217 and $970, respectively. This entity had been previously included in
the Company’s Specialized Communication Service segment.

Effective December 3, 2008, Colle & McVoy, LLC (‘‘Colle’’), completed the sale of certain assets of its
Mobium division. The Company recorded a loss on sale of $1,159 ($765 net of taxes). Including the loss on
sale, Mobium’s results of operations, net of income tax beneﬁts for the year ended 2008 was a loss of $3,022.
The results of operations net of income taxes for Mobium for the years ended 2007 and 2006 were income of
$283 and $558, respectively. This entity had been previously included in the Company’s Strategic Marketing
Service segment.

Effective June 30, 2008, the Company sold its 60% interest in The Ito Partnership (‘‘Ito’’), a start-up
operation formed in 2006. The sale resulted in a loss of $877, ($579 net of taxes). Including the loss on sale,
Ito’s results of operations, net of income tax beneﬁts for the year ended 2008 was a loss of $533. The results
of operations net of income taxes for Ito for the year ended 2007 was income of $38. This entity had been
previously included in the Company’s Specialized Communication Service segment.

In March 2007, due to continued operating and client losses, the Company ceased Margeotes Fertitta
Powell, LLC (‘‘MFP’’) current operations and spun off a new operating business and as a result incurred a
goodwill impairment charge of $4,475, in 2007. The Company also recorded an impairment charge relating to
MFP of $6,306 in 2006. After reviewing the 2008 projections of the new operating business the Company
decided to cease the operations of the new operating business as well. As a result, the Company has classiﬁed

64

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

10. Discontinued Operations − (continued)

these operations as discontinued. In addition, an additional intangible relating to an employment contract of
$629 was deemed impaired and written off. The results of operations of MFP and the new operating business,
net of income tax beneﬁts, was a loss of $7,123 in 2007, and a loss of $5,986 in 2006. In 2008, the Company
recorded a loss of $2,645 net of income taxes resulting primarily from the accrual of lease abandonment costs
and severance.

In December 2007, due to continued operating losses and the lack of new business wins the Company
ceased Banjo Strategic Entertainment, LLC (‘‘Banjo’’) operations. The results of operations of Banjo, net of
income tax beneﬁts, was a loss of $154 in 2007 and a loss of $114 in 2006. MFP and Banjo had been previ-
ously included in the Company’s Specialized Communication Service segment.

In June 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors made the decision to sell or otherwise divest the Com-

pany’s Secure Paper Businesses and Secure Card Businesses (collectively, Secured Products International or
‘‘SPI’’).

On November 14, 2006, the Company completed its sale of SPI, resulting in net proceeds of $27,000.

Consideration was received in the form of cash of $20,000 and ﬁve additional annual payments of $1,000. In
addition, the Company received a 7.5% equity interest in the newly formed entity acquiring SPI. The Com-
pany has recorded the present value of the ﬁve additional payments of $3,724 as Other Assets. Also included
in Other Assets is the estimated value of the 7.5% equity interest received of $1,924. During 2006, the Com-
pany had previously recorded an impairment charge of $19,498 relating to SPI’s long lived assets to adjust
them to fair market value. The sale of SPI has resulted in a gain of $2,856 ($1,824, net of taxes). The results
of operations of SPI for 2006 was a loss of $21,569.

Based on the net proceeds and average borrowing rate for each period, the Company has allocated inter-

est expense to discontinued operations of $1,393 for the year ended 2006.

Included in discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the years

ended December 31 were the following:

Revenue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating loss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other income (expense) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minority interest (expense) recovery. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss from discontinued operations. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Years Ended December 31,

2008
$ 5,700
1,945

$(11,810)
(3,364)
5,159
—
$(10,015)

2007
$ 16,926
5,104

$(10,046)
(1,719)
3,640
(48)
$ (8,173)

2006
$ 87,989
25,804

$(28,049)
(356)
3,171
7
$(25,227)

Included in other income (expense) is a loss on sale of assets of $2,036 in 2008. There was no loss on

sale of assets for 2007 or 2006.

The statutory income tax rate differs from the effective rate for 2006 due to the operating loss of SPI,

which had a valuation allowance recorded against that amount.

At December 31, 2008, $408, $323 and $2,139 was included in current assets, other assets and accrual

and other liabilities, respectively, which represent assets held for sale and related liabilities.

65

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

11. Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Total comprehensive income (loss) and its components for the years ended December 31, were:

Net income (loss) for the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency cumulative translation adjustment
. . .
Comprehensive loss for the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

133
(12,976)
$(12,843)

$(26,355)
5,587
$(20,768)

$(33,539)
(2,210)
$(35,749)

2008

2007

2006

12. Bank Debt, Long-Term Debt and Convertible Notes

At December 31, the Company’s indebtedness was comprised as follows:

Revolving credit facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8% convertible debentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Term loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note payable and other bank loans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Obligations under capital leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Less:
Current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2008

2007

$ 9,701
36,946
130,000
2,789
179,436
2,062
181,498

$

1,901
45,395
111,500
3,285
162,081
2,673
164,754

1,546
$179,952

1,796
$162,958

Interest expense related to long-term debt for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was

$13,650, $11,470 and $9,076, respectively.

The amortization of deferred ﬁnance costs included in interest expense were $1,348, $2,330 and $2,213

for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.

Financing Agreement

On June 18, 2007, MDC Partners Inc. (the ‘‘Company’’) and its material subsidiaries entered into a
$185,000 senior secured ﬁnancing agreement (the ‘‘Financing Agreement’’) with Fortress Credit, an affiliate of
Fortress Investment Group, as collateral agent and Wells Fargo Bank, as administrative agent, and a syndicate
of lenders. Proceeds from the Financing Agreement were used to repay in full the outstanding balances on the
Company’s then existing credit facility, which was terminated.

The current Financing Agreement consists of a $55,000 revolving credit facility, a $60,000 term loan and

a $70,000 delayed draw term loan. Borrowings under the Financing Agreement will bear interest as follows:
(a) LIBOR Rate Loans bear interest at applicable interbank rates and Reference Rate Loans bear interest at the
rate of interest publicly announced by the Reference Bank in New York, New York, plus (b) a percentage
spread ranging from 0% to a maximum of 4.75% depending on the type of loan and the Company’s Senior
Leverage Ratio. In addition, the Company is required to pay a facility fee of 50 basis points. At December 31,
2008, the weighted average interest rate was 7.59%.

At December 31, 2008, $40,586 remains available under the Financing Agreement plus cash of $32,895

is available to support the Company’s future cash requirements. The Company’s obligations under the Financ-
ing Agreement are guaranteed by the material subsidiaries and secured by all assets of the Company. The
Financing Agreement matures on June 17, 2012 and is subject to various covenants, including a senior lever-
age ratio, ﬁxed charges ratio, limitations on debt incurrence, limitation on liens and limitation on dividends
and other payments.

66

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

12. Bank Debt, Long-Term Debt and Convertible Notes − (continued)

The Company is currently in compliance with all of the terms and conditions of its Financing Agreement,

and management believes, based on its current ﬁnancial projections, that the Company will be in compliance
with covenants over the next twelve months.

8% Convertible Unsecured Subordinated Debentures

On June 28, 2005, the Company completed an offering in Canada of convertible unsecured subordinated

debentures amounting to $36,723 (C$45,000) (the ‘‘Debentures’’). The Debentures will mature on June 30,
2010. The Debentures bear interest at an annual rate of 8.00% payable semi-annually, in arrears, on June 30
and December 31 of each year. Unless an event of default has occurred and is continuing, the Company may
elect, from time to time, subject to applicable regulatory approval, to issue and deliver Class A subordinate
voting shares to the Debenture trustee in order to raise funds to satisfy all or any part of the Company’s
obligations to pay interest on the Debentures in accordance with the indenture in which holders of the Deben-
tures will be entitled to receive a cash payment equal to the interest payable from the proceeds of the sale of
such Class A subordinate voting shares by the Debenture trustee.

The Debentures are convertible at the holder’s option into fully-paid, non-assessable and freely tradeable
Class A subordinate voting shares of the Company, at any time prior to maturity or redemption, subject to the
restrictions on transfer, at a conversion price of $11.49 (C$14.00) per Class A subordinate voting share being a
ratio of approximately 71.4286 Class A subordinate voting shares per $821.00 (C$1,000.00) principal amount
of Debentures.

Prior to June 30, 2009, the Debentures may be redeemed, in whole or in part from time to time, at a

price equal to the principal amount of the Debenture plus accrued and unpaid interest, provided that the
volume weighted average trading price of the Class A subordinate voting shares on the Toronto Stock
Exchange during a speciﬁed period is not less than 125% of the conversion price. From July 1, 2009 until the
maturity of the Debentures the Debentures may be redeemed by the Company at a price equal to the principal
amount of the Debenture plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. The Company may elect to satisfy the
redemption consideration, in whole or in part, by issuing Class A subordinate voting shares of the Company to
the holders, the number of which will be determined by dividing the principal amount of the Debenture by
95% of the current market price of the Class A subordinate voting shares on the redemption date. Upon the
occurrence of a change of control of the Company involving the acquisition of voting control or direction over
50% or more of the outstanding Class A subordinate voting shares prior to June 30, 2008, the Company shall
be required to make an offer to purchase all of the then outstanding Debentures at a price equal to 100% of
the principal amount thereof plus an amount equal to the interest payments not yet received on the Debentures
calculated from the date of the change of control to June 30, 2008, discounted at a speciﬁed rate. Upon the
occurrence of a change of control on or after June 30, 2008, the Company shall be required to make an offer
to purchase all of the then outstanding Debentures at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the
Debentures plus accrued and unpaid interest to the purchase date.

Future principal repayments, including capital lease obligations, for the years ended December 31, and in

aggregate are as follows:

Period

2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amount

$ 1,546
38,684
949
140,319
—
$181,498

67

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

12. Bank Debt, Long-Term Debt and Convertible Notes − (continued)

Capital Leases

Future minimum capital lease payments for the years ended December 31 and in aggregate are as

follows:

Period

2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2014 and thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Less: imputed interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Less: current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amount

$ 946
749
349
18
—
—
2,062
(185)
1,877
(946)
$ 931

13. Share Capital

The authorized share capital of the Company is as follows:

(a) Authorized Share Capital

Class A Shares

An unlimited number, subordinate voting shares, carrying one vote each, entitled to dividends equal to or

greater than Class B shares, convertible at the option of the holder into one Class B share for each Class A
share after the occurrence of certain events related to an offer to purchase all Class B shares.

Class B Shares

An unlimited number, carrying 20 votes each, convertible at any time at the option of the holder into one

Class A share for each Class B share.

Preference Shares

An unlimited number, non-voting, issuable in series.

The Company has not paid dividends on any class of shares during the three years ended December 31,

2008.

(b) 2008 Share Capital Transactions

During the year ended December 31, 2008, Class A share capital increased by $5,575, as the Company

issued 334,467 shares related to business acquisitions and 541,110 shares related to vested restricted stock.

During 2008, the Company’s employees surrendered 112,146 Class A shares valued at $909 in connection

with the required tax withholding resulting from the vesting of restricted stock. In addition, during 2008, the
Company received 12,346 Class A shares valued at $100 in connection with a partial repayment of a note
receivable. These 124,492 Class A shares were subsequently retired and no longer remain outstanding as of
December 31, 2008.

68

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

13. Share Capital − (continued)

Additional paid-in capital increased $6,727, of which $10,129 related to an increase from stock-based

compensation that was expensed during 2008 and $1,001 related to acquisition purchase price consideration
and other changes of $78 partially offset by $4,481 related to the vested restricted stock.

(c) 2007 Share Capital Transactions

During the year ended December 31, 2007, Class A share capital increased by $23,260, as the Company
issued 1,096,491 shares related to business acquisitions and 1,215,916 shares related to the exercise of stock
options, vested restricted stock and stock appreciation rights.

Additional paid-in capital increased by $527, of which $9,088 related to an increase from stock-based
compensation that was expensed during 2007 partially offset by $8,479 related to the exercise of stock appre-
ciation right awards, stock options and vested restricted stock and $82 related to the resolution of a
contingency based on the Company’s share price relating to a previous acquisition.

(d) 2006 Share Capital Transactions

During the year ended December 31, 2006, Class A share capital increased by $6,188, as the Company

issued 345,305 shares related to business acquisitions and 130,244 shares related to the exercise of stock
options and stock appreciation rights. In addition, during 2006, 10,358 Class A Shares were issued in connec-
tion with the 2003 privatization of Maxxcom. As of December 31, 2008, 29,604 Class A Shares remain to be
issued upon the presentation of the Maxxcom shares which, based on the privatization of this subsidiary in
2003, were exchanged into the Company’s Class A shares. Certain option prices have been retroactively
corrected to comply with provisions in the option plan. As a result, the Company has recorded a stock sub-
scription receivable of $674, included in shareholders equity.

(e) Employee Stock Incentive Plan

On May 26, 2005, the Company’s shareholders approved the Company’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the

‘‘2005 Incentive Plan’’). The 2005 Incentive Plan authorizes the issuance of awards to employees, officers,
directors and consultants of the Company with respect to 2,000,000 shares of MDC Partners’ Class A Subordi-
nate Voting Shares or any other security in to which such shares shall be exchanged. On June 1, 2007, the
Company’s shareholders approved an additional 1,000,000 authorized Class A Shares to be added to the 2005
Incentive Plan for a total of 3,000,000 authorized Class A Shares. On May 30, 2008, the Company’s share-
holders approved the 2008 Key Partner Incentive Plan, which provides for the issuance of 600,000 Class A
Shares. As of December 31, 2008, the Company has granted 200,000 Director options (of which 90,000 were
forfeited), which option grants were for a ten-year term and vests over ﬁve (5) years from the grant date
under the 2005 Incentive Plan.

69

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

13. Share Capital − (continued)

The following table summarizes information about time based and ﬁnancial performance-based restricted
stock and restricted stock unit awards granted under the 2005 Incentive Plan and 2008 Key Partner Incentive
Plan:

Performance Based Awards

Time Based Awards

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

—
$8.56
8.55

8.56
7.80
8.56
8.55

8.10
8.17
8.30
8.13

Shares

—
737,500
(7,500)

730,000
553,729
(367,500)
(2,500)

913,729
801,345
(531,610)
(45,601)

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

—
$8.78
—

8.78
9.87
—
8.54

9.78
4.78
9.26
8.85

Shares

—
59,000
—

59,000
439,149
—
(16,000)

482,149
369,882
(9,500)
(13,000)

Balance at December 31,

2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balance at December 31,

2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balance at December 31,

2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balance at December 31,

2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,137,863

$8.05

829,531

$7.57

The total fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards, which vested during the year

ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $4,499 and $2,841, respectively. In connection with the vesting of
these awards, the Company realized a tax beneﬁt of $430 and $340 in 2008 and 2007, respectively. At
December 31, 2008, the weighted average remaining contractual life for performance based awards is
1.9 years and for time based awards is 2.2 years. At December 31 2008, the fair value of all restricted stock
and restricted stock unit awards is $15,444. The term of these awards is three years with vesting up to three
years. At December 31, 2008, the unrecognized compensation expense for all awards was $8,938 and will be
recognized through 2010. At December 31, 2008, there are 821,741 awards available to grant.

The Company’s Board of Directors adopted the 2005 Incentive Plan as a replacement for MDC Partners’
Amended and Restated Stock Option Incentive Plan (the ‘‘Prior 2003 Plan’’). Following approval of the 2005
Incentive Plan, the Company ceased making awards under the Prior 2003 Plan.

Prior to adoption of the 2005 Incentive Plan, the Company’s Prior 2003 Plan provided for grants of up to

1,890,786 options to employees, officers, directors and consultants of the Company. All the options granted
were for a term of ﬁve years from the date of the grant and vest 20% on the date of grant and a further 20%
on each anniversary date. In addition, the Company granted 534,960 options, on the privatization of Maxx-
com, with a term of no more than 10 years from initial date of grant by Maxxcom and vest 20% in each of
the ﬁrst two years with the balance vesting on the third anniversary of the initial grant.

70

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

13. Share Capital − (continued)

Information related to share option transactions grant under all plans over the past three years is summa-

rized as follows:

Options Outstanding

Options Exercisable

Balance, December 31, 2005
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expired and cancelled . . . . .
Balance, December 31, 2006
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expired and cancelled . . . . .
Balance, December 31, 2007
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expired and cancelled . . . . .
Balance, December 31, 2008

Number
Outstanding
1,793,204
—
125,000
(30,400)
(154,724)
1,733,080
—
50,000
(592,000)
(216,052)
975,028
—
—
—
(516,193)
458,835

Weighted
Average
Price Per
Share
$ 6.79
—
8.95
4.92
7.96
8.57
—
8.48
7.59
9.08
11.14
—
—
—
8.85
$ 9.49

Number
Outstanding
1,241,773

Weighted
Average
Price Per
Share
$ 6.41

1,369,056

8.25

851,216

11.31

393,835

$ 9.69

Non Vested
Options
551,431
(304,407)
125,000
—
(8,000)
364,024
(207,009)
50,000
—
(83,203)
123,812
(53,812)
—
—
(5,000)
65,000

At December 31, 2008, the intrinsic value of vested options was nil and the intrinsic value of all options

was also nil. For options exercised during 2007, the Company received cash proceeds of $4,689. The Com-
pany did not receive any windfall tax beneﬁts. The intrinsic value of options exercised during 2007 was
$1,550. At December 31, 2008, the weighted average remaining contractual life of all outstanding options was
1.8 years and for all vested options was 1.4 years. At December 31, 2008, the unrecognized compensation
expense of all options was $220 and will be recognized over the next 3.5 years.

For options exercised during 2006, the Company received cash proceeds of $146. The Company did not

receive any windfall tax beneﬁts. The intrinsic value of options exercised during 2006 was $119.

Share options outstanding as of December 31, 2008 are summarized as follows:

Options Outstanding

Options Exercisable

Outstanding
Number
8,982
248,830
199,355
6,668

Weighted
Average
Contractual
Life
3.56
2.46
0.79
3.04

Weighted
Average
Price Per
Share
$ 5.55
$ 7.48
$11.60
$24.99

Exercisable
Number
8,982
178,830
199,355
6,668

Weighted
Average
Price Per
Share
$ 5.55
$ 7.19
$11.60
$24.99

Weighted
Average
Contractual
Life
3.56
1.80
0.79
3.04

Range of Exercise
Prices
$4.31 − $6.46
$6.47 − $8.75
$8.76 − $12.89
$12.90 − $46.33

71

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

13. Share Capital − (continued)

(f) Stock Appreciation Rights

During 2003, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved a stock appreciation

rights (‘‘SAR’s’’) compensation program for senior officers and directors of the Company. SARS’s granted
prior to 2006 have a term of four years, for SAR’s granted in 2006 and after they have a term of up to
10 years and all awards vest one-third on each anniversary date.

SAR’s granted and outstanding are as follows:

SAR’s Outstanding

SAR’s Exercisable

Weighted
Average
Number
Outstanding

Weighted
Average
Price Per
Share

Number
Outstanding

Price Per
Share

Non Vested
SAR’s

Balance at December 31,

2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . .
Expired and cancelled . . .

Balance at December 31,

2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . .
Expired and cancelled . . .

Balance at

December 31, 2007 . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . .
Expired and cancelled . . .

Balance at December 31,

2,220,479
—
40,000
(215,000)
(35,166)

2,010,313
—
—
(1,364,866)
(30,447)

615,000
—
—
—
(370,000)

$ 7.58
—
8.09
4.42
8.52

7.91
—
—
6.84
8.68

11.33
—
—
—
12.00

1,211,986

$ 6.91

1,700,313

7.48

511,666

11.72

1,008,493
(728,438)
40,000
—
(10,055)

310,000
(206,666)
—
—
—

103,334
(96,668)
—
—
—

2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

245,000

$ 9.74

238,334

$ 9.80

6,666

At December 31, 2008, the aggregate amount of shares to be issued on vested SAR’s was nil shares with

an intrinsic value of nil and for all outstanding SAR’s, the aggregate amount of shares to be issued was nil
with an intrinsic value of nil. During 2007, the aggregate value of SAR’s exercised was $2,909. The Company
did not receive any windfall tax beneﬁts. At December 31, 2008, the weighted average remaining contractual
life of all outstanding SAR’s was 1.5 years and for all vested SAR’s was 1.4 years. At December 31, 2008,
the unrecognized compensation expense of all SAR’s was $11 and will be recognized over the next year.
During 2006, the aggregate value of SAR’s exercised was $813. The Company did not receive any windfall
tax beneﬁts.

SAR’s Outstanding

SAR’s Exercisable

Range of Exercise
Prices
$7.80
$7.81 − $10.00
$10.01 − $11.00

Outstanding
Number
20,000
210,000
15,000

Weighted
Average
Contractual
Life
7.92
1.02
0.17

Weighted
Average
Price Per
Share
$ 7.80
$ 9.84
$11.00

Exercisable
Number
13,334
210,000
15,000

Weighted
Average
Price Per
Share
$ 7.80
$ 9.84
$11.00

Weighted
Average
Contractual
Life
7.92
1.02
0.17

72

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

13. Share Capital − (continued)

(g) Restricted Stock Units

During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company issued 50,000 restricted stock units of which

16,500 vested on each of the ﬁrst and second anniversary dates with the remaining 17,000 vesting on
September 6, 2007.

In 2007 and 2006, the recipient of these shares of restricted stock exercised his contractual right to
receive a cash payment of $185 and $127, respectively, in lieu of the 17,000 shares of restricted stock that
vested in 2007, 16,500 shares of restricted stock that vested in 2006, and as a result, the underlying shares of
restricted stock in each year were cancelled.

(h) Warrants

The Company measures the fair value of warrants using the Black-Scholes option pricing model on the

date of grant.

Warrants outstanding as at December 31, 2008 are summarized as follows:

Range of Exercise Prices
$11.11 − 12.49
$12.50 − $14.61
$14.62 − $16.04

Warrants Outstanding

Warrants Exercisable

Number
Outstanding
102,426
216,394
160,087

Weighted
Average
Contractual
Life
0.13
0.30
0.17

Weighted
Average
Price Per
Share
$12.12
$13.60
$15.82

Exercisable
Number
102,426
216,394
160,087

Weighted
Average
Price Per
Share
$12.12
$13.60
$15.82

Information related to warrant transactions over the past three years is summarized as follows:

Warrants Outstanding

Warrants Exercisable

Balance, December 31, 2005
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expired and cancelled . . .
Balance, December 31, 2006
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expired and cancelled . . .
Balance, December 31, 2007
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expired and cancelled . . .
Balance, December 31, 2008

Number
Outstanding
990,672
—
—
(257,146)
733,526
—
—
(4,619)
728,907
—
—
(250,000)
478,907

Number
Outstanding
768,168

Weighted
Average
Price Per
Share
$13.06

603,685

14.02

680,873

16.61

478,907

$14.02

Non Vested
Warrants

222,504
—
(92,843)
129,661
(81,627)
—
—
48,034
(48,034)
—
—
—

Weighted
Average
Price Per
Share
$13.53
—
—
11.62
14.20
—
—
17.96
16.67

12.70
$14.02

73

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

13. Share Capital − (continued)

At December 31, 2008, there was no intrinsic value of vested warrants and outstanding warrants.

The Company has reserved a total of 4,774,772 Class A shares in order to meet its obligations under

various conversion rights, warrants and employee share related plans. At December 31, 2008 there were
821,741 shares available for future option and similar grants.

14. Gain on Sale of Assets and Other

The gain on sale of assets and other for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

Other income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividend income(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Loss) gain on disposition of assets(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on equity transactions of affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on sale of cross currency swap. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on recovery of investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2008

$ 128
—
(142)
—
—
—
$ (14)

2007

$ 217
820
1,709
—
—
419
$3,165

2006

$ 202
—
621
(626)
192
962
$1,351

(a) The gain on the dispositions of assets in 2007 primarily relates to the sale of the plane that was acquired
in connection with the Zyman acquisition for consideration equal to $6,368. In connection with the sale,
the Company repaid the loan relating to the plane in an amount equal to $5,001 and recorded a gain on
the sale of $1,846.
In 2007, the Company received a dividend payment of $820 from the purchaser of the Secured Products
International Group.

(b)

15. Segmented Information

The Company reports in three segments plus corporate. The segments are as follows:

•

•

•

The Strategic Marketing Services (‘‘SMS’’) segment includes Crispin Porter & Bogusky and kirshen-
baum bond + partners among others. This segment consists of integrated marketing consulting
services ﬁrms that offer a full complement of marketing consulting services including advertising
and media, marketing communications including direct marketing, public relations, corporate com-
munications, market research, corporate identity and branding, interactive marketing and sales
promotion. Each of the entities within SMS share similar economic characteristics, speciﬁcally
related to the nature of their respective services, the manner in which the services are provided and
the similarity of their respective customers. Due to the similarities in these businesses, they exhibit
similar long term ﬁnancial performance and have been aggregated together.

The Customer Relationship Management (‘‘CRM’’) segment provides marketing services that inter-
face directly with the consumer of a client’s product or service. These services include the design,
development and implementation of a complete customer service and direct marketing initiative
intended to acquire, retain and develop a client’s customer base. This is accomplished using several
domestic and a foreign-based customer contact facilities.

The Specialized Communication Services (‘‘SCS’’) segment includes all of the Company’s other
marketing services ﬁrms that are normally engaged to provide a single or a few speciﬁc marketing
services to regional, national and global clients. These ﬁrms provide niche solutions by providing
world class expertise in select marketing services.

74

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

15. Segmented Information − (continued)

The signiﬁcant accounting polices of these segments are the same as those described in the summary of

signiﬁcant accounting policies included in the notes to the consolidated ﬁnancial statements.

The SCS segment is an ‘‘Other’’ segment pursuant SFAS 131 ‘‘Disclosures about Segments of an

Enterprise and Related Information’’.

Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of services sold . . . . . .
Office and general expenses. .
Depreciation and

amortization . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Proﬁt (Loss) . . . . .

Other Income (Expense):
Other expense, net . . . . . . . .
Foreign exchange gain . . . . .
Interest expense, net. . . . . . .
Income from continuing

operations before income
taxes, equity in affiliates
and minority interest . . . . .
Income tax expense . . . . . . .
Income from continuing

operations before equity in
affiliates and minority
interests . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Equity in earnings of

affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Minority interests in income

of consolidated
subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . .

Income from continuing

operations . . . . . . . . . . . .

Loss from discontinued

operations . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net Income. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stock-based compensation

from continuing
operations . . . . . . . . . . . .

Capital expenditures from

continuing operations . . . .
Goodwill intangibles . . . . . .
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Strategic
Marketing
Services
$333,370
207,529
76,534

24,055
$ 25,252

For the Year Ended December 31, 2008

Customer
Relationship
Management
$133,970
101,012
22,864

Specialized
Communication
Services
$117,308
83,604
20,735

Corporate
—
$
—
17,622

7,350
2,744

$

2,598
$ 10,371

401
$(18,023)

Total
$584,648
392,145
137,755

34,404
20,344

(14)
13,257
(13,255)

20,332
(2,397)

17,935

349

$ (4,402)

$

(266)

$ (3,468)

$

—

(8,136)

10,148

(10,015)
133

$

$

6,162

$

2,416

$ 1,281

$ 4,578

$ 14,437

$
8,817
$218,121
$338,839

$
4,322
$ 31,009
$ 70,139

$ 1,147
$ 35,936
$ 82,465

109
$
$
—
$ 37,796

$ 14,395
$285,066
$529,239

75

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

15. Segmented Information − (continued)

Summary ﬁnancial information concerning the Company’s operating segments is shown in the following

tables:

Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of services sold . . . . . .
Office and general expenses. .
Depreciation and

amortization . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Proﬁt (Loss) . . . . .

Other Income (Expense):
Other income, net . . . . . . . .
Foreign exchange loss . . . . .
Interest expense, net. . . . . . .
Income from continuing

operations before income
taxes, equity in affiliates
and minority interest . . . . .
Income taxes. . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from continuing

operations before equity in
affiliates and minority
interests . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Equity in earnings of

affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Minority interests in income

of consolidated
subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . .

Loss from continuing

operations . . . . . . . . . . . .

Loss from discontinued

operations . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stock-based compensation

from continuing
operations . . . . . . . . . . . .

Capital expenditures from

continuing operations . . . .
Goodwill and intangibles . . .
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For the Year Ended December 31, 2007
Restated for Discontinued Operations

Customer
Relationship
Management
$112,958
81,826
21,306

Specialized
Communication
Services
$113,689
79,054
19,524

Corporate
—
$
—
22,148

6,488
3,338

1,954
$ 13,157

258
$(22,406)

Strategic
Marketing
Services
$307,236
182,417
75,256

20,275
$ 29,288

$ (15,653)

$

(122)

$ (4,742)

$

Total
$533,883
343,297
138,234

28,975
23,377

3,165
(7,192)
(11,099)

8,251
(6,081)

2,170

165

(20,517)

(18,182)

(8,173)
$ (26,355)

$

5,194

$

91

$

489

$ 4,443

$ 10,217

8,966
$
$200,408
$329,169

7,936
$ 29,257
$ 73,133

2,341
$ 43,460
$109,321

210
$
—
$ 9,075

19,453
$273,125
$520,698

76

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

15. Segmented Information − (continued)

Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of services sold . . . . . .
Office and general expenses. .
Depreciation and

amortization . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Proﬁt (Loss) . . . . .

Other Income (Expense):
Other income, net . . . . . . . .
Foreign exchange gain . . . . .
Interest expense, net. . . . . . .
Income from continuing

operations before income
taxes, equity in affiliates
and minority interest . . . . .
Income tax expense . . . . . . .
Income from continuing

operations before equity in
affiliates and minority
interests . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Equity in earnings of

affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Minority interests in income

of consolidated
subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . .

Loss from continuing

operations . . . . . . . . . . . .

Loss from discontinued

operations . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stock-based compensation

from continuing
operations . . . . . . . . . . . .

Capital expenditures from

continuing operations . . . .
Goodwill and intangibles . . .
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For the Year Ended December 31, 2006
Restated for Discontinued Operations

Strategic
Marketing
Services
$236,201
114,758
70,410

17,525
$ 33,508

Customer
Relationship
Management
$84,917
61,419
16,531

Specialized
Communication
Services
$81,968
55,277
13,160

5,003
$ 1,964

1,233
$12,298

Corporate
—
$
—
24,063

284
$(24,347)

Total
$403,086
231,454
124,164

24,045
23,423

1,351
614
(9,821)

15,567
(7,332)

8,235

168

$ (13,077)

$

(73)

$ (3,565)

$

—

(16,715)

(8,312)

(25,227)
$ (33,539)

$

1,010

$

24

$ 2,339

$ 4,988

$

8,361

$
9,117
$185,033
$297,636

$11,646
$37,823
$63,577

$ 1,210
$29,770
$93,838

377
$
$
—
$ 38,450

$ 22,350
$252,626
$493,501

77

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

15. Segmented Information − (continued)

A summary of the Company’s long-lived assets, comprised of ﬁxed assets, goodwill and intangibles, net,

as at December 31, is set forth in the following table.

United States

Canada

Other

Total

Long-lived Assets

2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 39,466
$ 40,808

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$256,120
$241,410

$ 3,680
$ 5,196

$28,946
$31,715

$ 875
$1,436

$ —
$ —

$ 44,021
$ 47,440

$285,066
$273,125

A summary of the Company’s revenue as at December 31 is set forth in the following table.

Revenue:

2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$483,122
$426,059
$336,189

$89,230
$94,401
$58,927

$12,296
$13,423
$ 7,970

$584,648
$533,883
$403,086

United States

Canada

Other

Total

16. Related Party Transactions

(a) The Company incurred fees and paid incentive awards totaling $3,413, $2,471 and $2,394 in 2008, 2007
and 2006, respectively, relating to companies controlled by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(‘‘CEO’’) of the Company in respect of services rendered pursuant to a management services agreement
and incentive plans.

On April 27, 2007, the Company entered into a new Management Services Agreement (the ‘‘Services
Agreement’’) with Miles Nadal and with Nadal Management, Inc. to set forth the terms and conditions
on which Mr. Nadal will continue to provide services to the Company as its Chief Executive Officer. Mr.
Nadal’s prior services agreement with the Company was scheduled to expire on October 31, 2007, sub-
ject to two-year annual renewals. If the Company were not going to enter into a new agreement with Mr.
Nadal and did not intend to allow the prior agreement to renew, it would have been required to give Mr.
Nadal notice of such non-renewal by April 30, 2007.

The Services Agreement has a three-year term with automatic one-year extensions. Pursuant to the Agree-
ment, the base compensation for Mr. Nadal’s services will continue through 2007 at the current rate of
$950, with annual increases of $25 in each of 2008 and 2009. The Services Agreement also provides for
an annual bonus with a targeted payout of up to 250% of the base compensation. The Company will also
make an annual cash payment of $500 in respect of retirement beneﬁts, employee health beneﬁts and
perquisites. In addition, in the discretion of the Compensation Committee, the Company may grant equity
incentives with a targeted grant-date value of up to 300% of the then current base retainer.

As an incentive to enter into the Services Agreement, the Company paid a one-time non-renewal fee of
$3,500 upon execution of the Services Agreement, which has been expensed during the second quarter of
2007. Mr. Nadal used a portion of the proceeds to repay to the Company the $2,677 (C$3,000) note
receivable due on November 1, 2007 from Nadal Management, Inc. In addition during 2008 and 2007, in
accordance with this new agreement Mr. Nadal repaid an additional $100 and $458, respectively, of loans
due to the Company.

78

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

16. Related Party Transactions − (continued)

(b)

(c)

In 2000, the Company agreed to provide to its CEO, Miles S. Nadal a bonus of C$10,000 ($10,088) in
the event that the average market price of the Company’s Class A subordinate voting shares is C$30
($30) per share or more for more than 20 consecutive trading days (measured as of the close of trading
on each applicable date). This bonus is payable until the date that is three years after the date on which
Mr. Nadal is no longer employed by the Company for any reason. The after-tax proceeds of such bonus
are to be applied ﬁrst as repayment of any outstanding loans due to the Company from this officer and
his related companies in the amount of C$6,253 ($5,134), as at December 31, 2008, which has been
reserved for in the Company’s accounts. These loans have no stated maturity date.

In 2000, the Company purchased 1,600,000 shares in Trapeze Media Limited (‘‘Trapeze’’) for $215. At
the same time, the Company’s CEO purchased 4,280,000 shares of Trapeze for $576, the Company’s
former Chief Financial Officer and a Managing Director of the Company each purchased 50,000 Trapeze
shares for $7 and a Board Member of the Company purchased 75,000 shares of Trapeze for $10. In
2001, the Company purchased an additional 1,250,000 shares for $161, and the Company’s CEO pur-
chased 500,000 shares for $64. In 2002, the Company’s CEO purchased 3,691,930 shares of Trapeze for
$470. All of these purchases were made at identical prices (i.e., C$.20/share). In 2003, the Company and
the CEO exchanged their units in Trapeze for non-voting shares and entered into a voting trust agree-
ment.

During 2008, 2007 and 2006, Trapeze provided services to certain subsidiaries, the total amount of such
services provided were $371, $369 and $302, respectively. In addition, in 2008, a subsidiary provided
Trapeze with $144 of services.

17. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees

Deferred Acquisition Consideration.

In addition to the consideration paid by the Company in respect of

certain of its acquisitions at closing, additional consideration may be payable, or may be potentially payable
based on the achievement of certain threshold levels of earnings. See Note 4.

Put Options. Owners of interests in certain subsidiaries have the right in certain circumstances to
require the Company to acquire either a portion of or all of the remaining ownership interests held by them.
The owners’ ability to exercise any such ‘‘put option’’ right is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions,
including conditions requiring notice in advance of exercise. In addition, these rights cannot be exercised prior
to speciﬁed staggered exercise dates. The exercise of these rights at their earliest contractual date would result
in obligations of the Company to fund the related amounts during the period 2009 to 2018. It is not determin-
able, at this time, if or when the owners of these rights will exercise all or a portion of these rights.

The amount payable by the Company in the event such rights are exercised is dependent on various
valuation formulas and on future events, such as the average earnings of the relevant subsidiary through the
date of exercise, the growth rate of the earnings of the relevant subsidiary during that period, and, in some
cases, the currency exchange rate at the date of payment.

Management estimates, assuming that the subsidiaries owned by the Company at December 31, 2008,
perform over the relevant future periods at their 2008 earnings levels, that these rights, if all exercised, could
require the Company, in future periods, to pay an aggregate amount of approximately $31,654 to the owners
of such rights to acquire such ownership interests in the relevant subsidiaries. Of this amount, the Company is
entitled, at its option, to fund approximately $3,948 by the issuance of share capital. In addition, the Company
is obligated under similar put option rights to pay an aggregate amount of approximately $6,195 only upon
termination of such owner’s employment with the applicable subsidiary. The ultimate amount payable relating
to these transactions will vary because it is dependent on the future results of operations of the subject busi-
nesses and the timing of when and if these rights are exercised.

79

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

17. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees − (continued)

Natural Disasters. Certain of the Company’s operations are located in regions of the United States and

Caribbean which typically are subject to hurricanes. During the year ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and
2006, these operations did not incur any costs related to damages resulting from hurricanes.

Guarantees.

In connection with certain dispositions of assets and/or businesses in 2001 and 2003, the
Company has provided customary representations and warranties whose terms range in duration and may not
be explicitly deﬁned. The Company has also retained certain liabilities for events occurring prior to sale,
relating to tax, environmental, litigation and other matters. Generally, the Company has indemniﬁed the pur-
chasers in the event that a third party asserts a claim against the purchaser that relates to a liability retained by
the Company. These types of indemniﬁcation guarantees typically extend for a number of years.

In connection with the sale of the Company’s investment in CDI, the amounts of indemniﬁcation guaran-
tees were limited to the total sale price of approximately $84,000. For the remainder, the Company’s potential
liability for these indemniﬁcations are not subject to a limit as the underlying agreements do not always
specify a maximum amount and the amounts are dependent upon the outcome of future contingent events.

Historically, the Company has not made any signiﬁcant indemniﬁcation payments under such agreements
and no amount has been accrued in the accompanying consolidated ﬁnancial statements with respect to these
indemniﬁcation guarantees. The Company continues to monitor the conditions that are subject to guarantees
and indemniﬁcations to identify whether it is probable that a loss has occurred, and would recognize any such
losses under any guarantees or indemniﬁcations in the period when those losses are probable and estimable.

For guarantees and indemniﬁcations entered into after January 1, 2003, in connection with the sale of the

Company’s investment in CDI, the Company has estimated the fair value of its liability, which was
insigniﬁcant.

Legal Proceedings. The Company’s operating entities are involved in legal proceedings of various
types. While any litigation contains an element of uncertainty, the Company has no reason to believe that the
outcome of such proceedings or claims will have a material adverse effect on the ﬁnancial condition or results
of operations of the Company.

Commitments. The Company has commitments to fund $172 in an investment fund over a period of up

to two years. At December 31, 2008, the Company has $4,713 of undrawn outstanding letters of credit.

Leases. The Company and its subsidiaries lease certain facilities and equipment. Gross premises rental

expense amounted to $16,749 for 2008, $15,718 for 2007 and $14,572 for 2006, which was reduced by
sublease income of $31 in 2008, $13 in 2007 and $463 in 2006. Where leases contain escalation clauses or
other concessions, the impact of such adjustments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the minimum
lease period.

Minimum rental commitments for the rental of office and production premises and equipment under
non-cancellable leases net of sublease income, some of which provide for rental adjustments due to increased
property taxes and operating costs for 2008 and thereafter, are as follows:

Period
2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2014 and thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amount
$14,799
13,392
11,515
10,123
7,753
20,145
$77,727

At December 31, 2008, the total future cash to be received on sublease income is $593.

80

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

18. New Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, FASB issued SFAS No. 157, ‘‘Fair Value Measurements’’. This statement deﬁnes fair

value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measure-
ments. This statement is effective for all ﬁscal year beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods
within those ﬁscal years. Earlier application is encouraged. The adoption of this statement did not have a
material effect on its ﬁnancial statements.

In February 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 159, ‘‘The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Finan-

cial Liabilities’’ (‘‘SFAS 159’’). This statement permits entities to choose to measure many ﬁnancial
instruments and certain other items at fair value. This statement expands the use of fair value measurement
and applies to entities that elect the fair value option. The fair value option established by this Statement
permits all entities to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at speciﬁed election dates. SFAS 159 is
effective as of the beginning of an entity’s ﬁrst ﬁscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. The adoption
of this statement did not have a material effect on its ﬁnancial statements.

In December 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 141R ‘‘Business Combination’’ (‘‘SFAS 141R’’). This revised

statement retains some fundamental concepts of the current standard, including the acquisition method of
accounting (known as the ‘‘purchase method’’ in Statement 141) for all business combinations but SFAS 141R
broadens the deﬁnitions of both businesses and business combinations, resulting in the acquisition method
applying to more events and transactions. This statement also requires the acquirer to recognize the identiﬁ-
able assets and liabilities, as well as the noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, at the full amounts of their fair
values. SFAS 141R will require both acquisition-related costs and restructuring costs to be recognized sepa-
rately from the acquisition and be expensed as incurred. In addition, acquirers will record contingent
consideration at fair value on the acquisition date as either a liability or equity. Subsequent changes in fair
value will be recognized in the income statement for any contingent consideration recorded as a liability.
SFAS 141R is to be applied prospectively for ﬁnancial statements issued for ﬁscal years beginning on or after
December 15, 2008. Early application is prohibited.

In December 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 160 ‘‘Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial

Statements’’ (‘‘SFAS 160’’). This statement amends ARB No. 51 Consolidated Financial Statements, to now
require the classiﬁcation of noncontrolling (minority) interests and dispositions of noncontrolling interests as
equity within the consolidated ﬁnancial statements. The income statement will now be required to show net
income/loss with and without adjustments for noncontrolling interests. SFAS 160 is to be applied prospec-
tively for ﬁnancial statements issued for ﬁscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and interim
periods within those years. However, this statement requires companies to apply the presentation and disclo-
sure requirements retrospectively to comparative ﬁnancial statements. Early application is prohibited. The
Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new statement on its ﬁnancial statements. However, in
accordance with the adoption of this statement, the Company will record the put options (Note 17) as an
adjustment to noncontrolling interests with a corresponding adjustment to additional paid-in capital. In addi-
tion, in the statement of operations minority interests in income of consolidated subsidiaries will be
reclassiﬁed.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, ‘‘Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging

Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133’’ (‘‘SFAS 161’’), which requires enhanced disclosures
for derivative and hedging activities. SFAS 161 will become effective beginning with our ﬁrst quarter of 2009.
Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its ﬁnancial
statements.

81

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Thousands of United States Dollars, Unless Otherwise Stated Except Share and per Share Amounts)

19. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Restated for Discontinued Operations)

The following table sets forth a summary of the Company’s consolidated unaudited quarterly results of

operations for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, in thousands of dollars, except per share
amounts.

First

Second

Third

Fourth

Quarters

Revenue:

2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$140,902
$114,648

$156,949
$131,373

$142,089
$135,770

Cost of services sold:

2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 95,519
$ 74,710

$102,332
$ 83,696

$ 94,559
$ 88,527

Income (loss) from continuing operations:

$144,708
$152,092

$ 99,735
$ 96,363

2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$
(358)
$ (4,966)

$ (1,581)
(701)
$

$
4,021
$ (5,918)

$
8,066
$ (6,597)

Net income (loss):

2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ (3,394)
$ (8,797)

$ (4,472)
$ (2,601)

$
3,250
$ (6,771)

$
4,749
$ (8,186)

Income (loss) per common share:
Basic

Continuing operations:

2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net (income) loss:

2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diluted

Continuing operations:

2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net (income) loss:

2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

(0.01)
(0.20)

(0.13)
(0.36)

(0.01)
(0.20)

(0.13)
(0.36)

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

(0.06)
(0.03)

(0.17)
(0.11)

(0.06)
(0.03)

(0.17)
(0.11)

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

0.15
(0.24)

0.12
(0.27)

0.15
(0.24)

0.12
(0.27)

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

0.30
(0.26)

0.18
(0.31)

0.29
(0.26)

0.18
(0.31)

The above revenue, cost of services sold, and income (loss) from continuing operations have primarily

been affected by acquisitions, divestitures and discontinued operations.

Historically, with some exceptions, the Company’s fourth quarter generates the highest quarterly revenues

in a year. The fourth quarter has historically been the period in the year in which the highest volumes of
media placements and retail related consumer marketing occur.

Income (loss) from continuing operations and net loss have been affected as follows:

•

•

•

•

The fourth quarter of 2008 includes non-cash stock based compensation charges of $6,961 relating
to acquisitions. See Note 4.

The third and fourth quarters of 2008 include unrealized foreign exchange gains of $5,582 and
$7,675, respectively.

The third quarter of 2007 includes an unrealized foreign exchange loss of $3,629.

The fourth quarter of 2007 includes non-cash stock based compensation charges of $2,603 relating
to acquisitions. See Note 4.

82

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures

Not Applicable.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be
included in our SEC reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the applicable time
periods speciﬁed by the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated
to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and our Chief Financial Officer (CFO), who
is our principal ﬁnancial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. There
are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the
possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly,
even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their
control objectives.

We conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, includ-

ing our CEO, our CFO and our management Disclosure Committee, of the effectiveness of our disclosure
controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) of the
Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, the Company has concluded that its disclosure controls and proce-
dures were effective.

(b) Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over ﬁnancial
reporting (as deﬁned in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Because of its inherent limitations, internal
control over ﬁnancial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation
of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of
changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

We evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over ﬁnancial reporting as of December 31, 2008.
In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on our assess-
ment, we believe that, as of December 31, 2008, we maintained effective internal control over ﬁnancial
reporting based on these criteria.

The effectiveness of our internal control over ﬁnancial reporting as of December 31, 2008, has been
independently audited by BDO Seidman LLP, an independent registered public accounting ﬁrm, as stated in
their report which is included herein.

(c) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over ﬁnancial reporting during the ﬁscal quarter
ended December 31, 2008, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal
control over ﬁnancial reporting.

83

(d) Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
MDC Partners, Inc.
New York, New York

We have audited MDC Partners, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over ﬁnancial reporting as of
December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). MDC Partners,
Inc. and subsidiaries’ management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over ﬁnancial
reporting included in the accompanying Item 9A, ‘‘Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial
Reporting.’’ Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over ﬁnancial report-
ing based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight

Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assur-
ance about whether effective internal control over ﬁnancial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over ﬁnancial reporting, assessing the risk
that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal
control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered
necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over ﬁnancial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assur-

ance regarding the reliability of ﬁnancial reporting and the preparation of ﬁnancial statements for external
purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over
ﬁnancial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that,
in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reﬂect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the com-
pany; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of
ﬁnancial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expen-
ditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of
the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the ﬁnancial
statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over ﬁnancial reporting may not prevent or detect
misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the
policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, MDC Partners, Inc., and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal

control over ﬁnancial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight

Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of MDC Partners Inc. and subsidiaries as of
December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the related consolidated statement of operations, shareholders’ equity, and
cash ﬂows for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 and our report dated March 6, 2009 expressed an
unqualiﬁed opinion thereon.

/s/ BDO Seidman, LLP

New York, New York
March 6, 2009

Item 9B. Other Information

Not Applicable.

84

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

PART III

Reference is made to the sections captioned ‘‘Election of Directors,’’ ‘‘Information Concerning

Nominees,’’ ‘‘Information Concerning Executive Officers’’, ‘‘Audit Committee Financial Expert’’, ‘‘Code of
Ethics for Senior Financial Officers’’ and ‘‘Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act’’ in our Proxy
Statement for the 2009 Annual General Meeting of Stockholders, which will be ﬁled with the Commission
within 120 days of the close of our ﬁscal year ended December 31, 2008, which sections are incorporated
herein by reference.

Executive Officers of MDC Partners

The executive officers of MDC Partners as of March 5, 2009 are:

Name
Miles S. Nadal(1)
Steven Pustil(1)
David B. Doft
Charles K. Porter
Robert E. Dickson
Mitchell S. Gendel
Graham L. Rosenberg
Michael C. Sabatino
Gavin Swartzman

Age

51
65
37
64
50
43
46
44
44

Office

Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President
Vice Chairman
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Strategist
Managing Director
General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
Managing Director
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
Managing Director

(1) Also a director

There is no family relationship among any of the executive officers.

Mr. Nadal is the founder of MDC and has held the positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer of MDC since 1986, and the position of President since 2007. Mr. Nadal is also the founder
and a partner of Peerage Capital, a Canadian private equity ﬁrm, Peerage Realty Partners, and Artemis
Investment Management. Mr. Nadal is active in supporting various business and community organizations
including Mount Sinai Hospital, Junior Achievement of Canada, The Young Presidents Association and the
Schulich School of Business.

Mr. Pustil has been a director of MDC since 1992, and its Vice Chairman since 1992. Mr. Pustil is
President of Penwest Development Corporation Ltd., a real estate development and construction ﬁrm that he
established in 1972. He is also a Managing Partner at Peerage Capital, President of Peerage Realty Partners,
and Chairman of Artemis Investment Management. Mr. Pustil is a chartered accountant and serves on the
Board of Mount Sinai Hospital.

Mr. Doft joined MDC Partners in August 2007 as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining MDC Partners,

he oversaw media and Internet investments at Cobalt Capital Management Inc. from July 2005 to July 2007.
Prior thereto, he worked at Level Global Investors from October 2003 to March 2005 investing in media and
Internet companies. Before that, Mr. Doft was a sell side analyst for ten years predominately researching the
advertising and marketing services sector for CIBC World Markets where he served as Executive Director and
ABN AMRO/ING Barings Furman Selz where he was Managing Director.

Mr. Porter has been the Chief Strategist of the Company since September of 2003. He is responsible for

identifying future agency partnerships as well as strategic assistance for MDC and its operating companies.
Mr. Porter is also a co-chairman of Crispin Porter + Bogusky, one of the top creative shops in the country.
Crispin Porter + Bogusky joined Maxxcom Inc., a subsidiary of MDC Partners, in January 2001.

Mr. Dickson has been a Managing Director of the Company since September 2003. Mr Dickson joined

Maxxcom Inc., a subsidiary of MDC Partners, in November 2000 as Executive Vice President, Corporate
Development. He is responsible for corporate development for MDC and its operating companies. Prior to
joining Maxxcom, Mr. Dickson was a partner of Fraser Milner Casgrain, a Canadian business law ﬁrm, where
he practiced law for 17 years. Mr. Dickson is a trustee of H&R Real Estate Investment Trust.

85

Mr. Gendel joined MDC Partners in November 2004 as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Prior

to joining MDC Partners, he served as Vice President and Assistant General Counsel at The Interpublic Group
of Companies, Inc. from December 1999 until September 2004.

Mr. Rosenberg joined MDC in October 2002 as Executive Vice President and has been a Managing

Director of the Company since July 2003. He is responsible for the corporate development of MDC and its
operating companies. Prior to that, Mr. Rosenberg served as Executive Vice President of Maxxcom Inc., a
subsidiary of MDC Partners, which he joined in November 2001. Before joining Maxxcom, Mr. Rosenberg
was Executive Vice President of Amadeus Capital Corporation, a privately held investment ﬁrm which he
joined in July 2001, after spending eight years as a Managing Partner at Clairvest Group Inc., a publicly
traded merchant bank.

Mr. Sabatino joined MDC Partners on April 1, 2005 as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting
Officer. Prior to joining MDC Partners, he was an audit partner with the accounting ﬁrm of Eisner LLP from
April 2004. Prior to that, from December 2001 to March 2004, he was the Co-CFO/Senior Vice President
Finance of JAKKs Paciﬁc, Inc., a publicly-held toy company. Before that, Mr. Sabatino was an audit partner
at BDO Seidman, LLP, a public accounting ﬁrm.

Mr. Swartzman has been a Managing Director of the Company since October 2004. He is responsible for

corporate development and real estate for MDC and its operating companies. Mr. Swartzman served as an
officer in a similar capacity for the Company from September 2002 until February 2003. Prior thereto,
Mr. Swartzman joined Amadeus Capital Corporation in 2000 as Senior Vice President where he was respon-
sible for various corporate development activities of that company and its affiliates, including serving as the
Vice President, Corporate Development from February 2003 to October 2004 for First Asset Management Inc.,
a Toronto based asset management company. Prior thereto, he was Executive Vice President of Pet Valu
International Inc., a retail chain.

Additional information about our directors and executive officers appears under the captions ‘‘Election of

Directors’’ and ‘‘Executive Compensation’’ in our Proxy Statement.

Code of Conduct

The Company has adopted a Code of Conduct, which applies to all directors, officers (including the
Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) and employees of the Company and its
subsidiaries. The Company’s policy is to not permit any waiver of the Code of Conduct for any director or
executive officer, except in extremely limited circumstances. Any waiver of this Code of Conduct for directors
or officers of the Company must be approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. Amendments to and
waivers of the Code of Conduct will be publicly disclosed as required by applicable laws, rules and regula-
tions. The Code of Conduct is available free of charge on the Company’s website at
http://www.mdc-partners.com, or by writing to MDC Partners Inc., 950 Third Avenue, New York, NY, 10022,
Attention: Investor Relations.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

Reference is made to the sections captioned ‘‘Directors’ Compensation’’ and ‘‘Compensation of Executive

Officers’’ in our next Proxy Statement, which are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneﬁcial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
Matters

Reference is made to Part II — Item 5 of this Form 10-K and to the sections captioned ‘‘Common Share

Ownership by Directors and Executive Officers and Principal Stockholders’’ in the Company’s next Proxy
Statement, which are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

Reference is made to the section captioned ‘‘Certain Relationships and Related Transactions’’ in our next

Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Reference is made to the section captioned ‘‘Independent Public Accountants’’ in our next Proxy

Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.

86

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statements Schedules

PART IV

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Shareholders
MDC Partners Inc.
New York, New York

The audits referred to in our report dated March 6, 2009 relating to the consolidated ﬁnancial statements
of MDC Partners Inc. and subsidiaries which is contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K also included the audit
of the ﬁnancial statement Schedule II for years ending 2008, 2007 and 2006. This ﬁnancial statement schedule
is the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the ﬁnan-
cial statement schedule based upon our audits.

In our opinion such ﬁnancial statement Schedule II when considered in relation to the basic consolidated
ﬁnancial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

/s/ BDO Seidman, LLP

New York, New York
March 6, 2009

87

(a) Financial Statements and Schedules

The Financial Statements and schedules listed in the accompanying index to Consolidated Financial

Statements in Item 8 are ﬁled as part of this report. Schedules not included in the index have been omitted
because they are not applicable.

Schedule II — 1 of 2

MDC PARTNERS INC. & SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
For the Three Years Ended December 31, 2008
(Dollars in Thousands)

Column A

Column B

Column C

Column D

Column E

Column F

Description
Valuation accounts deducted from
assets to which they apply −
allowance for doubtful accounts:
December 31, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balance at
Beginning of
Period

Charged to
Costs and
Expenses

Removal of
Uncollectable
Receivables

Translation
Adjustments
Increase
(Decrease)

Balance at
the End of
Period

$1,357
$1,633
$1,250

$1,891
$ 529
$ 716

$(962)
$(872)
$(332)

$(107)
$ 67
(1)
$

$2,179
$1,357
$1,633

Schedule II — 2 of 2

MDC PARTNERS INC. & SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
For the Three Years Ended December 31, 2008
(Dollars in Thousands)

Column A

Column B

Column C

Column D

Column E

Column F

Balance at
Beginning of
Period

Charged to
Costs and
Expenses

Other

Translation
Adjustments
Increase
(Decrease)

Balance at
the End of
Period

Description
Valuation accounts deducted from
assets to which they apply −
valuation allowance for deferred
income taxes:

December 31, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . .

$86,125
$65,790
$44,721

$(4,149)
$ 6,870
$ 3,038

$ (8,250)(1)
$ 6,853(1)
$ 18,226(1)

$(13,945)
$ 6,612
(195)
$

$59,781
$86,125
$65,790

(1) Adjustment to reconcile actual net operating loss carry forwards to prior year tax accrued, and utilization
of net operating loss carry forwards, which were fully reserved and adjustment for net operating loss
relating to sale of business.

(b) Exhibits

The exhibits listed on the accompanying Exhibits Index are ﬁled as a part of this report.

88

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the regis-

trant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

SIGNATURES

Date: March 6, 2009

MDC PARTNERS INC.

By: /s/ Miles S. Nadal

Name: Miles S. Nadal
Title: Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
and President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below

by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

Title

Date

/s/ Miles S. Nadal
Miles S. Nadal

/s/ Robert Kamerschen
Robert Kamerschen

/s/ Clare Copeland
Clare Copeland

/s/ Thomas N. Davidson
Thomas N. Davidson

/s/ Scott Kauffman
Scott Kauffman

/s/ Michael J. Kirby
Michael J. Kirby

/s/ Stephen M. Pustil
Stephen M. Pustil

/s/ David Doft
David Doft

/s/ Michael Sabatino
Michael Sabatino

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President

March 6, 2009

Presiding Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

March 6, 2009

March 6, 2009

March 6, 2009

March 6, 2009

March 6, 2009

Director, Vice Chairman

March 6, 2009

Chief Financial Officer

March 6, 2009

Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

March 6, 2009

89

Exhibit
No.

3.1

3.1.1

3.2

4.1

10.1

10.2

10.3

10.3.1

10.3.2
10.4

10.5

10.6

10.7

10.7.1

10.8

10.8.1

10.9

10.10

10.11

EXHIBIT INDEX

Description

Articles of Amalgamation, dated January 1, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Company’s Form 10-Q ﬁled on May 10, 2004);
Articles of Continuance, dated June 28, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the
Company’s Form 10-Q ﬁled on August 4, 2004);
General By-law No. 1, as amended on April 29, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2
to the Company’s Form 10-K ﬁled on March 16, 2007);
Trust Indenture, dated as of June 28, 2005, by and between the Company and Computershare
Trust Company of Canada Inc. relating to the issuance of the Company’s 8% convertible deben-
tures (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q ﬁled on August 9,
2005);
Underwriting Agreement, dated June 10, 2005, by and among the Company and four underwrit-
ers, for the purchase of 8% convertible unsecured debentures of the Company (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K ﬁled on June 16, 2005);
Financing Agreement, dated as of June 18, 2007 by and among MDC Partners Inc., Maxxcom
Inc., and Fortress Credit Corp., as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company’s Form 8-K ﬁled on June 19, 2007);
Management Services Agreement relating to the employment of Miles Nadal as Chief Executive
Officer, dated April 27, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s
Form 10-Q ﬁled May 8, 2007);
Letter Agreement between the Company and Miles Nadal dated April 11, 2005 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.6.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K ﬁled on April 18, 2005);
Letter Agreement between the Company and Miles Nadal dated April 1, 2008*;
Employment Agreement between the Company and Stephen M. Pustil, dated as of August 20,
2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s 10-Q ﬁled on November 8,
2007);
Employment Agreement between the Company and David Doft, dated as of July 19, 2007 (effec-
tive August 10, 2007) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Form 10-Q
ﬁled on August 7, 2007);
Employment Agreement between the Company and Gavin Swartzman, dated as of September 5,
2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s 10-Q ﬁled on November 8,
2007);
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and Graham Rosenberg,
dated as of December 26, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s
Form 10-K ﬁled on March 15, 2006);
Amendment to Employment Agreement between the Company and Graham Rosenberg, dated
November 14, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K
ﬁled on March 10, 2008);
Employment Agreement between the Company and Robert Dickson, dated July 26, 2002 (incor-
porated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Form 10-Q ﬁled on May 10, 2004);
Amendment to Employment Agreement between the Company and Robert Dickson, dated
November 20, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K
ﬁled on March 10, 2008);
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and Mitchell Gendel,
dated as of July 6, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Form 10-Q
ﬁled on August 7, 2007);
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and Michael Sabatino,
dated as of July 6, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Form 10-Q
ﬁled on August 7, 2007);
Amended and Restated Stock Appreciation Rights Plan, as amended on April 28, 2006 (incorpo-
rated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q ﬁled on May 5, 2006);

90

Exhibit
No.

10.11.1

10.12

10.12.1

10.12.2

10.12.3

10.12.4

10.12.5

10.13

10.14

10.14.1

10.14.2

10.15

12
14

14.1

21
23
31.1

31.2

32.1

32.2

Description

Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the
Company’s 10-Q ﬁled on May 5, 2006);
Amended 2005 Stock Incentive Plan of the Company, as approved and adopted by the sharehold-
ers of the Company at the 2007 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders on June 1, 2007
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s 10-Q ﬁled on August 7, 2007);
Form of Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s
Form 10-Q ﬁled on November 9, 2005);
Form of Restricted Stock Grant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the
Company’s Form 10-Q ﬁled on November 9, 2005);
Form of Financial Performance-Based Restricted Stock Grant Agreement (incorporated by refer-
ence to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K ﬁled on March 2, 2006);
Form of Financial Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K ﬁled on March 2, 2006);
Form of Service-Based and Financial Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Form 10-Q ﬁled on November 8,
2007);
2008 Key Partner Incentive Plan, as approved and adopted by the shareholders of the Company
at the 2008 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders on May 30, 2008 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q ﬁled July 31, 2008);
Membership Unit Purchase Agreement (the ‘‘Zyman Purchase Agreement’’), dated as of April 1,
2005 among the Company, and ZG Acquisition Inc., Zyman Group, LLC, Zyman Company, Inc.
and certain employees of Zyman Group, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company’s Form 8-K ﬁled on April 1, 2005);
Amendment No. 1, dated as of August 8, 2005, to the Zyman Purchase Agreement (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.3.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q ﬁled on August 9, 2005);
Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Zyman Group, LLC
dated as of January 11, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15.2 to the Company’s
Form 10-K ﬁled on March 10, 2008);
Membership Interest Purchase Agreement dated November 10, 2008, among the Company,
CPB Acquisition Inc., MDC Acquisition Inc., and Crispin Porter & Bogusky LLC (‘‘CPB’’),
Crispin & Porter Advertising Inc., and certain employees of CPB*;
Statement of computation of ratio of earnings to ﬁxed charges*;
Code of Conduct of MDC Partners Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 to the Compa-
ny’s Form 10-K ﬁled on March 10, 2008);
MDC Partners’ Corporate Governance Guidelines adopted on March 6, 2006 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 14.2 to the Company’s Form 10-K ﬁled on March 15, 2006);
Subsidiaries of Registrant*;
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm BDO Seidman LLP*;
Certiﬁcation by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13a 14(a) and 15d 14(a) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*;
Certiﬁcation by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 13a 14(a) and 15d 14(a) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*;
Certiﬁcation by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 USC. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant
to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*;
Certiﬁcation by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 USC. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant
to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*.

*

Filed electronically herewith.

91

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MDC Partners Inc. – Directory 

Toronto Office 
45 Hazelton Avenue 
Toronto, Ontario  
M5R 2E3 
416-960-9000 
Fax: 416-960-9555 
www.mdc-partners.com 
Chairman, CEO, & 
President: 
Miles S. Nadal 

New York Office 
950 Third Avenue, 
5th Floor 
New York, New York 10022 
Tel: 646-429-1800 
Fax: 212-937-4365 
Chief Financial Officer: 
David B. Doft 

ACCENT 
400 Missouri Avenue 
Suite 100 
Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130 
Tel: 812-206-6200 
Fax: 812-206-6201 
www.accentonline.com 
President: 
Kevin Foley 

Accumark  
Communications 
1210 Sheppard Ave. East 
Suite 700 
North York, ON  M2K 1E3 
Tel: 416-446-7758 
Fax: 416-446-1923 
www.accumark.ca 
President:  
Tom Green 

BOOM! Marketing 
a division of Accumark 
Tel: 416-446-7720 
www.boommarketing.ca 
President:  
Nicole Gallucci 

Adrenalina  
411 Lafayette Street 
6th Floor 
New York, New York 10013 
Tel. 212-924-2981 
Fax: 212-206-6491 
www.getadrenalina.com 
President & Managing Partner: 
Manuel Wernicky 

Allard Johnson 
Communications 
2 Bloor Street East 
Suite 2600 
Toronto, Ontario  
M4W 3J4 
Tel: 416-260-7000 
Fax: 416-260-7100 
www.allard-johnson.com 
President & CEO: 
Terry Johnson 

Bruce Mau Design 
197 Spadina Avenue 
Suite 501 
Toronto, Ontario  
M5T 2C8 
Tel: 416-260-5777 
Fax: 416-260-2770 
www.brucemaudesign.com 
Creative Director 
and Chairman:  
Bruce Mau 

Chicago 
444 N. Michigan Ave. 
27th Floor 
Chicago, Illinois 60611-3905 
Tel: 312-527-0500 
Fax: 312-896-2401 

Bryan Mills Iradesso 
1129 Leslie Street 
Toronto, Ontario  
M3C 2K5 
Tel: 416-447-4740 
Fax: 416-447-4760 
www.bmir.com 
Chairman & CEO: 
Nancy Ladenheim 

Calgary 
400, 805 – 10th Avenue SW 
Calgary, Alberta  
T2R 0B4 
www.iradesso.com 
President: 
Peter Knapp 

Colle + McVoy 
400 First Avenue N. 
Suite 700 
Minneapolis, Minnesota 
55401-1954 
Tel: 612-305-6000 
Fax: 612-305-6001 
www.collemcvoy.com 
CEO: 
Christine Fruechte 

Computer Composition of 
Canada Inc. 
12 Stanley Court 
Whitby, Ontario  
L1N 8P9 
Tel: 905-430-3400 
Fax: 905-430-2412 
www.comptercomposition.ca 
General Manager: 
Linda Rowe 

Crispin Porter + Bogusky 
3390 Mary Street 
Office 300 
Coconut Grove, FL 33133 
www.cpbgroup.com 
Co-Chairmen:  
Chuck Porter 
Alex Bogusky 
Tel: 305-859-2070 
Fax: 305-854-3419 

Boulder 
6450 Gunpark Drive 
Boulder, CO 80301 
Tel: 303-628-5100 

Los Angeles 
1410 2nd Street, Suite 200 
Santa Monica, CA 90401 
Tel: 310-822-3063 

London 
The Smokery 
2 Greenhill Rents 
London EC1M 6BN  
England 
Tel: 011-44-(0)-20-7324-8184 

Fletcher Martin LLC 
303 Peachtree Center Ave. 
Suite 625 
Atlanta, GA 30303 
Tel: 404-221-1188 
Fax: 404-223-1136 
www.fletchermartin.com 
President & CEO:   
Andy Fletcher 

Hello Design, LLC 
8684 Washington Blvd. 
Culver City, CA 90232 
Tel: 310-839-4885 
Fax: 310-839-4886 
www.hellodesign.com 
CEO/Creative Director: 
David Lai 

henderson bas 
479 Wellington St. West 
Main Floor 
Toronto, ON  M5V 1E7 
Tel: 416-977-6660 
Fax: 416-977-2226 
www.theniceagency.com 
President: 
Dawna Henderson 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HL Group Partners LLC 
853 Broadway Ave. 
18th Floor 
New York, NY 10003 
Tel: 212-529-5533 
Fax: 212-529-2131 
www.hlgrp.com 
Founding Partners: 
Hamilton South 
Lynn Tesoro 

Los Angeles 
345 North Maple Drive 
Suite 176 
Beverly Hills, CA 90210 
Tel: 310-278-4552 
Partner and President,  
Los Angeles: 
Karine Joret 

kirshenbaum bond 
 & partners  
160 Varick Street 
New York, NY 10013 
www.kb.com 
Tel: 212-633-0080 
Fax: 212-633-8643 
Co-Chairmen: 
Richard Kirshenbaum 
Jon Bond 

kbp divisions  

LIME Public Relations & 
Promotions 
www.limeprpromo.com 
President:  
Claudia Strauss 

The Media Kitchen 
www.mediakitchen.tv 
CEO:  
Barry Lowenthal 

Dotglu 
www.dotglu.com 
President:  
Steve Thibodeau 

company c  
(formerly Chinnici) 
160 Varick St. 
4th Floor 
New York, NY 10013 
www.companycmarketing.com 
President:  
Nick Nocca 

Mono Advertising LLC 
3036 Hennepin Avenue 
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55408 
Tel: 612-454-4900 
Fax: 612-822-4136 
www.mono-1.com 
Partner: 
James Scott 

Onbrand 
43 Davies Avenue 
Toronto, ON  M4M 2A9 
Tel: 416-366-8883 
Fax: 416-366-2151 
www.onbranddesign.com 
General Manager: 
Jeannette Williams 

Northstar Research Partners 
Inc. 
18 King Street East 
Suite 1500 
Toronto, Ontario   
M5C 1C4 
Tel: 416-907-7100 
Fax: 416-907-7149 
www.nsresearch.com 
President & CEO: 
Stephen Tile 

Northstar Research Partners 
(USA) LLC 
One Penn Plaza, Suite 1630 
New York, NY 10119 
Tel: 212-986-4077 
Fax: 212-986-4088 
www.nsreasearch-usa.com 
Managing Director: 
James Neuwirth 

Northstar Research Partners 
(UK) Limited 
Studio D 
22 Ebury Street 
London , SW1W OLU 
England, U.K.  
Managing Director: 
Matthew Sell 

Northstar subsidiaries 

Trend Influence 
828 Ralph McGill Blvd. W7 
Atlanta, GA 30306 
Tel: 404-593-2100 
Fax: 404-759-2443 
www.trendinfluence.com 
Founding Partner: 
Richard Leslie 

AppTheory 
Tel:404-593-2100 
www.apptheory.com 
Founding Partner: 
Bryan Andrews 

Redscout 
28 West 25th Street 
10th Floor 
New York, NY 10010 
Tel: 646-336-6028 
Fax: 646-336-6122 
www.redscout.com 
Founding Partner & CEO: 
Jonah Disend   

Skinny NYC 
160 Varick Street 
New York, NY 10013 
www.skinnynyc.com 
Founders & Managing Directors: 
Jonas Hallberg 
Tel: 212-337-4709 
Liron Reznik 
Tel: 212-337-4742 

Source Marketing, LLC 
761 Main Avenue 
Norwalk, Connecticut  06859 
Tel: 203-291-4000 
Fax: 203-229-0865 
www.source-marketing.com 
CEO:  
Derek Correia 

TargetCom, LLC 
444 North Michigan Avenue 
Suite 3300 
Chicago, IL 60611 
Tel: 312-822-1100 
Fax: 312-822-9628 
www.targetcom.com 
President:  
Nora Ligurotis 

Veritas  
Communications Inc. 
370 King Street West 
Suite 800, Box 46 
Toronto, ON  M5V 1J9 
Tel: 416-482-2248 
Toll Free:  
1-888-513-8733 
Fax: 416-482-2292 
Alt. Fax: 416-482-2483 
www.veritascanada.com 
President: 
Beverley Hammond 

VitroRobertson LLC 
625 Broadway, 4th Floor 
San Diego, CA  
 92101-5403 
Tel: 619-234-0408 
Fax: 619-234-4015 
www.vitrorobertson.com 
Founder: 
John Vitro 
President: 
Tom Sullivan 

Yamamoto Moss 
Mackenzie  
252 First Avenue North 
Minneapolis, MN 55401 
Tel: 612-375-0180 
Fax: 612-342-2424 
www.ymm.com 
CEO: 
Andrew Mackenzie 

Zig Inc. 
296 Richmond St. West 
Suite 600 
Toronto, ON   
M5V 1X2 
Tel: 416-598-4944 
Fax: 416-593-4944 
www.zigideas.com 
President: 
Andy Macaulay 

Zig (USA) LLC 
848 West Eastman 
Suite 204 
Chicago, Il  60622 
Tel: 312-587-3333 
Fax: 312-587-3334 
www.zigideas.com 
Managing Director: 
Stephen Leps 

Zyman Group, LLC 
303 Peachtree Center 
Ave. 
Suite 625 
Atlanta, GA 30303 
Tel: 404-682-5400 
Fax: 404-682-5446 
www.zyman.com 
Chairman: 
Scott Miller 
Vice Chairman: 
David Morey 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Board of Directors and Corporate Officers 

Chairman 

Directors 

Corporate Officers 

Miles S. Nadal 
Chairman, President, 
& Chief Executive Officer 
MDC Partners Inc. 

Thomas N. Davidson (1) (3) 
Chairman, Quarry Hill Group 

Clare Copeland (1) (2) 
Chief Executive Officer, 
Falls Management Company 

Robert J. Kamerschen (2) (3) 
Presiding Director 
Chairman, 
Survey Sampling Inc. 

Scott L. Kauffman (2) (3) 
Chief Executive Officer, 
SourceForge Inc. 

Hon. Michael J.L. Kirby (1) (2) (3) 
The Senate of Canada (Ret.) 
Corporate Director 

Stephen M. Pustil 
Vice Chairman 
President, 
Penwest Development Corporation 
Limited 

(1) Audit Committee 

(2) Human Resources & Compensation Committee 
(3) Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee 

Miles S. Nadal 
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, 
and President 

David B. Doft 
Chief Financial Officer 

Rob Dickson 
Managing Director 

Mitchell Gendel 
General Counsel & 
Corporate Secretary 

Glenn Gibson 
Chief Financial Officer, 
Canadian Marketing Communications 

Charles Porter 
Chief Strategist 

Graham L. Rosenberg 
Managing Director 

Michael Sabatino 
Senior Vice President & 
Chief Accounting Officer 

Gavin Swartzman 
Managing Director 

Transfer Agent 

Investor Relations 

Notice of Shareholders’ Meeting 

CIBC Mellon Trust Company 

CIBC Mellon operates a telephone 
information inquiry line available by 
dialing: 
( toll-free) 1-800-387-0825; or 416-643-
5500. 

Correspondence may be addressed to: 
MDC Partners Inc. 
c/o CIBC Mellon Trust Company 
Corporate Trust Services 
P.O. Box 7010 
Adelaide Street Postal Station 
Toronto M5G 2M7 
Ontario, Canada 

For Investor Relations information, please 
call Donna Granato, Director of Finance & 
Investor Relations, at: 646-429-1809. 

The annual meeting of shareholders will be 
held at The Core Club, 66 E. 55th Street, New 
York, N.Y. on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 10:30 
a.m. E.D.T. 

Stock Exchange Listing 

The Class A shares of the Company are 
listed in Canada on The Toronto Stock 
Exchange under trading symbol “MDZ.A”, 
and in the U.S. on the NASDAQ National 
Market under trading symbol “MDCA”.