MDC Partners Inc Annual Report 2013

FY2013 Annual Report · MDC Partners Inc
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2013 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
A Commitment from MDC:   

It is with pride and an optimistic eye to the future that I can report that 2013 has been a 
truly remarkable year for MDC Partners.  Our growth trajectory continues to accelerate, 
further demonstrating our unwavering commitment to our shareholders, employees 
and clients.  Our leadership team’s strategic discipline and steadfast dedication has 
placed us squarely in the strongest competitive and financial position of our history.  

In short, great things lie ahead for this great company – where great talent continues to 
thrive. 

Make no mistake: we are leading from the front of the industry.  This year’s market 
environment further validated MDC Partners’ innovative approach to scaling business 
growth on behalf of clients. As clients continue to diversify their agency relationships, 
seeking superior and proven specialty teams, our agility in architecting custom and 
personalized solutions has empowered us to generate ever-increasing value on their 
behalf. This client-first approach, rooted in our unique partnership structure and 
culture, has created immense value not only for them, but continuous growth in value 
for their shareholders.  

The key fact in 2013: Organic revenue grew 8.3%, triple our peers, and free cash 
flow increased 82%, once again outperforming them by substantial margins.  

MDC’s outperformance has occurred within an uncertain industry environment that is 
vigilantly watching to understand the relationship between size and true scale, and the 
conditions that drive efficient and effective business-building innovation. Our new and 
expanding relationships further prove our value to clients – not merely as marketers, 
but as strategic business builders and committed partners. This in turn has enabled us 
to sustain our growth even as we have become a much larger company.  

Now more than ever, this is no small achievement.  

We continue to operate at the intersection of leading creativity and transformative 
business  – an approach that led to an impressive amount of hard-earned critical 
acclaim for our partner firms over the past year; recognition of the excellence that our 
clients deserve and our firms consistently deliver.  

Among those recognized, 72andSunny received a prestigious Grand Effie for their work 
with Activision, an award made all the more meaningful for its dedication to recognizing 
not only the most creative but most effective work on behalf of clients.  

72andSunny was also named Agency of the Year by Adweek following its Agency of the 
Year award from Advertising Age last year, and joined the Advertising Age A-List 
alongside esteemed partner Anomaly, who in turn was recognized by Fast Company as 
one of the world’s most innovative organizations.   

1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Also of note, KBS+ and Vitro were named standout agencies by Advertising Age, 
highlighting them as representatives of the future of the industry. And, not to be left out, 
Doner won Agency of the Year from The Delaney Report.  

Of particular importance and in line with our core promise, several of our agencies were 
also named the “best places to work” in their respective fields, reaffirming our 
unwavering dedication to the talent behind all we accomplish.  We are a culture of 
collaboration, and we believe that great talent can be amplified by great culture.   

If you remember but one thing, let it be this: these achievements mark an exciting 
beginning, not a celebratory end.  This is a renewed call to action to be better and bolder 
– to lead from the front while inspiring, innovating, and re-imagining our future.   

Accordingly, we have matched words with actions by bolstering our centralized 
strategic resources group, investing in key centers of excellence to reinforce and 
accelerate the continued growth and success of each of our partners. This strategy has a 
proven record of helping our agencies remain agile in response to market demands 
while providing efficient and effective leadership and support. A key principle of our 
model of perpetual partnership, such resources and forward-thinking investments 
continue to attract and enable the greatest talent our industry has to offer.  

The evolution of our media capabilities with the launch of MDC Media Partners has 
empowered us to deliver improved results for clients through a more streamlined and 
technology-driven approach. With an eye towards highly specialized, legacy-free and 
entrepreneurial partners, we are strongly positioned to operate at the intersection of 
developing technology and creativity, helping clients navigate an increasingly complex 
landscape.  

Likewise, our investments in analytics and insights have further enriched our client 
relationships, allowing us to more efficiently and effectively build customer engagement 
across marketing disciplines to drive exponential growth for our client partners and 
increase our market share.   

Across the network, we are empowering the most entrepreneurial talent to 
meaningfully and measurably leverage data and invent and build the products, services 
and creative technologies that will form vast new long-term revenue streams, bolster 
core business propositions, more deeply connect consumers with brands and increase 
marketing ROI, leading clients to even greater financial success. 

Our commitment to – and investment in – business development resources and 
international talent have allowed us to facilitate the growth we’re experiencing on an 
agency level, while spurring and capitalizing on opportunities to expand our global 
footprint in emerging markets such as Asia and Latin America.  The results are 
encouraging: 2013 saw $132.5 million in net new business wins, a rate of success that 
continues to accelerate as a direct result of the proof points we have created for existing 
clients. This in turn has led to extraordinary financial results during the year, with 
revenue growth of 8.1%, EBITDA growth of 33.1% and EBITDA margin expansion of 
260 basis points.  

2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We continue to demonstrate our proven ability to drive conversion of incremental 
revenue to the bottom line, as well as leverage the growth investments we have made. 
We are closer to achieving our medium-term EBITDA margin target of 15-17% and we 
continued to reduce our cost of capital, a testament to our strong financial performance 
and enduring commitment to further strengthen our rock solid balance sheet. 

In March of 2013, we successfully refinanced our balance sheet at a 5.5% blended rate.  
We issued $550 million of Senior Notes due 2020, reducing the interest rate by 525 
basis points from the prior Senior Notes issued in 2009.  In addition, the expanded $225 
million Revolving Bank Facility at LIBOR +200 basis points carries a 50 basis point 
reduction in the spread over LIBOR from MDC’s prior revolver.   

Since that time, we further reduced our cost of borrowing by close to 150 basis points 
based on two add-on offerings to the existing Senior Notes, which gives us incremental 
growth capital at extraordinarily attractive long term rates and empowers us to 
continue to invest in the most forward-looking, advantageous opportunities.  Given our 
strong track record in making strategic growth investments, we are extremely well-
positioned to drive incremental shareholder returns as we deploy the capital. 

The coming year presents a promising view to a promising future; one that inspires my 
faith in, and enthusiasm for, our organization like never before. Even as our 
organization and talent grow, so too must our commitment to remaining a leading 
innovator and trailblazer in the marketplace. Because true business transformation and 
success tomorrow can only come from those who are unwilling to accept the existing 
rules of the game TODAY.  

Allow me to take that commitment a step further.  Moving forward, we will continue to 
reimagine and amplify our points of competitive advantage, producing unmatched 
opportunities for our clients, generating continuous growth in value for our 
shareholders, and strategically positioning us as a premium growth vehicle for years to 
come. 

In closing, I would like to humbly extend my gratitude, on behalf of MDC Partners, to 
our dedicated group of 10,000 talented employees and partners, our Board of Directors, 
and you, our shareholders.  

Your continued confidence and investment in our business is a driving force of the 
lasting value we dedicate ourselves to delivering each day.  As fellow shareholders, we 
look forward to the many shared successes that await all of us in 2014. 

Sincerely,  

Miles S. Nadal 
Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 

3

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, Russell 2000 Index
and a peer group of publicly held media, corporate communications and marketing services companies. The
peer group consists of Arbitron, Central European Media, Dreamworks Animation, John Wiley & Sons, Lee
Enterprises, Morningstar, Scholastic Corporation, EW Scripps, The New York Times Co., Belo Corp., Cumu-
lus Media, Harte-Hanks, Lamar Advertising, Meredith Corporation, National CineMedia, Sinclair Broadcast,
The McClatchy Company and Valassis Communications.

The graph below shows the value at the end of each year (December 31st) of each $100 invested in our
common stock, the S&P 500 Index, Russell 2000 Index and the peer group. The graph assumes the reinvest-
ment 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

$1,600

$1,400

$1,200

$1,000

$800

$600

$400

$200

$0

MDC Partners
S&P 500
Russell 2000
Peer Group

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

MDC Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S&P 500 Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Russel 2000 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Peer Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2008
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00

2009
274.85
123.45
125.22
235.53

2010
585.96
139.23
156.90
371.44

2011
474.85
139.23
148.35
243.21

2012
423.98
157.90
170.06
320.33

2013
1480.12
204.63
232.98
560.14

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, 2013

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)

745 Fifth Avenue,
New York, NY, 10151
(646) 429-1800
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

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:2) No (cid:3)

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:2) No (cid:3)

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:3) No (cid:2)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every

Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such ﬁles). Yes (cid:3) No (cid:2)

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, a non-accelerated ﬁler or a smaller

reporting company. (Check one):

Large Accelerated Filer □ Accelerated Filer (cid:3)

Non-Accelerated □

Smaller reporting company □

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as deﬁned in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes (cid:2) No (cid:3)

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, 2013 was approximately $461 million, computed upon the basis of the closing sales price ($12.03/share)
of the Class A subordinate voting shares on that date.

As of February 26, 2014, there were 50,272,247 outstanding shares of Class A subordinate voting shares without par value, and

3,755 outstanding shares of Class B multiple voting shares without par value, of the registrant.

MDC PARTNERS INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

Item 1.

Item 1A.

Item 1B.

Item 2.

Item 3.

Item 4.

Item 5.

Item 6.

Item 7.

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

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

Unresolved Staff Comments

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

Mine Safety Disclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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.

Item 9A.

Item 9B.

Item 10.

Item 11.

Item 12.

Item 13.

Item 14.

Item 15.

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

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

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

Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART III

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

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

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

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

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

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

Signatures

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Page

1

8

14

14

14

14

15

17

19

41

43

95

95

97

98

99

99

99

99

100

102

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 5, 2014, are incorporated by reference in Parts I and III: ‘‘Election of Directors,’’ ‘‘Section 16(a)
Beneﬁcial Ownership Reporting Compliance,’’ ‘‘Executive Compensation,’’ ‘‘Report of the Human Resources
& Compensation Committee on Executive Compensation,’’ ‘‘Outstanding Shares,’’ ‘‘Appointment of
Auditors,’’ and ‘‘Certain Relationships and Related Transactions’’.

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’’).
The information found on, or otherwise accessible through, the Company’s website is not incorporated into,
and does not form a part of, this Annual Report or Form 10-K. Any document that the Company ﬁles with
the SEC may also be read and copied at the SEC’s public reference 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

Committee, 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., 745 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10151, 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 international, national and regional economic conditions;

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

the spending patterns and 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’’ option rights and deferred acquisition consideration;

the successful completion and integration of acquisitions which complement and expand the
Company’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, from borrowings under its WF Credit Agreement and
through incurrence of bridge or other debt ﬁnancing, any 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 transactions, 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
management 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

[This page intentionally left blank.] 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 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 address is located at
45 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 2E3, and head office address is located at 745 Fifth Avenue,
New York, NY 10151.

MDC is a leading provider of marketing, activation, communications and marketing effectiveness

solutions and services to customers globally with operating units throughout the world.

MDC’s subsidiaries provide a comprehensive range of customized marketing, activation, communications

and consulting services, including a wide range of advertising and consumer communication services, media
management and effectiveness across all channels, interactive and mobile marketing, direct marketing,
database and customer relationship management, sales promotion, corporate communications, market research,
date and analytics and insights, corporate identity, design and branding, social media, marketing, product and
service innovation, ecommerce 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, activation, communications and strategic consulting services to their clients.
MDC Partners strives to be a partnership of marketing communications and consulting companies (or
Partners) whose strategic, creative and innovative solutions are media-agnostic, challenge the status quo and
achieve measurable superior returns on investment and transformative growth and business performance 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 group as a whole. The Corporate Group uses this leverage to provide
various shared services to help reduce costs across the group.

The MDC model is driven by three key elements:

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

performance. 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 noncontrolling equity or economic ownership
position in the hands of operating management to incentivize long-term growth; (3) providing access to more
strategic resources, best practices, and leveraging the network’s scale; and (4) focusing on delivering ﬁnancial
results.

Entrepreneurialism. MDC’s Entrepreneurial spirit and that of its Partner ﬁrms is optimized through
(1) its unique perpetual partnership model that incentivizes senior-level involvement and ambition; (2) Partner
access to shared resources within the Corporate Group that allow individual ﬁrms to focus on client business
and company growth; and (3) MDC’s collaborative creation of customized solutions to support and grow
Partner businesses.

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

meaningful incentives to support growth.

1

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

Strategic Marketing Services

The Strategic Marketing Services segment generally consists of ﬁrms that offer a full suite of integrated

marketing communication and consulting services, including advertising and media, interactive marketing,
direct marketing, public relations, corporate communications, market research, corporate identity and branding,
product and service innovation, and sales promotion to national and global clients. The Strategic Marketing
Services segment is comprised of the following agencies: 72andSunny; Allison & Partners; Anomaly;
Attention; Bruce Mau Design; Capital C; Colle + McVoy; Concentric Partners; Crispin Porter + Bogusky;
Doner; Hello Design; HL Group Partners; kbs+; Kwittken; Laird + Partners; The Media Kitchen; Mono
Advertising; Redscout; Sloane & Company; Union; Varick Media Management; Veritas; Vitro and Yamamoto.

Performance Marketing Services

The Performance Marketing Services segment includes ﬁrms that provide consumer insights and analytic

solutions to satisfy the growing need for targetable, measurable solutions or cost effective means of driving
return on marketing investment and growth for regional, national and global clients. The Performance
Marketing Services segment is comprised of the following agencies: 6degrees Communications; Accent; Boom
Marketing; Bryan Mills Iradesso; Integrated Media Solutions; Kenna Communications; LBN Partners;
Northstar Research Partners; Relevent; RJ Palmer; Source Marketing; TargetCast; TargetCom; Team; Trade X
and Maxxcom Global Media Group.

Ownership Information

The following table includes certain information about MDC’s operating subsidiaries as of December 31,

2013. 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 — Othercalance Sheet Commitments — Put Rights of Subsidiaries’
Noncontrolling 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
holder(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

Company

Consolidated:

Strategic Marketing Services

72andSunny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Allison & Partners
Anomaly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bruce Mau Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital C Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Colle + McVoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Concentric Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Crispin Porter + Bogusky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hello Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Doner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HL Group Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
kirshenbaum bond senecal + partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Media Kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Varick Media Management
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kwittken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Laird + Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mono Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Redscout
Sloane & Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Veritas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vitro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Yamamoto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Performance Marketing Services

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6degrees Communications
Accent
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Boom Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bryan Mills Iradesso . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Integrated Media Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kenna Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
henderson bas kohn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LBN Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maxxcom Global Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Northstar Research Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Relevent
RJ Palmer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Source Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Communifx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TargetCast
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TargetCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TEAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trade X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3

% Owned
at 12/31/13

Year of
Initial
Investment

Put/Call Options

2013

Thereafter

(See Notes)

51.0%
51.0%
60.0%
60.8%
100.0%
100.0%
95.0%
70.0%
100.0%
49.0%
30.0%
93.8%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
60.0%
65.0%
49.9%
100.0%
70.0%
70.0%
95.0%
81.6%
100.0%

66.3%
100.0%
85.0%
62.8%
100.0%
80.0%
100.0%
70.0%
100.0%
91.8%
60.0%
100.0%
91.0%
100.0%
70.0%
100.0%
100.0%
75.0%

2010
2010
2011
2009
2004
2010
1999
2011
2001
2004
2012
2007
2004
2010
2010
2010
2011
2004
2007
2010
2013
1993
2004
2000

1993
1999
2005
1989
2010
2010
2004
2013
2012
1998
2010
2011
1998
2010
2012
2000
2010
2011

—
—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—
—
—

Note 1
Note 2
Note 3
Note 4
Note 5
Note 6
100.0% Note 7
Note 8
Note 9

—
—
—

70.0% Note 10

Note 11

Note 12
Note 13
70.0% Note 14

Note 15
Note 16
96.0% Note 17
Note 18

—
—
—

—
—

77.3% Note 19

—
—

100.0% Note 20

—
—
—

—

Note 21
Note 22
Note 23

100.0% Note 24

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

Note 25
Note 26
Note 27

Note 28

Notes
(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)
(7)

(8)

(9)

MDC has the right to increase its ownership interest in 72andSunny Partners LLC through acquisition
of an incremental interest of up to 100% in 2016.
MDC has the right to increase its ownership interest in Allison & Partners LLC through acquisition of
an incremental interest, and other holders have the right to put only upon termination to MDC the
same incremental interest up to 100% of this entity in 2015.
MDC has the right to increase its ownership interest in Anomaly Partners LLC through acquisition of
an incremental interest of up to 100% in 2015.
MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Attention Partners, LLC through acquisitions of
incremental interests, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental
interests up to 100% only upon termination.
Effective January 24, 2013, MDC owns 100% of the equity interests of each of Bruce Mau Holdings
Ltd. And Bruce Mau Design (USA) LLC.
During 2013, MDC acquired 100% of Capital C Partners LP.
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 2014.
MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Concentric Partners LLC through acquisition of an
incremental interest of up to 100% in 2016.
Includes Crispin Porter & Bogusky LLC, and certain other domestic and international operating
subsidiaries.

(10) MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Doner Partners LLC through conversion of preferred

(11)

interests and/or acquisitions of incremental interests, up to 70% of this entity in 2014 and up to 100%
in 2017.
Consists of Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal + Partners LLC, Kwittken PR LLC, Varick Media
Management LLC, certain other domestic and international operating subsidiaries, and The Media
Kitchen, a division of kirshenbaum bond senecal + partners.

(12) MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Kwittken PR LLC through acquisitions of incremental

interests, up to 100% of this entity in 2015.

(13) MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Laird + Partners New York LLC through acquisition of

an incremental interest of up to 100% in 2016.

(14) MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Mono Advertising, LLC through acquisitions of

incremental interests, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental
interests, up to 75.0% in 2014.

(15) MDC has the right to increase its ownership interest in Sloane & Company LLC through acquisition of

incremental interests, and other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental
interests up to 100% in 2015.

(16) MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Union Advertising Canada, LP through acquisition of

incremental interests, up to 80% of this entity in 2018, 90% in 2019, and 100% in 2020.

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

(18)

(19)

incremental interests, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental
interests, up to 98.3% of this entity in 2014 and 100% in 2015.
Effective January 1, 2012, Vitro Robertson, LLC and Skinny NYC, LLC were combined into a new
entity Vitro Partners, LLC. MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Vitro Partners, LLC through
acquisition interests, and other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental
interests up to 88.1% of this entity in 2015, and up to 100% in 2017.
Subject to certain conditions, MDC has the right to increase its ownership in 6degrees Integrated
Communications Corp. through acquisitions of incremental interests, and the other interest holders have
the right to put to MDC the same incremental interests up to 77.3% of this entity in 2014. Effective
January 1, 2014, MDC acquired an additional 8.63%.

4

(20) MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Bryan Mills Iradesso, Corp. 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 2014.
Effective June 13, 2012, MDC increased its economic ownership in henderson bas kohn to 100%.
Effective January 1, 2013, MDC merged the operations into Kenna Communications LP.

(21)

(22) MDC has the right to increase its ownership interest in Kenna Communications LP through acquisition

of an incremental interest, up to 100% in 2015.

(23) MDC has the right to increase its ownership interest in LBN Partners LLC through acquisition of an

(24)

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 2018.
The Northstar Research Partners Group consists of Northstar Research Holdings USA LP and Northstar
Research Holdings Canada Inc. MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Northstar Research
Canada through acquisitions of incremental interests, and the other holders have the right to put to
MDC the same incremental interests, up to 100% of this entity in 2014.

(25) MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Source Marketing, LLC through acquisitions of

incremental interests, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental
interests up to 100% in 2015. Effective January 1, 2014, MDC acquired an additional 4.0%.
Effective April 1, 2012, MDC increased its ownership interest in Communifx Partners to 100%. In
addition, MDC has merged the operations into Source Marketing, LLC.

(26)

(27) MDC has the right to increase its ownership in TargetCast LLC through acquisitions of incremental

interests. In February of 2014, MDC increased its ownership to 100%.

(28) MDC has the right to increase its ownership interest in Trade X Partners LLC through acquisitions of

incremental interests up to 100% in 2015.

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 (Segment 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, Dentsu Inc.,
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 marketing 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
disruptive 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 entrepreneurial operating companies
through referrals and the sharing of both services and expertise, which enables MDC to service clients’ varied
marketing needs by crafting custom integrated solutions.

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,
independent operating companies has enabled MDC to represent competing clients across its network.

5

Industry Trends

Historically, advertising has been the primary service provided by the marketing communications
industry. 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 and
database marketing and analytics are consuming a growing portion of marketing dollars. The Company
believes this is increasing the demand for a broader range of non-advertising marketing communications
services (i.e., direct marketing, sales promotion, interactive, strategic communications and public relations,
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 customized message and/or different, often non-
traditional, channels of communication and connection to their e-commerce capabilities. Global marketers now
demand breakthrough and integrated creative ideas, and no longer require traditional brick-and-mortar
communications partners in every market to optimize the effectiveness of their marketing efforts. Combined
with the fragmentation of the media landscape, these factors provide new opportunities for small to mid-sized
communications companies like those in the MDC network. In addition, marketers now require ever greater
speed-to-market to drive ﬁnancial returns on their marketing and media investment, causing them to turn to
more nimble, entrepreneurial and collaborative communications ﬁrms like MDC Partners.

There are several recent economic and industry trends that affect or may be expected to affect the
Company’s results of operations. For example, the rapid increase in the amount of revenue attributable to
digital offerings is indicative of the changing needs of clients and the evolving competitive landscape.
Changes in the way consumers interact with media due to increased use of the Internet, and adoption of
smartphones and tablets, has led to increased demand for digital offerings, which we expect could have a
positive impact on our results of operation.

The increase of expenses at a greater rate than revenues over recent periods reﬂects both the increase in

expenses for deferred acquisition consideration and from our investment in headcount for certain growth
initiatives. Should our acquisitions continue to outperform current expectations, expenses for deferred
acquisition consideration could increase as well in future periods. If our growth initiatives do not provide
sufficient revenue to offset the incremental costs in future periods, proﬁts could be reduced and severance
expense could be incurred in order to return to targeted proﬁt margins over time.

Over the last several years, client procurement departments have begun to focus on marketing services

company fees to ensure efficiency of the investment the client is making in marketing. This has led to a more
competitive pricing environment and increased efforts on delivering and measuring proper value for the fees
received from clients. We have invested in resources to work with client procurement departments to ensure
that we are able to deliver against client goals in a mutually beneﬁcial way. For example, we have explored
new compensation models, such as performance-based incentive payments and equity, in order to meet to
greater align our success with our clients. These incentive payments may offset negative pricing pressure from
client procurement departments.

Clients

The Company serves clients in virtually every industry, and in many cases, the same clients in various

locations, and through several partner ﬁrms. 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 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company’s largest client, Sprint, accounted for approximately 5%,
5% and 6% of revenues, respectively. In addition, MDC’s ten largest clients (measured by revenue generated)
accounted for 28%, 26% and 29% of 2013, 2012 and 2011 revenues, respectively.

6

Employees

As of December 31, 2013, MDC and its subsidiaries had the following number of employees within its

reportable segments:

Segment
Strategic Marketing Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performance Marketing Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corporate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total

Total
3,602
3,561
55
7,218

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
communications 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
operations of MDC.

7

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.’’

Future 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 continued in 2009 and 2010. In 2011 through 2013, the United States experienced modest
economic growth, but the pace of the global economic recovery is uneven and a future economic downturn
could renew reductions in client spending levels and adversely affect our results of operations and ﬁnancial
position in 2014.

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

unfavorable economic conditions.

Global economic conditions affect the advertising and marketing services industry more severely than

other industries. 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. Decreases in our revenue 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 unfavorable economic and
ﬁnancial conditions that have impacted many sectors of the global economy could result in an increase in
client ﬁnancial difficulties 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, covenant violations relating to the WF Credit Agreement or the 6.75% Notes, or reduced
liquidity. Our 10 largest clients (measured by revenue generated) accounted for 28% of revenue in 2013.

c. Conditions in the credit markets could adversely impact our results of operations and ﬁnancial

position.

Turmoil in the credit markets or a contraction in the availability of credit would make it more difficult
for businesses to meet their capital requirements and could lead clients to change their ﬁnancial relationship
with their vendors, including us. If that were to occur, it could materially adversely impact our results of
operations and ﬁnancial position.

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.
MDC is, however, smaller than several of its larger industry competitors. 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
marketing services businesses up for competitive review from time to time, including at times when clients
enter into strategic transactions or experienced senior management changes. From year to year, the identities
of MDC’s 10 largest customers may change, as a result of client losses and additions and other factors. 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.

8

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

MDC uses amounts available under the WF Credit 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, including through contingent deferred acquisition payments.

The Company is currently in compliance with all of the terms and conditions of the WF Credit

Agreement. If, however, events were to occur, which result in MDC losing all or a substantial portion of its
available credit under the WF Credit Agreement, or if MDC was prevented from accessing such lines of credit
due to other restrictions such as those in the indenture governing the 6.75% Notes, MDC could 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 or
contingent deferred acquisition payments would be materially adversely affected.

We have signiﬁcant contingent obligations related to deferred acquisition consideration and minority
interests in our subsidiaries, which will require us to utilize our cash ﬂow and/or to incur additional debt to
satisfy.

The Company has made a number of acquisitions for which it has deferred payment of a portion of the
purchase price, usually for a period between one to ﬁve years after the acquisition. The deferred acquisition
consideration is generally payable based on achievement of certain thresholds of future earnings of the
acquired company and, in certain cases, also based on the rate of growth of those earnings. Once any
contingency is resolved, the Company may pay the contingent consideration over time.

The Company records liabilities on its balance sheet for deferred acquisition payments at their estimated
value based on the current performance of the business, which are re-measured each quarter. At December 31,
2013, these aggregate liabilities were $153.9 million, of which $53.0 million, $42.6 million, $36.0 million and
$22.3 million would be payable in 2014, 2015, 2016 and thereafter, respectively.

In addition to the Company’s obligations for deferred acquisition consideration, managers of certain of

the Company’s acquired subsidiaries hold minority interests in such subsidiaries. In the case of certain
minority interests related to acquisitions, the founder is entitled to a proportionate distribution of earnings
from the relevant subsidiary, which is recognized on the Company’s consolidated income statement under
‘‘Net income attributable to the non-controlling interests.’’

The minority shareholder often has the right to require the Company to purchase all or part of its interest,

either at speciﬁed dates or upon the termination of such shareholder’s employment with the subsidiary or
death (put rights). In addition, the Company usually has rights to call the minority shareholder’s interest at a
speciﬁed date. The purchase price for both puts and calls is typically calculated based on speciﬁed formulas
tied to the ﬁnancial performance of the subsidiary.

The Company recorded $148.5 million on its December 31, 2013 balance sheet as Redeemable
Noncontrolling Interests for its estimated obligations in respect of minority shareholder put and call rights
based on the current performance of the subsidiaries, $17.8 million of which related to put rights for which, if
exercised, the payments are due at speciﬁed dates, with the remainder of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
attributable to put or call rights exercisable only upon termination of employment or death. No obligation is
recorded on the balance sheet for minority interests for which the Company has a call right but the minority
holder has no put right.

Payments to be made by the Company in respect of deferred acquisition consideration and minority

shareholder put rights may be signiﬁcantly higher than the estimated amounts described above because the
actual obligation adjusts based on the performance of the acquired businesses over time, including future
growth in earnings from the calculations made at December 31, 2013. Similarly, the payments made by the
Company under call rights would increase with growth in earnings of the acquired businesses. The Company
expects that deferred contingent consideration and minority share interests for managers may be features of
future acquisitions that it may undertake and that it may also grant similar minority share interests to
managers of its subsidiaries unrelated to acquisitions.

9

The Company expects that its obligations in respect of deferred acquisition consideration and payments to

minority shareholders under put and call rights will be a signiﬁcant use of the Company’s liquidity in the
foreseeable future, whether in the form of free cash ﬂow or borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit
facility or from other funding sources. For further information, see the disclosure under the heading
‘‘Business — Ownership Information’’ and the heading ‘‘Liquidity and Capital Resources’’.

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

interests 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 shareholders. 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.

Our expenses have, in recent periods, increased at a greater rate than revenues, which in part reﬂects both

the increase in expenses for deferred acquisition consideration and from our investment in headcount for
certain growth initiatives. Should our acquisitions continue to outperform current expectations, expenses for
deferred acquisition consideration could increase as well in future periods. If our growth initiatives do not
provide sufficient revenue to offset the incremental costs in future periods, proﬁts could be reduced and
severance expense could be incurred in order to return to targeted proﬁt margins over time.

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 or executives.

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
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, MDC’s ability to grow
its business and to increase its revenues will be limited.

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
competitiveness is its ability to retain key employee and management personnel. Compensation for these key

10

employees is an essential factor in attracting and retaining them, and MDC may not offer a level of
compensation 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
operating units, the relationships that MDC has with its clients could be adversely affected.

MDC is exposed to the risk of client defaults.

MDC’s agencies often incur expenses on behalf of their clients for productions in order to secure a
variety of media time and space, in exchange for which they receive 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 credit analysis and advance billing of
clients) and has historically had a very low incidence of default, MDC is still exposed to the risk of
signiﬁcant uncollectible receivables from our clients. The risk of a material loss could signiﬁcantly increase in
periods of severe economic downturn. Such a loss could have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations and ﬁnancial position.

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 and intangible assets may become impaired.

We have recorded a signiﬁcant amount of goodwill and intangible assets 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 ﬁnancial condition.

MDC is subject to regulations and litigation risk that could restrict our activities or negatively impact our
revenues.

Advertising and marketing communications businesses are subject to government regulation, both

domestic 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 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.

Certain of MDC’s agencies produce software and e-commerce tools for their clients, and these product
offerings have become increasingly subject to litigation based on allegations of patent infringement or other
violations of intellectual property rights. As we expand these product offerings, the possibility of an
intellectual property claim against us grows. Any such claim, with or without merit, could result in costly
litigation and distract management from day-to-day operations and may result in us deciding to enter into
license agreements to avoid ongoing patent litigation costs. If we are not successful in defending such claims,
we could be required to stop offering these services, pay monetary amounts as damages, enter into royalty or
licensing arrangements, or satisfy indemniﬁcation obligations that we have with some of our clients. Such
arrangements may cause our operating margins to decline.

11

In addition, laws and regulations related to user privacy, use of personal information and internet tracking
technologies have been proposed or enacted in the United States and certain international markets. These laws
and regulations could affect the acceptance of the internet as an advertising medium. These actions could
affect our business and reduce demand for certain of our services, which could have a material adverse effect
on our results of operations and ﬁnancial position.

The indenture governing the 6.75% Notes and the WF Credit Agreement governing our secured line of
credit contain various covenants that limit our discretion in the operation of our business.

The indenture governing the 6.75% Notes and the WF Credit Agreement governing our lines of credit
contain various provisions that limit our discretion in the operation of our business by restricting our ability
to:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

sell assets;

pay dividends and make other distributions;

redeem or repurchase our capital stock;

incur additional debt and issue capital stock;

create liens;

consolidate, merge or sell substantially all of our assets;

enter into certain transactions with our affiliates;

make loans, investments or advances;

repay subordinated indebtedness;

undergo a change in control;

enter into certain transactions with our affiliates;

engage in new lines of business; and

enter into sale and leaseback transactions.

These restrictions on our ability to operate our business in our discretion could seriously harm our
business by, among other things, limiting our ability to take advantage of ﬁnancing, merger and acquisition
and other corporate opportunities. The WF Credit Agreement is subject to various additional covenants,
including a senior leverage ratio, a total leverage ratio, a ﬁxed charge coverage ratio, and a minimum
EBITDA level (as deﬁned). Events beyond our control could affect our ability to meet these ﬁnancial tests,
and we cannot assure you that we will meet them.

Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our cash ﬂow and prevent us from fulﬁlling our
obligations, including the 6.75% Notes.

As of December 31, 2013, MDC had $665.1 million inclusive of original issue premium of indebtedness.

In addition, we expect to make additional drawings under the WF Credit Agreement from time to time. Our
ability to pay principal and interest on our indebtedness is dependent on the generation of cash ﬂow by our
subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries’ business may not generate sufficient cash ﬂow from operations to meet MDC’s
debt service and other obligations. If we are unable to meet our expenses and debt service obligations, we
may need to obtain additional debt, reﬁnance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity, sell
assets or raise equity. We may not be able to obtain additional debt, reﬁnance any of our indebtedness, sell
assets or raise equity on commercially reasonable terms or at all, which could cause us to default on our
obligations and impair our liquidity. Our inability to generate sufficient cash ﬂow to satisfy our debt
obligations, to obtain additional debt or to reﬁnance our obligations on commercially reasonable terms would
have a material adverse effect on our business, ﬁnancial condition and results of operations.

If we cannot make scheduled payments on our debt, we will be in default and, as a result, our debt
holders could declare all outstanding principal and interest to be due and payable; the lenders under the

12

WF Credit Agreement could terminate their commitments to loan us money and foreclose against the assets
securing our borrowings; and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation. Our level of indebtedness
could have important consequences. For example it could:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the 6.75% Notes;

make it difficult for us to meet our obligations with respect to our contingent deferred acquisition
payments;

limit our ability to increase our ownership stake in our Partner ﬁrms;

increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash ﬂow from operations to payments on our
indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash ﬂow to fund working capital and other
activities;

limit our ﬂexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the advertising
industry, which may place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have
less debt; and

limit, particularly in concert with the ﬁnancial and other restrictive covenants in our indebtedness,
our ability to borrow additional funds or take other actions.

Despite our current debt levels, we may be able to incur substantially more indebtedness, which could
further increase the risks associated with our leverage.

We may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. The terms of our Credit Agreement and

the indenture governing the 6.75% Notes permit us and our subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness
subject to certain limitations. If we or our subsidiaries incur additional indebtedness, the related risks that we
face could increase.

We are a holding company dependent on our subsidiaries for our ability to service our debt and pay
dividends.

MDC is a holding company with no operations of our own. Consequently, our ability to service our debt

and to pay cash dividends on our common stock is dependent upon the earnings from the businesses
conducted by our subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation
to provide us with funds for our payment obligations, whether by dividends, distributions, loans or other
payments. Although our operating subsidiaries have generally agreed to allow us to consolidate and ‘‘sweep’’
cash, subject to the timing of payments due to minority holders, any distribution of earnings to us from our
subsidiaries is contingent upon the subsidiaries’ earnings and various other business considerations. Also, our
right to receive any assets of any of our subsidiaries upon their liquidation or reorganization, and therefore the
right of the holders of common stock to participate in those assets, will be structurally subordinated to the
claims of that subsidiary’s creditors. In addition, even if we were a creditor of any of our subsidiaries, our
rights as a creditor would be subordinate to any security interest in the assets of our subsidiaries and any
indebtedness of our subsidiaries senior to that held by us.

We could change or suspend our existing dividend practice in the future.

The declaration and payment of dividends on our common stock is at the discretion of MDC’s board of

directors and will depend upon limitations contained in our Credit Agreement and the indenture governing the
6.75% Notes, future earnings, capital requirements, our general ﬁnancial condition and general business
conditions. MDC’s practice is to pay dividends only out of excess free cash ﬂow from operations, and in the
event that worsening economic conditions, disruptions in the credit markets or other factors have a signiﬁcant
effect on our liquidity, MDC’s board of directors could decide to reduce or suspend dividend payments in the
future.

13

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, Europe, and the

Caribbean. 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. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

14

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities

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 March 1, 2013, the approximate number of holders
of our Class A subordinate voting shares, including those whose shares are held in nominee name, was 2,800.
All share amounts and share prices have been adjusted for the Company’s 3 for 2 stock split, which was
effective November 29, 2013. Quarterly high and low sales prices per share of the Company’s Class A
subordinate voting shares, as reported on NASDAQ and The Toronto Stock Exchange, respectively, for each
quarter in the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, are as follows:

Quarter Ended

Nasdaq

High

Low

($ per Share)

March 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
June 30, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
September 30, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
March 31, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
June 30, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
September 30, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9.67
7.67
8.57
8.60
10.78
12.55
18.65
25.51

7.40
6.16
6.16
6.23
7.75
9.52
12.48
18.41

Quarter Ended

The Toronto Stock Exchange

March 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
June 30, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
September 30, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
March 31, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
June 30, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
September 30, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

High

Low
(C$ per Share)
9.66
7.69
8.17
8.33
10.89
12.73
19.22
27.30

7.51
6.19
6.13
6.33
7.70
9.71
12.67
18.83

As of February 25, 2014, the last reported sale price of the Class A subordinate voting shares was

$22.70 on NASDAQ and C$25.06 on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Dividend Practice

In 2013, MDC’s board of directors declared the following dividends: a $0.19 per share semi-annual
dividend to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 10, 2013; a $0.11 per share quarterly
dividend to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 6, 2013; and a $0.16 per share
quarterly dividend to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 7, 2013. MDC’s
practice is to pay dividends only out of excess free cash ﬂow from operations. MDC is further limited in the
extent to which we are able to pay dividends under our Credit Agreement and the indenture governing the
6.75% Notes. The payment of any future dividends will be at the discretion of MDC’s board of directors and
will depend upon limitations contained in our Credit Agreement and the indenture governing the 6.75% Notes,
future earnings, capital requirements, our general ﬁnancial condition and general business conditions.

15

In 2012, MDC’s board of directors declared the following dividends: a $0.19 per share semi-annual
dividend to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 8, 2012; and a $0.19 per share
semi-annual dividend to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 20, 2012.

In 2011, MDC’s board of directors declared the following dividends: a $0.09 per share quarterly dividend

to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 17, 2011; a $0.09 per share dividend
quarterly to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 16, 2011; a $0.09 per share
quarterly dividend to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 17, 2011; a $0.09 per
share quarterly dividend to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 28, 2011; and a
$0.09 per share quarterly dividend to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 15,
2012.

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, 2013.

Number of Securities to
Be Issued Upon
Exercise of Outstanding
Options and Rights
(a)

Weighted Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options
and Rights
(b)

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

Equity Compensation Plans:
Approved by stockholders:

Share options . . . . . . . . . .

112,500

Not approved by stockholders:
None . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

$6.03

—

1,434,554

—

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

for the issuance of three million Class A shares. On June 2, 2009 and June 1, 2007, the Company’s
shareholders approved amendments to the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, which increased the number of shares
available for issuance to 6.75 million Class A shares. In addition, the plan was amended to allow shares under
this plan to be used to satisfy share obligations under the Stock Appreciation Rights Plan. On May 30, 2008,
the Company’s shareholders approved the 2008 Key Partner Incentive Plan, which provides for the issuance of
900,000 Class A shares. On June 1, 2011, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2011 Stock Incentive
Plan, which provides for the issuance of up to 3 million Class A shares.

See also Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

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

On November 15, 2013, the Company issued an additional $110 million principal amount of

6.75% Senior Notes to various institutional investors in a private offering exempt from registration in reliance
on Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act. We received net proceeds from the offering of
approximately $110.9 million, and we used the proceeds for general corporate purposes.

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, 2013, the Company made no open market purchases of its

Class A shares or its Class B shares. Pursuant to its Credit Agreement and Indenture governing the
6.75% Notes, the Company is currently limited from repurchasing its shares in the open market.

During 2013, the Company’s employees surrendered 595,448 Class A shares valued at approximately

$13.8 million in connection with the required tax withholding resulting from the vesting of restricted stock.
The Company paid these withholding taxes on behalf of the related employees. These Class A shares were
subsequently retired and no longer remain outstanding as of December 31, 2013.

16

In October 2013, the Company settled the exercise of 2,786,002 Stock Appreciation Rights by
management in exchange for cash, resulting in a stock based compensation charge of $78 million.

Transfer Agent and Registrar for Common Stock

The transfer agent and registrar for the Company’s common stock is Canadian Stock Transfer Company

(f/k/a CIBC Mellon Trust Company). Canadian Stock Transfer 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 Canadian Stock Transfer Company
P.O. Box 4202, Postal Station A
Toronto, Ontario M5W 0E4

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.

2013

Years Ended December 31,
2011
(Dollars in Thousands, Except per Share Data)

2012

2010

2009

Operating Data
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,148,881
Operating proﬁt (loss)
Loss from continuing operations
Stock-based compensation included in

. . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (31,992) $ (15,926) $

$ 934,288
10,481
. . . . . . $ (131,018) $ (71,895) $ (74,163)

$1,063,265

$686,167
$ 30,155
$ (1,556)

$534,012
$ 21,554
$ (10,683)

income (loss) from continuing
operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 100,405

$

32,197

$

23,657

$ 16,507

$ 15,444

Loss per Share
Basic
Continuing operations attributable to

MDC Partners Inc. common
shareholders

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Diluted
Continuing operations attributable to

MDC Partners Inc. common
shareholders

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Cash dividends declared per share . . . . . . $

(2.92) $

(1.71) $

(1.89)

$

(0.29)

$

(0.40)

(2.92) $
$
0.46

(1.71) $
$
0.38

(1.89)
0.45

$
$

(0.29)
0.23

$
$

(0.40)
—

Financial Position Data
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,425,227
Total debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 665,128
Redeemable noncontrolling interests . . . . $ 148,534
Deferred acquisition consideration . . . . . . $ 153,913
Fixed charge coverage ratio . . . . . . . . . .
N/A
Fixed charge deﬁciency . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 131,829

$1,344,945
$ 431,703
$ 117,953
$ 196,446
N/A
61,687

$

$1,055,745
$ 385,174
$ 107,432
$ 137,223
N/A
28,057

$

$914,348
$286,216
$ 77,560
$107,991
N/A
1,949

$

$604,519
$217,946
$ 33,728
$ 30,645
N/A
1,941

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

as follows:

Year Ended December 31, 2013

During 2013, the Company completed an acquisition and a number of transactions. Please see Note 4 of

the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for a summary of these acquisitions.

17

On March 20, 3013, the Company issued and sold $550 million aggregate principal amount 6.75% Notes
due 2020 (the ‘‘6.75% Notes’’). The 6.75% Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by all of MDC’s
existing and future restricted subsidiaries that guarantee, or are co-borrowers under or grant liens to secure
MDC’s senior secured revolving credit agreement (the ‘‘Credit Agreement’’). The 6.75% Notes bear interest at
a rate of 6.75% per annum, accruing from March 20, 2013. Interest is payable semiannually in arrears in cash
on May 1 and November 1 of each year, beginning on October 1, 2013. The 6.75% Notes will mature on
April 1, 2020, unless earlier redeemed or repurchased. The notes were sold in a private placement in reliance
on exceptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company received net
proceeds from the offering of the 6.75% Notes equal to approximately $537.6 million. The Company used net
proceeds to redeem all of the existing 11% Notes, together with accrued interest, related premiums, fees and
expenses and recorded a charge for loss on redemption of notes of $55.6 million, including write offs of
unamortized original issue premium and debt issuance costs. Remaining proceeds were used for general
corporate purposes. In addition, the Company entered into an amended and restated, $225 million senior
secured revolving credit agreement due 2018.

In November 2013, stock-based compensation included a charge of $78.0 million relating to the cash

settlement of the outstanding Stock Appreciation Rights (‘‘SAR’s’’).

On November 15, 2013, the Company issued an additional $110 million aggregate principal amount of its
6.75% Notes. The additional notes were issued under the Indenture governing the 6.75% Notes and treated as
a single series with the original 6.75% Notes.

During 2013, the Company discontinued two subsidiaries and an operating division. All periods reﬂect
these discontinued operations. See Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included
herein.

Year Ended December 31, 2012

During 2012, the Company completed a number of acquisitions. Please see Note 4 of the Notes to the

Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for a summary of these acquisitions.

On December 10, 2012, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, as guarantors, issued and sold

an additional $80 million aggregate principal amount of 11% Notes due 2016. The additional notes were
issued under the Indenture governing the 11% Notes and treated as a single series with the original
11% Notes. The additional notes were sold in a private placement in reliance on exceptions from registration
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company received net proceeds before expenses of
$83.2 million, which included an original issue premium of $4.8 million, and underwriter fees of $1.6 million.
The Company used the net proceeds of the offering to repay the outstanding balance under the Company’s
revolving credit agreement described elsewhere herein, and for general corporate purposes.

During 2012, the Company discontinued a subsidiary and certain operating divisions. All periods reﬂect

these discontinued operations. See Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included
herein.

Year Ended December 31, 2011

During 2011, the Company completed a number of acquisitions. Please see Note 4 of the Notes to the

Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for a summary of these acquisitions.

On April 19, 2011, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, as guarantors, issued and sold an

additional $55 million aggregate principal amount of 11% Notes due 2016. The additional notes were issued
under the Indenture governing the 11% Notes and treated as a single series with the original 11% Notes. The
additional notes were sold in a private placement in reliance on exceptions from registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company received net proceeds before expenses of $59.6 million,
which included an original issue premium of $6.1 million, and underwriter fees of $1.5 million. The Company
used the net proceeds of the offering to repay the outstanding balance under the Company’s revolving credit
agreement described elsewhere herein, and for general corporate purposes.

Effective December 31, 2011, the Company discontinued an operating division. All periods reﬂect this
discontinued operation. See Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

18

Year Ended December 31, 2010

During 2010, the Company completed a signiﬁcant number of acquisitions. Please see Note 4 of the

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for a summary of these acquisitions.

On May 14, 2010, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, as guarantors issued and sold
$65 million aggregate principal amount of 11% Notes due 2016. The additional notes were issued under the
Indenture governing the 11% notes and treated as a single series with the original 11% notes. The additional
notes were sold in a private placement in reliance on exceptions from registration under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended. The Company received net proceeds before expenses of $67.2 million, which included an
original issue premium of $2.6 million, and underwriter fees of $0.4 million. The Company used the net
proceeds of the offering to repay the outstanding balance under the Company’s revolving Credit Agreement
described elsewhere herein, and for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions.

Effective September 30, 2010, the Company ceased a subsidiary. All periods reﬂect these discontinued

operations. See Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

Year Ended December 31, 2009

On October 23, 2009, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, as guarantors, issued and sold
$225 million aggregate principal amount of 11% Notes due 2016 (the ‘‘11% Notes’’). The 11% Notes bear
interest at a rate of 11% per annum, accruing from October 23, 2009. Interest is payable semiannually in
arrears in cash on May 1 and November 1 of each year, beginning on May 1, 2010. The 11% Notes will
mature on November 1, 2016, unless earlier redeemed or repurchased. In addition, the Company entered into a
Credit Agreement described elsewhere herein. The Company used the net proceeds of this offering to repay
the outstanding balance and terminate its prior Fortress Financing Agreement, and redeemed its outstanding
8% C$45 million convertible debentures. As a result, the Company incurred $4.5 million of early termination
fees and wrote off of the remaining deferred ﬁnancing costs relating to its prior Financing Agreement and
convertible debentures.

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 2013 means the period beginning January 1, 2013, and ending
December 31, 2013).

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
management 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.

19

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
expenditures. 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 two reportable operating segments: Strategic Marketing Services and
Performance Marketing Services. In addition, MDC has a ‘‘Corporate Group’’ which provides certain
accounting, administrative, ﬁnancial, human resource and legal functions.

Marketing Communications Businesses

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

management, and specialized communication services to clients throughout the world.

The operating companies earn 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. 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

expenditures 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

Overall Factors Affecting our Business and Results of Operations. The most signiﬁcant factors include

national, regional and local economic conditions, our clients’ proﬁtability, mergers and acquisitions of our
clients, changes in top management of our clients and our ability to retain and attract key employees. New
business wins and client losses occur due to a variety of factors. The two most signiﬁcant factors are; clients’
desire to change marketing communication ﬁrms, and the creative product our ﬁrms are offering. A client
may choose to change marketing communication ﬁrms for a number of reasons, such as a change in top
management and the new management wants to retain an agency that it may have previously worked with. In
addition, if the client is merged or acquired by another company, the marketing communication ﬁrm is often
changed. Further, global clients are trending to consolidate the use of numerous marketing communication
ﬁrms to just one or two. Another factor in a client changing ﬁrms is the agency’s campaign or work product is
not providing results and they feel a change is in order to generate additional revenues.

20

Clients will generally reduce or increase their spending or outsourcing needs based on their current
business trends and proﬁtability. These types of changes impact the Performance Marketing Services Group
more than the Strategic Marketing Services Group due to the Performance Marketing Services Group having
clients who require project-based work as opposed to the Strategic Marketing Services Group who primarily
have retainer-based relationships.

Acquisitions and Dispositions. Our strategy includes acquiring ownership stakes in well-managed
businesses with strong reputations in the industry. We engaged in a number of acquisition and disposal
transactions during the 2010 to 2013 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 Fluctuation. Our ﬁnancial results and competitive position are affected by

ﬂuctuations 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.’’

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. Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2013 increased to $307.1 million, compared
to 2012 fourth quarter revenues of $292.6 million. The increase consisted of organic growth of $14.5 million,
acquisition revenue of $2.2 million and a decrease of $2.3 million due to foreign currency ﬂuctuations. The
Strategic Marketing Services segment had revenue growth of $17.7 million in 2013, of which $18.7 million
was organic, offset by a decrease of $1.0 million due to foreign currency ﬂuctuations. The Performance
Marketing Services segment had decreased revenue of $3.3 million in 2013, of which $4.1 million was an
organic decline and $1.4 million related to foreign currency ﬂuctuations, offset by $2.2 million of acquisition
related revenue. Operating results for the fourth quarter of 2013 resulted in a loss of $71.6 million, compared
to a loss of $6.9 million in 2012. The decrease in operating proﬁts was primarily related to two compensation
related items: a stock based compensation charge of $55.8 million relating to the Company’s settlement of its
outstanding SAR’s in cash, and a one-time bonus to the Company’s CEO of $9.6 million for the Company’s
stock price hitting certain targets. These decreases were offset in part by the increase in revenue. Loss from
continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2013 was $91.8 million, compared to $21.9 million in 2012.
Other expense net increased to expense of $4.6 million in 2013, compared to income of $0.4 million in 2012
due to unrealized losses due to foreign currency ﬂuctuations. Interest expense was lower in 2013 by
$0.3 million, income tax expense was also higher by $0.3 million and equity in earnings of affiliates was
$0.1 million in 2013, compared to $0.2 million in 2012. Interest expense decreased due to the Company’s
reﬁnancing of its outstanding indebtedness, in which the Company issued 6.75% Notes and redeemed all of its
outstanding 11% Notes.

21

Year Ended December 31, 2013

Summary of Key Transactions

On March 20, 3013, the Company issued and sold $550 million aggregate principal amount 6.75% Notes.

The Company received net proceeds from the offering of the 6.75% Notes equal to approximately
$537.6 million. The Company used the net proceeds to redeem all of the existing 11% Senior Notes due 2016,
together with accrued interest, related premiums, fees and expenses and recorded a charge for loss on
redemption of notes of $55.6 million, including write offs of unamortized original issue premium and debt
issuance costs. Remaining proceeds were used for general corporate purposes. In addition, the Company
entered into an amended and restated $225 million senior secured revolving credit agreement due 2018.

On November 15, 2013, the Company issued an additional $110 million aggregate principal amount of its
6.75% Notes. The additional notes were issued under the Indenture governing the 6.75% Notes and treated as
a single series with the original 6.75% Notes. The additional notes were sold in a private placement in
reliance on exceptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company received
net proceeds before expenses of $111.9 million, which included an original issue premium of $4.1 million,
and underwriter fees of $2.2 million. The Company used the net proceeds of the offering for general corporate
purposes.

Year Ended December 31, 2012

The Company completed several key acquisitions and transactions in 2012. These acquisitions included

the acquisition of Doner Partners LLC (‘‘Doner’’). The Company acquired a 30% voting interest and a
convertible preferred interest that allows the Company to increase ordinary voting ownership to 70% at
MDC’s option, at no additional cost to the Company. Doner is a full service integrated creative agency. In
addition, the Company acquired a 70% interest in TargetCast LLC (‘‘TargetCast’’), a full service integrated
media agency.

The total aggregate purchase price for these 2012 transactions was $82.8 million, which included closing
cash payments equal to $18.5 million and $8.0 million of working capital payments, plus additional estimated
contingent purchase payments in future years of approximately $59.5 million. See Note 4 of the Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional information on these and other acquisitions.

On December 10, 2012, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, as guarantors, issued and sold

an additional $80 million aggregate principal amount of 11% Notes due 2016. The additional notes were
issued under the Indenture governing the 11% Notes and treated as a single series with the original
11% Notes. The additional notes were sold in a private placement in reliance on exceptions from registration
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company received net proceeds before expenses of
$83.2 million, which included an original issue premium of $4.8 million, less underwriter fees of $1.6 million.
The Company used the net proceeds of the offering to repay the outstanding balance under the Company’s
revolving credit agreement described elsewhere herein, and for general corporate purposes.

Year Ended December 31, 2011

The Company completed several key acquisitions in 2011. These acquisitions included the acquisition of

a 70% interest in Concentric Partners, LLC (‘‘Concentric’’), a 65% interest in Laird + Partners, New York
LLC (‘‘Laird’’), a 100% interest in RJ Palmer Partners LLC (‘‘RJ Palmer’’), a 75% interest in Trade
X Partners LLC (‘‘Trade X’’) and a 60% interest in Anomaly Partners, LLC (‘‘Anomaly’’).

The total aggregate purchase price for these 2011 transactions was $76.8 million, which included closing
cash payments equal to $40 million plus additional estimated contingent purchase payments in future years of
approximately $36.8 million. See Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included
herein for additional information on these and other acquisitions.

On April 19, 2011, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, as guarantors, issued and sold an

additional $55 million aggregate principal amount of 11% Notes due 2016. The additional notes were issued
under the Indenture governing the 11% Notes and treated as a single series with the original 11% Notes. The
additional notes were sold in a private placement in reliance on exceptions from registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company received net proceeds before expenses of $59.6 million,

22

which included an original issue premium of $6.1 million, and underwriter fees of $1.5 million. The Company
used the net proceeds of the offering to repay the outstanding balance under the Company’s WF Credit
Agreement described elsewhere herein, and for general corporate purposes.

Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:

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, ﬁnance charges, and loss on

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

redemption of notes, net

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Loss from continuing operations before income

taxes, equity in affiliates

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss from continuing operations before equity in

affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss from continuing operations
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to

MDC Partners Inc., net of taxes . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income attributable to non-controlling

interests

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. . . . . . .
Stock based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For the Year Ended December 31, 2013

Strategic
Marketing
Services
$805,439
510,014
186,369
23,720
85,336

Performance
Marketing
Services
$343,442
244,480
73,696
14,486
10,780

Corporate
—
$
—
126,714
1,394
(128,108)

Total
$1,148,881
754,494
386,779
39,600
(31,992)

2,531
(5,537)

(100,592)

(135,590)
(4,291)

(131,299)
281
(131,018)

(11,384)
(142,402)

(6,461)
$ (148,863)
$ 100,405

(4,889)

(1,572)

—

$

7,249

$

3,425

$ 89,731

23

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 and ﬁnance charges, net . . . . . . .
Loss from continuing operations before income

taxes, equity in affiliates

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss from continuing operations before equity in

affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss from continuing operations
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to

MDC Partners Inc., net of taxes . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income attributable to non-controlling

interests

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. . . . . . .
Stock based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For the Year Ended December 31, 2012

Strategic
Marketing
Services
$719,364
479,060
188,954
27,260
24,090

Performance
Marketing
Services
$343,901
254,740
71,798
17,190
173

Corporate
—
$
—
38,847
1,342
(40,189)

Total
$1,063,265
733,800
299,599
45,792
(15,926)

117
(976)
(46,190)

(62,975)
9,553

(72,528)
633
(71,895)

(6,681)
(78,576)

(5,167)

(1,696)

—

$

9,186

$

8,227

$ 14,784

(6,863)
$ (85,439)
32,197
$

24

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 and ﬁnance charges, net . . . . . . .
Loss from continuing operations before income

taxes, equity in affiliates

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss from continuing operations before equity in

affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss from continuing operations
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to

MDC Partners Inc., net of taxes . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income attributable to non-controlling

interests

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. . . . . . .
Stock based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For the Year Ended December 31, 2011

Strategic
Marketing
Services
$608,022
425,316
137,824
22,378
22,504

Performance
Marketing
Services
$326,266
241,402
44,172
16,457
24,235

Corporate
—
$
—
35,432
826
(36,258)

Total
$934,288
666,718
217,428
39,661
10,481

116
(1,677)
(41,561)

(32,641)
41,735

(74,376)
213
(74,163)

(2,082)
(76,245)

(8,429)
$ (84,674)
$ 23,657

(6,414)

(2,015)

—

$

5,149

$

3,695

$ 14,813

25

Year Ended December 31, 2013 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2012

Revenue was $1.15 billion for the year ended 2013, representing an increase of $85.6 million, or
8.1%, compared to revenue of $1.06 billion for the year ended 2012. This increase relates primarily to an
increase in organic revenue of $88.5 million and acquisition growth of $2.6 million. A strengthening of the
US Dollar, primarily versus the Canadian dollar during the year ended December 31, 2013, resulted in a
decrease of $5.4 million.

Operating loss for the year ended 2013 was $32.0 million, compared to a loss of $15.9 million in 2012.
Operating proﬁt increased by $61.2 million in the Strategic Marketing Services segment and by $10.6 million
in the Performance Marketing Services segment. Corporate operating expenses increased by $87.9 million in
2013.

Loss from continuing operations was a loss of $131.0 million in 2013, compared to a loss of
$71.9 million in 2012. This increase in loss of $59.1 million was primarily attributable to a decrease in
operating proﬁts of $16.1 million (primarily due to an increase in stock based compensation of $68.2 million),
and an increase in net interest expense equal to $54.4 million, offset by a decrease in tax expense of
$13.8 million. The increase in net interest expense was primarily due to the Company’s redemption of its
11% Notes in March 2013 and related premium, fees and expenses of $55.6 million. These amounts were also
impacted by an increase in foreign exchange losses of $4.6 million in 2013 and an increase in other income,
net of $2.4 million.

Marketing Communications Group

Revenues attributable to the Marketing Communications Group, which consists of two reportable
segments — Strategic Marketing Services and Performance Marketing Services, were $1.15 billion in the
aggregate in 2013, compared to $1.06 million in 2012, representing a year-over-year increase of 8.1%.

The components of the revenue for 2013 are shown in the following table:

Year ended December 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Organic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign exchange impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Year ended December 31, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Revenue

$000’s
$1,063,265
2,572
88,479
(5,435)
$1,148,881

%

0.3%
8.3%
(0.5)%
8.1%

The geographic mix in revenues was relatively consistent between 2013 and 2012 and is demonstrated in

the following table:

US . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Europe and other

2013
82%
12%
6%

2012
81%
14%
5%

The operating proﬁt of the Marketing Communications Group increased by $71.9 million to $96.1 million

from $24.3 million. Operating margins increased by 6.1% and were 8.4% for 2013, compared to 2.3% for
2012. The increase in operating proﬁt and operating margin was primarily due to increases in revenue and
decreases in direct costs, office and general expenses, and depreciation and amortization. Total staff costs were
consistent at approximately 59%. Direct costs (excluding staff costs) decreased as a percentage of revenues
from 16.8% in 2012, to 13.4% in 2013. Direct costs decreased as there were fewer pass-through costs incurred
on the clients’ behalf during 2013 where the company was acting as principal versus agent for certain client
contracts. Office and general expenses decreased as a percentage of revenue from 24.5% in 2012, to 22.6% in
2013. This decrease was primarily due to a reduction of $17.1 million in expense relating to estimated
deferred acquisition consideration and the increase in revenue on relatively ﬁxed costs. Depreciation and
amortization as a percentage of revenue decreased from 4.2% in 2012 to 3.3% in 2013.

26

Marketing Communications Businesses

Strategic Marketing Services

Revenues attributable to Strategic Marketing Services in 2013 were $805.4 million, compared to

$719.4 million in 2012. The year-over-year increase of $86.1 million, or 12.0%, was attributable primarily to
organic growth of $91.4 million or 12.7%; these increases were offset by a foreign exchange translation
decrease due to the strengthening of the US dollar compared to the Canadian dollar. This organic revenue
growth was driven by net new business wins.

The operating proﬁt of Strategic Marketing Services increased by $61.2 million from $24.1 million in

2012 to $85.3 million in 2013. Operating margins increased from 3.4% in 2012 to 10.6% in 2013. The
increase in operating proﬁts and operating margins were primarily due to increases in revenues and decreases
in direct costs, office and general costs and depreciation and amortization. Total staff costs were relatively
consistent at 60%. Direct costs (excluding staff labor) decreased as a percentage of revenue from 13.2% 2012
to 8.8% in 2013. Direct costs decreased as there were fewer pass-through costs incurred on the clients’ behalf
during 2013 where the company was acting as principal versus agent for certain client contracts. Office and
general expenses decreased as a percentage of revenue from 26.3% in 2012 to 23.1% in 2013. The decrease
was due to a reduction of $11.8 million in expense relating to estimated deferred acquisition consideration and
the increased revenue on relatively ﬁxed costs. Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of revenue
decreased from 3.8% in 2012 to 2.9% in 2013.

Performance Marketing Services

Performance Marketing Services generated revenues of $343.4 million for 2013, a decrease of
$0.5 million, or 0.1%, compared to revenues of $343.9 million in 2012. The year-over-year decrease was
attributable primarily to an organic decline of $2.9 million offset by an increase in acquisition growth of
$5.8 million, and a foreign translation decrease of $3.3 million. This organic revenue decline was driven by
net new business wins offset by larger reductions of client spending amounts.

The operating proﬁt of Performance Marketing Services increased by $10.6 million, from $0.2 million in
2012 to $10.8 million in 2013. Operating margins increased from 0.1% in 2012 to 3.1% in 2013. The increase
in operating proﬁts and operating margins were primarily due to decreases in staff costs, direct costs
(excluding staff labor) and depreciation and amortization. Total staff costs decreased from 58.3% in 2012 to
57.4% in 2013. Direct costs decreased from 24.2% in 2012 to 23.9% in 2013 due to decreased pass-through
costs incurred on the clients’ behalf during 2013 where the agency was acting as principal versus agent for
certain client contracts. Office and general costs increased from 20.9% in 2012 to 21.5% in 2013 on relatively
ﬂat revenue. Depreciation and amortization decreased from 5.0% in 2012 to 4.2% in 2013.

Corporate

Operating costs related to the Company’s Corporate operations increased by $87.9 million to

$128.1 million in 2013, compared to $40.2 million in 2012. This increase was primarily related to increased
compensation and related costs of $89.0 million. The increase in compensation and related costs is due to the
Company’s settlement of its SAR’s in cash resulting in a stock based compensation charge of $78.0 million
and a one-time bonus payment of $9.6 million to our CEO for the Company’s stock price achieving speciﬁed
targets. Increases in beneﬁts and severance costs accounted for the remaining increase. Additional advertising
and promotion costs, occupancy, travel and entertainment, professional fees, and other administrative costs
were offset by the repayment in full of a previously fully reserved loan by the Company’s CEO of
$5.3 million.

Other Income, Net

Other income, net, increased by $2.4 million from income of $0.1 million in 2012 to income of
$2.5 million in 2013. The increase was primarily related to a distribution received in excess of the assets
carrying value of $3.1 million.

27

Foreign Exchange

The foreign exchange loss was $5.5 million for 2013, compared to a loss of $1.0 million recorded in

2012. This unrealized loss was due primarily to the ﬂuctuation in the US dollar during 2013 and 2012
compared to the Canadian dollar relating to the Company’s US dollar denominated intercompany balances
with its Canadian subsidiaries.

Interest Expense and Finance Charges, Net

Interest expense and ﬁnance charges, net for 2013 was $100.6 million, an increase of $54.4 million over
the $46.2 million of interest expense and ﬁnance charges, net incurred during 2012. This increase was due to
the loss paid on the redemption of the Company’s 11% Notes of $55.6 million, offset in part by lower
borrowing costs related to the 6.75% Notes issued to replace those notes.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense in 2012 was $9.6 million compared to a beneﬁt of $4.3 million for 2013. The

Company’s effective rate was substantially lower than the statutory rate in 2013, primarily due to
nondeductible stock-based compensation, an increase in the valuation allowance, offset in part by
noncontrolling interest charges. The Company’s effective tax rate was substantially higher than the statutory
rate in 2012 due to non-deductible stock-based compensation and an increase in the Company’s valuation
allowance, offset in part by noncontrolling 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
noncontrolling 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. In 2013, the

Company recorded income of $0.3 million compared to income of $0.6 million in 2012.

Noncontrolling Interests

The effects of noncontrolling interest was $6.5 million for 2013, a decrease of $0.4 million from the
$6.9 million during 2012. The decrease relates to step-up transactions of entities the Company does not own
100% in both the Strategic Marketing Services and Performance Marketing Service segments.

Discontinued Operations

The loss net of taxes from discontinued operations for 2013 was $11.4 million and $6.7 million in 2012.

Net Loss Attributable to MDC Partners Inc.

As a result of the foregoing, the net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. for 2013 was $148.9 million

or a loss of $3.16 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $85.4 million or $1.85 per diluted share
reported for 2012.

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2011

Revenue was $1.06 billion for the year ended 2012, representing an increase of $129.0 million, or

13.8%, compared to revenue of $934.3 million for the year ended 2011. This increase relates primarily to
acquisition growth of $54.2 million and an increase in organic revenue of $77.3 million. A strengthening of
the US Dollar, primarily versus the Canadian dollar during the year ended December 31, 2012, resulted in a
decrease of $2.5 million.

Operating loss for the year ended 2012 was $15.9 million, compared to operating proﬁts of $10.5 million
in 2011. Operating proﬁt decreased by $24.1 million in the Performance Marketing Services segment, and was
offset by an increase of $1.6 million in the Strategic Marketing Services segment. Corporate operating
expenses increased by $3.9 million in 2012.

Loss from continuing operations was a loss of $71.9 million in 2012, compared to a loss of $74.2 million

in 2011. This increase in loss of $2.3 million was primarily attributable to a decrease in operating proﬁts of

28

$26.4 million resulting from an increase in deferred acquisition consideration of $40.2 million, offset by the
increase in revenue and an increase in net interest expense equal to $4.6 million, offset by the decrease in tax
expense of $32.2 million. The increase in net interest expense was primarily due to higher outstanding
borrowing under the WF Credit Agreement and the Company’s outstanding 11% notes. These amounts were
impacted by a decrease in foreign exchange losses of $0.7 million in 2012 and an increase in equity in
earnings of non-consolidated affiliates of $0.4 million.

Marketing Communications Group

Revenues attributable to the Marketing Communications Group, which consists of two reportable
segments — Strategic Marketing Services and Performance Marketing Services, were $1.06 billion in the
aggregate in 2012, compared to $934.3 million in 2011, representing a year-over-year increase of 13.8%.

The components of the revenue for 2012 are shown in the following table:

Year ended December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Organic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign exchange impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Year ended December 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Revenue

$000’s
$ 934,288
54,198
77,293
(2,514)
$1,063,265

%

5.8%
8.3%
(0.3)%
13.8%

The geographic mix in revenues was relatively consistent between 2012 and 2011 and is demonstrated in

the following table:

US . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Europe and other

2012
81%
14%
5%

2011
80%
16%
4%

The operating proﬁt of the Marketing Communications Group decreased by approximately 48.1% to
$24.3 million in 2012, from $46.7 million in 2011. The decrease in operating proﬁt of $22.4 million was
primarily due to an increase in estimated deferred acquisition consideration adjustments of $40.2 million, an
increase in stock based compensation of $8.6 million and increased depreciation and amortization of
$5.6 million, all due to acquisitions. These amounts were offset by $32.0 million of increased operating proﬁts
driven by the increase in revenue following the Company’s strategic investment spending in 2011. Operating
margins decreased to 2.3% for 2012, compared to 5.0% for 2011. This decrease in operating margin was
primarily related to an increase in office and general expenses as a percentage of revenue from 19.5% in 2011,
to 24.5% in 2012. This increase was primarily due to estimated deferred acquisition consideration adjustments
as a percentage of revenue which increased to 5.0% in 2012 compared to 1.4% in 2011. In addition, total staff
costs increased as a percentage of revenue from 55.2% in 2011, to 59.3% in 2012. Offsetting these increases
was a decrease in reimbursed client related direct costs (excluding staff costs) as a percentage of revenue from
22.8% in 2011, to 16.8% in 2012.

Marketing Communications Businesses

Strategic Marketing Services

Revenues attributable to Strategic Marketing Services in 2012 were $719.4 million, compared to

$608.0 million in 2011. The year-over-year increase of $111.4 million, or 18.3%, was attributable primarily to
organic growth of $74.3 million or 12.2%; and acquisition growth of $38.6 million or 6.4%; these increases
were offset by a foreign exchange translation decrease of $1.6 million due to the strengthening of the
US dollar compared to the Canadian dollar. This organic revenue growth was driven by net new
business wins.

The operating proﬁt of Strategic Marketing Services increased by $1.6 million to $24.1 million in 2012,

from $22.5 million in 2011. Operating margins decreased to 3.3% in 2012 from 3.7% in 2011. The increase in

29

operating proﬁt is primarily related to the increase in revenue. This increase was offset by an increase in
estimated deferred acquisition consideration adjustments of $24.3 million, increased depreciation and
amortization of $4.9 million due to acquisitions, and an increase in stock based compensation of $4.0 million.
The decrease in operating margin was primarily related to an increase in office and general expenses as a
percentage of revenue from 22.7% in 2011 to 26.3% in 2012 due to the increased estimated deferred
acquisition consideration adjustments of 6.6% in 2012 compared to 3.9% in 2011. In addition, total staff costs
as a percentage of revenue increased from 56.2% in 2011 to 59.8% in 2012. Depreciation and amortization
increased as a percentage of revenue from 3.7% during 2011 to 3.8% during 2012. Offsetting this decrease in
margins was a decrease in direct costs (excluding staff costs) as a percentage of revenues from 20.1% of
revenue in 2011, to 13.2% of revenue in 2012.

Performance Marketing Services

Performance Marketing Services generated revenues of $343.9 million for 2012, an increase of
$17.6 million, or 5.4%, compared to revenues of $326.3 million in 2011. The year-over-year increase was
attributable primarily to acquisition growth of $15.6 million, organic revenue growth of $2.0 million, and a
foreign translation decrease of $0.9 million. This organic revenue growth was driven by net new business
wins.

The operating proﬁt of Performance Marketing Services decreased by $24.0 million to $0.2 million in

2012, from an operating proﬁt of $24.2 million in 2011. Operating margins decreased from 7.4% in 2011
compared to an operating margin of 0.1% in 2012. The decrease in operating proﬁt was primarily due to an
increase in estimated deferred acquisition consideration adjustments of $15.9 million and increased stock
based compensation of $4.5 million. This decrease was offset in part by increased revenue. The decrease in
operating margin in 2012 was due primarily to an increase in total staff costs as a percentage of revenue from
53.5% in 2011 to 58.3% in 2012. Office and general expenses as a percentage of revenue increased from
13.5% in 2011 to 20.9% in 2012 due to an increase in estimated deferred acquisition consideration
adjustments as a percentage of revenue of 1.6% in 2012 from a positive net adjustment of 3.2% in 2011, and
an increase in stock based compensation expense of $4.5 million. Offsetting these increases was a decrease in
direct costs (excluding staff costs) as a percentage of revenue from 27.9% in 2011 to 24.2% in 2012.

Corporate

Operating costs related to the Company’s Corporate operations increased by $3.9 million to $40.2 million

in 2012, compared to $36.3 million in 2011. This increase was primarily related to increased compensation
and related costs of $3.6 million. Additional depreciation and amortization and advertising and promotion
costs were offset by decreases in, occupancy, travel and entertainment, professional fees, and other
administrative costs.

Other Expense, Net

Other expense, net, remained consistent at income of $0.1 million.

Foreign Exchange

The foreign exchange loss was $1.0 million for 2012, compared to a loss of $1.7 million recorded in

2011. This unrealized loss was due primarily to the ﬂuctuation in the US dollar during 2012 and 2011
compared to the Canadian dollar relating to the Company’s US dollar denominated intercompany balances
with its Canadian subsidiaries.

Interest Expense and Finance Charges, Net

Interest expense and ﬁnance charges, net for 2012 was $46.2 million, an increase of $4.6 million over the

$41.6 million of interest expense and ﬁnance charges, net incurred during 2011. Interest expense and ﬁnance
charges increased $4.6 million in 2012 due to the additional borrowings under the Company’s WF Credit
Agreement throughout 2012 and an additional $80 million 11% notes issued in December 2012. Interest
income in 2012 was consistent at $0.2 million.

30

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense in 2012 was $9.6 million compared to $41.7 million for 2011. The Company’s
effective tax rate was substantially higher than the statutory rate in 2012 and 2011 due to non-deductible
stock-based compensation and an increase in the Company’s valuation allowance, offset in part by
noncontrolling 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
noncontrolling 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. In 2012, the

Company recorded income of $0.6 million compared to income of $0.2 million in 2011.

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling interest expense was $6.8 million for 2012, a decrease of $1.6 million from the
$8.4 million of noncontrolling interest expense incurred during 2011. The decrease relates to step-up
transactions of entities the Company does not own 100%, both the Strategic Marketing Services and
Performance Marketing Service segments.

Discontinued Operations

The loss net of taxes from discontinued operations for 2012 was $6.7 million and $2.1 million in 2011.

Net Loss Attributable to MDC Partners Inc.

As a result of the foregoing, the net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. for 2012 was $85.4 million or
loss of $1.85 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $84.7 million or $1.94 per diluted share reported for
2011.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

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

Liquidity

Cash and cash equivalents
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Working capital (deﬁcit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash from operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
Cash from (used in) investing activities
. . . . . . . . .
Cash from (used in) ﬁnancing activities
. . . .
Ratio of long-term debt to shareholders’ deﬁcit

2011

2013

2012
(In Thousands, Except for Long-Term
Debt to Shareholders’ Equity Ratio)
$ 60,330
$(226,682)
$ 76,304
$
7,811
$ (31,858)
(5.09)

$ 102,007
$(189,815)
$ 59,299
$ (30,124)
$ 10,492
(2.40)

$
8,096
$(127,888)
$
4,548
$ (30,436)
$ 23,299
(29.76)

As of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, $0.7 million, $2.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively, of

the Company’s 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 WF Credit Agreement by using available cash.

Working Capital

At December 31, 2013, the Company had a working capital deﬁcit of $189.8 million, compared to a
deﬁcit of $226.7 million at December 31, 2012. Working capital deﬁcit decreased by $36.9 million primarily
related to a $51.3 million decrease in short term deferred acquisition consideration. The decrease was
primarily due to timing in the amounts collected from clients, and when paid to suppliers, primarily media
outlets. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had no borrowings under its Credit Agreement. The
Company includes amounts due to noncontrolling interest holders, for their share of proﬁts, in accrued and

31

other liabilities. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company made distributions to these noncontrolling interest
holders of $5.5 million, $7.7 million and $12.3 million, respectively. At December 31, 2013, $5.2 million
remains outstanding to be distributed to noncontrolling interest holders over the next twelve months.

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

from operations and other initiatives, will be sufficient over the next twelve months to adequately fund
working capital deﬁcits should there be a need to do so from time to time, as well as all of the Company’s
obligations including put options and capital expenditures.

Operating Activities

Cash ﬂows provided by continuing operations for 2013 was $62.1 million. This was attributable
primarily to a loss on the redemption of notes of $50.4 million, plus non-cash stock based compensation of
$22.5 million, depreciation and amortization of $47.4 million, and adjustments to deferred acquisition
consideration of $36.1 million, an increase in accounts payable, accruals and other current liabilities of
$29.2 million, a decrease in accounts receivable of $17.6 million, an increase in advanced billings of
$17.6 million and foreign exchange of $3.1 million. This was partially offset by a loss from continuing
operations of $131.0 million, other non-current assets and liabilities of $9.8 million, an increase in prepaid
expenses and other current assets of $7.8 million, deferred income tax of $5.4 million, an increase in
expenditures billable to clients of $4.4 million, and distributions in excess of carrying value of $3.1 million.
Discontinued operations used cash of $2.8 million.

Cash ﬂows provided by continuing operations for 2012 was $80.9 million. This was attributable
primarily to a loss from continuing operations of $71.9 million, plus non-cash stock based compensation of
$32.2 million, depreciation and amortization of $48.0 million, and adjustments to deferred acquisition
consideration of $53.3 million, an increase in accounts payable accruals and other current liabilities of
$66.1 million, deferred income taxes of $8.4 million, an increase in advanced billings of $1.7 million and
foreign exchange of $0.9 million. This was partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable of
$29.9 million, an increase in expenditures billable to clients of $17.2 million, other non-current assets and
liabilities of $7.9 million, an increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $2.2 million and
earnings of non-consolidated affiliates of $0.6 million. Discontinued operations used cash of $4.6 million.

Cash ﬂows provided by continuing operations for 2011 was $5.3 million. This was attributable primarily

to a loss from continuing operations of $74.2 million, plus non-cash stock based compensation of
$23.7 million, depreciation and amortization of $41.8 million, a decrease in expenditures billable to clients of
$15.3 million, deferred income taxes of $40.3 million, and adjustments to deferred acquisition consideration of
$13.5 million. This was partially offset by a decrease in advance billings of $32.5 million, increases in
accounts receivable of $10.9 million, other non-current assets and liabilities of $2.0 million, a decrease in
accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities of $9.6 million, and an increase in prepaid expenses and other
current assets of $0.7 million. Discontinued operations used cash of $0.7 million.

Investing Activities

Cash ﬂows used by investing activities were $30.1 million for 2013, compared with cash ﬂows provided
by investing activities of $7.8 million for 2012, and cash ﬂows used by investing activities of $30.4 million in
2011.

In the year ended December 31, 2013, capital expenditures totaled $19.5 million, of which $12.2 million

was incurred by the Strategic Marketing Services segment, $5.2 million was incurred by the Performance
Marketing Services segment, and $2.1 million was incurred by corporate. These expenditures consisted
primarily of computer equipment, furniture and ﬁxtures, and leasehold improvements.

In the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company paid $11.9 million, net of cash acquired for

acquisitions and $2.7 million for other investments. These outﬂows were offset by $3.8 million of proﬁt
distributions from affiliates, and $0.2 million of proceeds from the sale of assets.

Cash provided by acquisitions during 2012 was $30.9 million, $26.6 million related to acquisition
payments, offset by $57.5 million of cash acquired. The Company also used cash of $2.2 million for other
investments.

32

Expenditures for capital assets in 2012 were equal to $20.3 million. Of this amount, $11.5 million was

incurred by the Strategic Marketing Services segment, $8.4 million was incurred by the Performance
Marketing Services segment. These expenditures consisted primarily of computer equipment, leasehold
improvements, furniture and ﬁxtures, and $0.4 million related to the purchase of Corporate assets. These
outﬂows were offset by $1.3 million in proﬁt distributions.

Cash used in acquisitions during 2011 was $6.8 million, $42.5 million related to acquisition payments,

reduced by $35.8 million of media cash acquired, and $0.1 million related to deferred payments for
acquisitions that closed prior to January 1, 2009. The Company used cash of $4.2 million for other
investments.

Expenditures for capital assets in 2011 were equal to $23.3 million. Of this amount, $11.7 million was

incurred by the Strategic Marketing Services segment, $4.7 million was incurred by the Performance
Marketing Services segment. These expenditures consisted primarily of computer equipment, leasehold
improvements, furniture and ﬁxtures, and $6.9 million related to the purchase of Corporate assets. These
outﬂows were offset by $4.6 million in proﬁt distributions.

In 2013, discontinued operations used minimal cash relating to expenditures for capital assets. In 2012
and 2011, discontinued operations used cash of $2.1 million and $0.7 million relating to investing activities.

Financing Activities

During the year ended December 31, 2013, cash ﬂows used in ﬁnancing activities amounted to

$10.5 million, and consisted of $119.6 million of acquisition related payments, the purchase of treasury shares
for income tax withholding requirements of $13.8 million, distributions to noncontrolling partners of
$5.5 million, payment of dividends of $22.0 million and repayments of long term debt of $2.0 million, offset
by proceeds from the issuance of the 6.75% Notes of $664.1 million, which in turn was offset by the
repayment of the 11% Notes of $425.0 million, and premium paid on redemption of notes of $50.4 million,
deferred ﬁnancing costs of $20.8 million, and bank overdrafts of $4.9 million.

During the year ended December 31, 2012, cash ﬂows used in ﬁnancing activities amounted to

$31.9 million and primarily consisted of $84.8 million of proceeds from the additional 11% Notes issuance,
and bank overdrafts of $26.0 million. These proceeds were offset by acquisition related payments of
$68.7 million, repayments of the revolving credit facility of $38.0 million, dividends paid of $22.0 million,
distributions to noncontrolling shareholders of $7.7 million, purchase of shares of $3.3 million, deferred
ﬁnancing costs of $2.2 million and repayment of long-term debt of $0.7 million

During the year ended December 31, 2011, cash ﬂows provided by ﬁnancing activities amounted to
$23.3 million and primarily consisted of $61.1 million of proceeds from the additional 11% Notes issuance,
proceeds from the WF Credit Agreement of $38.0 million and proceeds for the exercise of stock options of
$1.1 million. These proceeds were offset by repayments from bank overdrafts of $5.7 million, by $3.1 million
of deferred ﬁnancing costs relating to the senior notes and revolving WF Credit Agreement. The proceeds
of the 11% Notes issuance were partially offset by dividends paid of $16.4 million, distributions to
noncontrolling shareholders of $12.3 million, purchase of treasury shares of $4.1 million and repayment of
long-term debt of $1.1 million. In addition, the Company made acquisition related payments of $34.3 million
of which $31.2 million related to earnout and deferred acquisition payments and $3.1 million related to
acquisition of additional equity interests pursuant to put/call option exercises.

Total Debt

6.75% Senior Notes Due 2020

On March 20, 2013, MDC Partners Inc. (‘‘MDC’’) entered into an indenture (the ‘‘Indenture’’) among
MDC, its existing and future restricted subsidiaries that guarantee, or are co-borrowers under or grant liens to
secure, MDC’s senior secured revolving credit agreement (the ‘‘Credit Agreement’’), as guarantors (the
‘‘Guarantors’’) and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, relating to the issuance by MDC of its
6.75% Senior Notes due 2020 (the ‘‘6.75% Notes’’). The 6.75% Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.75% per
annum, accruing from March 20, 2013. Interest is payable semiannually in arrears in cash on April 1 and
October 1 of each year, beginning on October 1, 2013. The 6.75% Notes will mature on April 1, 2020, unless

33

earlier redeemed or repurchased. The Company received net proceeds from the offering of the 6.75% Notes
equal to approximately $537.6 million. The Company used the net proceeds to redeem all of the existing
11% Notes, together with accrued interest, related premiums, fees and expenses and recorded a charge during
the nine months ended September 30, 2013, for loss on redemption of notes of $55.6 million, including write
offs of unamortized original issue premium and debt issuance costs. Remaining proceeds were used for
general corporate purposes.

On November 15, 2013, the Company issued an additional $110 million aggregate principal amount of its
6.75% Notes. The additional notes were issued under the Indenture governing the 6.75% Notes and treated as
a single series with the original 6.75% Notes. The additional notes were sold in a private placement in
reliance on exceptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company received
net proceeds before expenses of $111.9 million, which included an original issue premium of $4.1 million,
and underwriter fees of $2.2 million. The Company used the net proceeds of the offering for general corporate
purposes.

The 6.75% Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by all of MDC’s existing and future

restricted subsidiaries that guarantee, or are co-borrowers under or grant liens to secure, the Credit Agreement.
The 6.75% Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of MDC and rank (i) equally in right of
payment with all of MDC’s or any Guarantor’s existing and future senior indebtedness, (ii) senior in right of
payment to MDC’s or any Guarantor’s existing and future subordinated indebtedness, (iii) effectively
subordinated to all of MDC’s or any Guarantor’s existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the
collateral securing such indebtedness, including the Credit Agreement, and (iv) structurally subordinated to all
existing and future liabilities of MDC’s subsidiaries that are not Guarantors.

MDC may, at its option, redeem the 6.75% Notes in whole at any time or in part from time to time, on

and after April 1, 2016 at a redemption price of 103.375% of the principal amount thereof if redeemed during
the twelve-month period beginning on April 1, 2016, at a redemption price of 101.688% of the principal
amount thereof if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on April 1, 2017 and at a redemption
price of 100% of the principal amount thereof if redeemed on April 1, 2018 and thereafter.

Prior to April 1, 2016, MDC may, at its option, redeem some or all of the 6.75% Notes at a price equal
to 100% of the principal amount of the 6.75% Notes plus a ‘‘make whole’’ premium and accrued and unpaid
interest. MDC may also redeem, at its option, prior to April 1, 2016, up to 35% of the 6.75% Notes with the
proceeds from one or more equity offerings at a redemption price of 106.750% of the principal amount
thereof.

If MDC experiences certain kinds of changes of control (as deﬁned in the Indenture), holders of the
6.75% Notes may require MDC to repurchase any 6.75% Notes held by them at a price equal to 101% of the
principal amount of the 6.75% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, if MDC sells assets under
certain circumstances, it must offer to repurchase the 6.75% Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal
amount of the 6.75% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest.

The Indenture includes covenants that, among other things, restrict MDC’s ability and the ability of its

restricted subsidiaries (as deﬁned in the Indenture) to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; pay
dividends on or redeem or repurchase the capital stock of MDC; make certain types of investments; create
restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts from MDC’s restricted subsidiaries; sell assets;
enter into transactions with affiliates; create liens; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; and consolidate
or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of MDC’s assets to, another person. These covenants are subject
to a number of important limitations and exceptions. The 6.75% Notes are also subject to customary events of
default, including cross-payment default and cross-acceleration provisions.

Redemption of 11% Senior Notes Due 2016

On March 20, 2013, the Company redeemed all of the 11% Senior Notes due 2016.

Revolving Credit Agreement

On March 20, 2013, MDC, Maxxcom Inc. (a subsidiary of MDC) and each of their subsidiaries party
thereto entered into an amended and restated, $225 million senior secured revolving credit agreement due
2018 (the ‘‘Credit Agreement’’) with Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as agent, and the lenders from time

34

to time party thereto. Advances under the Credit Agreement will be used for working capital and general
corporate purposes, in each case pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement. Capitalized terms used in this
section and not otherwise deﬁned have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

Advances under the Credit Agreement bear interest as follows: (a)(i) LIBOR Rate Loans bear interest at
the LIBOR Rate and (ii) Base Rate Loans bear interest at the Base Rate, plus (b) an applicable margin. The
initial applicable margin for borrowing is 1.25% in the case of Base Rate Loans and 2.00% in the case of
LIBOR Rate Loans. In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the Credit Agreement, MDC
is required to pay an unused revolver fee to lenders under the Credit Agreement in respect of unused
commitments thereunder.

The Credit Agreement is guaranteed by substantially all of MDC’s present and future subsidiaries, other
than immaterial subsidiaries and subject to customary exceptions. The Credit Agreement includes covenants
that, among other things, restrict MDC’s ability and the ability of its subsidiaries to incur or guarantee
additional indebtedness; pay dividends on or redeem or repurchase the capital stock of MDC; make certain
types of investments; impose limitations on dividends or other amounts from MDC’s subsidiaries; incur
certain liens, sell or otherwise dispose of certain assets; enter into transactions with affiliates; enter into sale
and leaseback transactions; and consolidate or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of MDC’s assets to,
another person. These covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions. The Credit
Agreement also contains ﬁnancial covenants, including a total leverage ratio, a senior leverage ratio, a ﬁxed
charge coverage ratio and a minimum earnings level (each as more fully described in the Credit Agreement).
The Credit Agreement is also subject to customary events of default.

The foregoing descriptions of the Indenture and the Credit Agreement do not purport to be complete and

are qualiﬁed in their entirety by reference to the full text of the agreements.

Debt excluding the premium on the notes as December 31, 2013 was $661.1 million, an increase of
$229.4 million, compared with $431.7 million outstanding at December 31, 2012. This increase in debt was a
result of the Company’s issuance of its 6.75% Notes offset by the repayment of its 11% Notes. At
December 31, 2013, approximately $220.1 million was available under the Credit Agreement.

The Company is currently in compliance with all of the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement,
and management believes, based on its current ﬁnancial projections, that the Company will be in compliance
with its covenants over the next twelve months.

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

the Company uses the maximum available amount under the Credit Agreement, it will be required to seek
other sources of liquidity. If the Company were unable to ﬁnd these sources of liquidity, 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 Credit Agreement, the Company must comply with certain ﬁnancial covenants including,

among other things, covenants for (i) senior leverage ratio, (ii) total leverage ratio, (iii) ﬁxed charges ratio,
and (iv) minimum earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization, in each case as such term
is speciﬁcally deﬁned in the Credit Agreement. For the period ended December 31, 2013, the Company’s
calculation of each of these covenants, and the speciﬁc requirements under the Credit Agreement, respectively,
were as follows:

Total Senior Leverage Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maximum per covenant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Leverage Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maximum per covenant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed Charges Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minimum per covenant
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minimum per covenant

December 31, 2013
(0.47)
2.00
3.41
5.50
3.11
1.00
$170.3 million
$105 million

35

These ratios are not based on generally accepted accounting principles and are not presented as

alternative measures of operating performance or liquidity. They are presented here to demonstrate compliance
with the covenants in the Company’s Credit Agreement, as non-compliance with such covenants could have a
material adverse effect on the Company.

Disclosure of Contractual Obligations and Other Commercial Commitments

The following table provides a payment schedule of present and future obligations. Management
anticipates that the obligations outstanding at December 31, 2013 will be repaid with new ﬁnancing, equity
offerings and/or cash ﬂow from operations (in thousands):

Contractual Obligations
Indebtedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital lease obligations . . . . . . . .
Operating leases
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest on debt
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred acquisition consideration . .
Other Long-term Liabilities . . . . . .
Total contractual obligations(1) . . . .

Total
$ 660,120
952
265,578
278,438
153,913
18,947
$1,377,948

Payments Due by Period

Less than
1 Year

$

40
427
41,166
44,550
53,041
6,026
$145,250

1 − 3 Years
80
$
525
76,340
89,100
78,624
5,528
$250,197

3 − 5 Years
—
$
—
61,376
89,100
22,248
5,173
$177,897

After
5 Years
$660,000
—
86,696
55,688
—
2,220
$804,604

(1) Pension obligations are not included since payments are not known.

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

December 31, 2013:

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

Total
$ —
$4,884

Payments Due by Period

Less than
1 Year
$ —
4,884

1 − 3 Years
$—
—

3 − 5 Years
$—
—

After
5 Years
$—
—

Commitments

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

$4,884

$4,884

$—

$—

$—

For further detail on MDC’s long-term debt principal and interest payments, see Note 11 Bank Debt and

Long-Term Debt and Convertible Notes and Note 17 Commitments, Contingents and Guarantees of the
Company’s consolidated ﬁnancial statements included in this Form 10-K. See also ‘‘Deferred Acquisition and
Contingent Consideration (Earnouts)’’ and ‘‘Other-Balance Sheet Commitments’’ below.

Capital Resources

At December 31, 2013, the Company had only utilized the Credit Agreement in the form of undrawn

letters of credit of $4.9 million. Cash and undrawn available bank credit facilities to support the Company’s
future cash requirements at December 31, 2012 was approximately $322.1 million.

The Company expects to incur approximately $25 million of capital expenditures in 2014. 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 Credit Agreement. Management
believes that the Company’s cash ﬂow from operations, funds available under the Credit Agreement and other
initiatives will be sufficient to meet its ongoing working capital, capital expenditures and other cash needs
over the next twelve months. If the Company continues to spend capital on future acquisitions, management
expects that the Company may need to obtain additional ﬁnancing in the form of debt and/or equity ﬁnancing.

36

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 ﬁve-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.

Contingent purchase price obligations for acquisitions completed prior to January 1, 2009 are accrued
when the contingency is resolved and payment is certain. Contingent purchase price obligations related to
acquisitions completed subsequent to December 31, 2008 are recorded as liabilities at estimated value and are
remeasured at each reporting period and changes in estimated value are recorded in results of operations. At
December 31, 2013, there was $153.9 million of deferred consideration included in the Company’s balance
sheet.

Other-Balance Sheet Commitments

Media and Production

The Company’s agencies enter into contractual commitments with media providers and agreements with

production companies on behalf of our clients at levels that exceed the revenue from services. Some of our
agencies purchase media for clients and act as an agent for a disclosed principal. These commitments are
included in accounts payable when the media services are delivered by the media providers. MDC takes
precautions against default on payment for these services and has historically had a very low incidence of
default. MDC is still exposed to the risk of signiﬁcant uncollectible receivables from our clients. The risk of a
material loss could signiﬁcantly increase in periods of severe economic downturn.

Put Rights of Subsidiaries’ Noncontrolling 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 2014 to 2019. 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 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, 2013,
perform over the relevant future periods at their 2013 earnings levels, that these rights, if all exercised, could
require the Company, in future periods, to pay an aggregate amount of approximately $17.8 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 $1.3 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 $130.7 million only upon termination of such owner’s employment
with the applicable subsidiary or death. The Company intends to ﬁnance the cash portion of these contingent
payment obligations using available cash from operations, borrowings under the WF Credit Agreement (and
reﬁnancings thereof) and, if necessary, through incurrence of additional debt. The ultimate amount payable and
the incremental 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 $3.1 million of the estimated $17.8 million that the Company would be required to pay
subsidiaries noncontrolling 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 $4.7 million that would be attributable to MDC Partners Inc.

37

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(4)

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018 &
Thereafter

Total

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

Operating income before depreciation
and amortization to be received(2)
Cumulative operating income before

. .

depreciation and amortization(3) . . . .

$2.7
0.4
$3.1

$1.8

$1.8

$4.2
0.4
$4.6

$1.9

$3.7

($ Millions)

$3.7
0.5
$4.2

$0.1

$3.8

$3.9
0.0
$3.9

$0.9

$4.7

$2.0
0.0
$2.0

$0.0

4.7

$16.5
1.3
$17.8(1)

$ 4.7

(1) This amount is in addition to put options only exercisable upon termination or death of $130.7 million

have been recognized in Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests on the Company balance sheet.
(2) This ﬁnancial measure is presented because it is the basis of the calculation used in the underlying
agreements relating to the put rights and is based on actual 2013 operating results. This amount
represents additional amounts to be attributable to MDC Partners Inc., commencing in the year the put is
exercised.

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

be received by the company.

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

of the exercise of the put.

Guarantees

Generally, the Company has indemniﬁed the purchasers of certain assets 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.

Transactions With Related Parties

CEO Services Agreement

On April 25, 2007, the Company entered into a new Management Services Agreement (as amended and
restated on May 6, 2013, the ‘‘Services Agreement’’) with Miles Nadal and with Nadal Management, Inc. to
set forth the terms and conditions on which Miles Nadal will continue to provide services to the Company as
its Chief Executive Officer. The Services Agreement is subject to automatic one-year extensions unless either
party gives to the other a 60-day advance written notice of its intention not to renew. Effective January 1,
2013, the annual retainer amount (base salary) under the Services Agreement was increased to $1,750,000, and
effective January 1, 2014, the annual retainer amount was increased to $1,850,000.

During 2011, 2012 and 2013 and in accordance with this Services Agreement, Mr. Nadal repaid an

amount equal to $0.1 million, $0.5 million and $5.4 million of loans due to the Company. As of April 26,
2013, Mr. Nadal has repaid and satisﬁed in full the remaining principal balance of all previously outstanding
loans made by the Company to Mr. Nadal and his affiliates. After giving effect to this ﬁnal repayment by
Mr. Nadal to the Company, there is currently $0 remaining due and owing to the Company in respect of all
prior loans. For further information, see Note 16 Related Party Transactions.

38

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
Company’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
(C$0.20/unit). In 2003, the Company and the CEO exchanged their units in Trapeze for non-voting shares and
entered into a voting trust agreement.

During 2013 and 2011, an MDC Partner ﬁrm provided services to Trapeze in exchange for fees equal to
$0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively. Trapeze did not provide any services to MDC nor its partner ﬁrms
in the three years ended December 31, 2013.

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 herein 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
including goodwill, intangible assets, redeemable noncontrolling interests, and deferred acquisition
consideration, valuation allowances for receivables and deferred income tax assets and stock based
compensation as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. 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 circumstances. 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 as required by the Revenue
Recognition topics of the FASB Accounting Standards Codiﬁcation. 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. 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 records revenue net of state taxes, when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, 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.

The Company recognizes the incentive portion of revenue under these arrangements when speciﬁc
quantitative goals are assured, 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. In the majority of the Company’s businesses, the Company acts as an agent and records revenue
equal to the net amount retained, when the fee or commission is earned. In certain arrangements, the
Company acts as principal and contracts directly with suppliers for third party media and production costs. In
these arrangements, revenue is recorded at the gross amount billed. Additional information about our revenue
recognition policy appears in Note 2 to our consolidated ﬁnancial statements.

Acquisitions, Goodwill and Other Intangibles. A fair value approach is used in testing goodwill for

impairment to determine if an other than temporary impairment has occurred. One approach utilized to

39

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. As of
December 31, 2013, there were no reporting units at risk of failing step one of the Company’s annual
goodwill impairment test.

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
customer 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.

Business Combinations. Valuation of acquired companies are based on a number of factors, including
specialized know-how, reputation, competitive position and service offerings. Our acquisition strategy has been
to focus on acquiring the expertise of an assembled workforce in order to continue building upon the core
capabilities of our various strategic business platforms to better serve our clients. Consistent with our
acquisition strategy and past practice of acquiring a majority ownership position, most acquisitions completed
after 2010 include an initial payment at the time of closing and provide for future additional contingent
purchase price payments. Contingent payments for these transactions, as well as certain acquisitions completed
in prior years, are derived using the performance of the acquired entity and are based on pre-determined
formulas. Contingent purchase price obligations for acquisitions completed prior to January 1, 2009 are
accrued when the contingency is resolved and payment is certain. Contingent purchase price obligations
related to acquisitions completed subsequent to December 31, 2008 are recorded as liabilities at estimated
value and are remeasured at each reporting period. Changes in estimated value are recorded in results of
operations. In addition, certain acquisitions also include put/call obligations for additional equity ownership
interests. The estimated value of these interests are recorded as redeemable noncontrolling interests. As of
January 1, 2009, the Company expenses acquisition related costs in accordance with the Accounting
Standard’s Codiﬁcation’s guidance on acquisition accounting.

For each of our acquisitions, we undertake a detailed review to identify other intangible assets and a

valuation is performed for all such identiﬁed assets. We use several market participant measurements to
determine estimated value. This approach includes consideration of similar and recent transactions, as well as
utilizing discounted expected cash ﬂow methodologies. Like most service businesses, a substantial portion of
the intangible asset value that we acquire is the specialized know-how of the workforce, which is treated as
part of goodwill and is not required to be valued separately. The majority of the value of the identiﬁable
intangible assets that we acquire is derived from customer relationships, including the related customer
contracts, as well as trade names. In executing our acquisition strategy, one of the primary drivers in
identifying and executing a speciﬁc transaction is the existence of, or the ability to, expand our existing client
relationships. The expected beneﬁts of our acquisitions are typically shared across multiple agencies and
regions.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest. 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 arrangement 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 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 through the date of
exercise, etc.

40

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.

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.

Interest Expense.

Interest expense primarily consists of the cost of borrowing on the revolving

WF Credit Agreement and the 6.75% Notes. The Company uses the effective interest method to amortize the
original issue discount and original issue premium on the 6.75% Notes. The Company amortizes deferred
ﬁnancing costs using the effective interest method over the life of the 6.75% Notes and straight line over the
life of the revolving WF Credit Agreement.

Stock-based Compensation. The fair value method is applied to all awards granted, modiﬁed or settled.
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.

The Company treats beneﬁts paid by shareholders to employees as a stock based compensation charge

with a corresponding credit to additional paid-in capital.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Information regarding new accounting guidance can be found in Note 18 to 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 and impairment

risk.

Debt Instruments: At December 31, 2013, the Company’s debt obligations consisted of the 6.75%
Notes. 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 6.75% Notes bear interest at a ﬁxed rate. 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. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had no borrowings on the revolving Credit
Agreement. Given that there were no borrowings at December 31, 2013, a 1% increase in the weighted
average interest rate, which was 4.5% at December 31, 2013, would have no interest impact.

Foreign Exchange: The Company conducts business in six currencies, the US dollar, the Canadian
dollar, the Euro, Jamaican dollar, the British Pound, the Swedish Krona, and the Chinese Renminbi. 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. Intercompany debt which
is not intended to be repaid is included in cumulative translation adjustments. Translation of intercompany
debt, which is not intended to be repaid, is included in cumulative translation adjustments. Translation of

41

current intercompany balances are included in net earnings. The Company generally does not enter into
foreign currency forward exchange contracts or other derivative ﬁnancial instruments to hedge the effects of
adverse ﬂuctuations 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
impact to the Company’s ﬁnancial statements would be approximately $1.7 million.

Impairment Risk: At December 31, 2013, the Company had goodwill of $744.3 million and other
intangible assets of $56.3 million. The Company will assess the net realizable value of the goodwill and other
intangible assets on a regular basis, but at least annually, to determine if the Company incurs any declines in
the value of our capital investment. While the Company did not experience impairment during the year ended
December 31, 2013, the Company may incur impairment charges in future periods.

42

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

MDC PARTNERS INC.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Financial Statements:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2013 . . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2013 . . .

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2013 . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Deﬁcit) for the Three Years Ended December 31,

2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

Page

44

45

46

47

48

50

55

Financial Statement Schedules:

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2013 . .

101

43

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

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

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of MDC Partners Inc. as of December 31,
2013 and 2012 and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, shareholders’ equity
(deﬁcit), and cash ﬂows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013. 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
assurance 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. at December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of its operations
and its cash ﬂows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013, 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. internal control over ﬁnancial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based
on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in 1992 and our report dated March 10, 2014 expressed
an unqualiﬁed opinion thereon.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP
New York, New York
March 10, 2014

44

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

Revenue:

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

$ 1,148,881

$ 1,063,265

$

934,288

Years Ended December 31,
2012

2011

2013

Operating Expenses:

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

Operating Proﬁt (loss)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other Income (Expenses)

Other income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign exchange loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense and ﬁnance charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on redemption of Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and

equity in affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense (recovery) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss from continuing operations before equity in

affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates . . . . . . . .
Loss from continuing operations
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to

MDC Partners Inc., net of taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income attributable to the non-controlling interests . . .
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Loss Per Common Share:
Basic and diluted

Loss from continuing operations attributable to

754,494
386,779
39,600
1,180,873
(31,992)

733,800
299,599
45,792
1,079,191
(15,926)

2,531
(5,537)
(45,234)
(55,588)
230
(103,598)

(135,590)
(4,291)

(131,299)
281
(131,018)

(11,384)
(142,402)
(6,461)
$ (148,863)

$

117
(976)
(46,571)
—
381
(47,049)

(62,975)
9,553

(72,528)
633
(71,895)

(6,681)
(78,576)
(6,863)
(85,439)

$

666,718
217,428
39,661
923,807
10,481

116
(1,677)
(41,922)
—
361
(43,122)

(32,641)
41,735

(74,376)
213
(74,163)

(2,082)
(76,245)
(8,429)
(84,674)

MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders . . . . . . . . .

$

(2.92)

$

(1.71)

$

(1.89)

Discontinued operations attributable to MDC Partners

Inc. common shareholders

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(0.24)

(0.14)

(0.05)

Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common

shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

(3.16)

$

(1.85)

$

(1.94)

Weighted Average Number of Common Shares

Outstanding:
Basic and diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stock based compensation expense is included in the

following line items above:

47,108,406

46,090,159

43,680,560

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

$

$

7,222
93,183
100,405

$

$

4,762
27,435
32,197

$

$

1,333
22,324
23,657

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

45

MDC PARTNERS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Thousands of United States Dollars)

Years Ended December 31,
2012

2011

2013

Comprehensive Loss
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$(142,402)

$(78,576)

$(76,245)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency cumulative translation adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . .
Beneﬁt plan adjustment, net of income taxes of $1,112 for 2013 . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive loss for the year
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
Comprehensive loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.

(299)
6,936
6,637
(135,765)
(6,450)
$(142,215)

2,548
(5,329)
(2,781)
(81,357)
(6,467)
$(87,824)

504
—
504
(75,741)
(8,435)
$(84,176)

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

46

MDC PARTNERS INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Thousands of United States Dollars)

December 31,

2013

2012

Current Assets:

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 102,007
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,011

309,796
and $1,581 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
63,246
Expenditures billable to clients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25,458
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current assets
500,507
Total Current Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
52,071
Fixed assets, net
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
275
Investment in affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
744,333
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill
56,262
Other intangible assets, net
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21,131
Deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets
50,648
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,425,227
Total Assets

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

Current Liabilities:

Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 246,694
240,580
Accrued and other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
149,540
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Advance billings, net
Current portion of long-term debt
467
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
53,041
Deferred acquisition consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
690,322
Total Current Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
664,661
Long-term debt
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
100,872
Long-term portion of deferred acquisition consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34,430
Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
63,020
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred tax liabilities
1,553,305
Total Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
148,534
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees (Note 17)

$

60,330

326,087
58,842
16,892
462,151
52,914
—
720,071
63,243
9,332
37,234
$1,344,945

$ 234,324
216,418
131,908
1,858
104,325
688,833
429,845
92,121
47,985
53,018
1,311,802
117,953

Shareholders’ Deﬁcit:

Preferred shares, unlimited authorized, none issued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Class A Shares, no par value, unlimited authorized, 49,092,427 and 46,611,252

—

—

shares issued and outstanding in 2013 and 2012, respectively . . . . . . . . . . . .

262,655

253,869

Class B Shares, no par value, unlimited authorized, 3,755 issued and
outstanding in 2013 and 2012, respectively, convertible into one
Class A share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shares to be issued, 42,000 shares, issued and outstanding in 2013 and 2012 . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional paid-in capital
Charges in excess of capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated deﬁcit
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock subscription receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MDC Partners Inc. Shareholders’ Deﬁcit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noncontrolling Interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Shareholders’ Deﬁcit
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Shareholders’ Deﬁcit

1
424
—
(126,352)
(465,576)
(55)
(797)
(329,700)
53,088
(276,612)
. . $1,425,227

1
424
—
(72,913)
(316,713)
(55)
(7,445)
(142,832)
58,022
(84,810)
$1,344,945

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

47

MDC PARTNERS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Thousands of United States Dollars)

Cash ﬂows from operating activities:

Net Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss from discontinued operations
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$(142,402)
(11,384)
(131,018)

$(78,576)
(6,681)
(71,895)

$(76,245)
(2,082)
(74,163)

Years Ended December 31,
2012

2011

2013

Adjustments to reconcile loss from continuing operations to cash

provided by operating activities:

Non-cash stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of intangibles
Amortization of deferred ﬁnance charges and debt discount . . .
Adjustment to deferred acquisition consideration . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on redemption of Notes
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings of non consolidated affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distributions in excess of carrying value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other and non-current assets and liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Increase/decrease in operating assets and liabilities

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

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash ﬂows from investing activities:

Capital expenditures
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from sale of assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proﬁt distributions from affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash ﬂows provided by (used in) continuing investing activities . . .
Discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities . . . . . . . . .

22,438
19,645
19,955
7,762
36,143
50,385
(5,427)
—
(281)
(3,058)
(9,835)
3,091

17,644
(4,404)
(7,807)
29,227
17,632
62,092
(2,793)
59,299

(19,549)
239
(11,872)
3,761
(2,692)
(30,113)
(11)
(30,124)

32,197
18,758
27,034
2,249
53,305
—
8,422
—
(633)
—
(7,897)
895

(29,901)
(17,151)
(2,213)
66,092
1,667
80,929
(4,626)
76,303

(20,296)
51
30,993
1,288
(2,198)
9,838
(2,027)
7,811

23,657
17,603
22,058
2,175
13,550
—
40,284
75
(213)
—
(1,962)
687

(10,938)
15,315
(699)
(9,648)
(32,491)
5,290
(742)
4,548

(23,295)
22
(6,790)
4,584
(4,232)
(29,711)
(725)
(30,436)

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

48

MDC PARTNERS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Thousands of United States Dollars) − (continued)

Cash ﬂows from ﬁnancing activities:

Proceeds from issuance of 6.75% Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repayment of 11% Notes
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from issuance of 11% Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds (repayments) of revolving credit facility . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition related payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bank overdraft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distributions to noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from exercise of options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments of dividends
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repayment of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Premium paid on redemption of Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred ﬁnancing costs
Proceeds from stock subscription receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchase of shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other
Cash ﬂows provided by (used in) continuing ﬁnancing activities . . .
Discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash provided by (used in) ﬁnancing activities . . . . . . . . .
. . . .
. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Years Ended December 31,
2012

2011

2013

664,125
(425,000)
—
—
(119,572)
4,976
(5,525)
—
(22,047)
(2,009)
(50,385)
(20,815)
—
(13,817)
561
10,492
—
10,492
2,010
41,677
60,330
$ 102,007

—
—
84,800
(38,032)
(68,725)
25,986
(7,673)
28
(22,030)
(653)
—
(2,232)
—
(3,327)
—
(31,858)
—
(31,858)
(22)
52,234
8,096
$ 60,330

—
—
61,050
38,032
(34,287)
(5,676)
(12,264)
1,086
(16,436)
(1,112)
—
(3,053)
80
(4,121)
—
23,299
—
23,299
(264)
(2,853)
10,949
$ 8,096

Supplemental disclosures:

Cash income taxes paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash interest paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$
919
$ 38,727

$ 1,236
$ 41,094

$
240
$ 37,497

Non-cash transactions:

Capital leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note receivable exchanged for shares of subsidiary . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$
$
$

595

$
— $

431
888
$ 1,041

1,793

$
682
$ 1,098
$ 5,456

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

49

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54

MDC PARTNERS INC.
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’’).

Effective December 2013, two of the Company’s subsidiaries and an operating division have been

deemed discontinued operations. All periods have been restated to reﬂect the discontinued operation. For
further information see Note 10 ‘‘Discontinued Operations.’’

Effective November 29, 2013, the Company effected a 3 for 2 stock split, accordingly all share amounts

and per share amounts have been adjusted accordingly.

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, Europe, 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 that are not considered variable
interest entities, and variable interest entities for which the Company is the primary beneﬁciary. Intercompany
balances and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.

Use of Estimates. The preparation of ﬁnancial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires

management 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 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. The Company applies the fair value measurement guidance of Codiﬁcation Topic 820, Fair
Value Measurements and Disclosure for ﬁnancial assets and liabilities that are required to be measured at fair
value and for nonﬁnancial assets and liabilities that are not required to be measured at fair value on a
recurring basis, including goodwill and other identiﬁable intangible assets. The measurement of fair value
requires the use of techniques based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reﬂect market
data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reﬂect our market assumptions. The inputs
create the following fair value hierarchy:

•

•

•

Level 1 — Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2 — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or
similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations where inputs are
observable or where signiﬁcant value drivers are observable.

Level 3 — Instruments where signiﬁcant value drivers are unobservable to third parties.

55

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

2. Signiﬁcant Accounting Policies − (continued)

When available, quoted market prices are used to determine the fair value of our ﬁnancial instruments
and classify such items in Level 1. In some cases, quoted market prices are used for similar instruments in
active markets and classify such items in Level 2.

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. No client accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated accounts
receivable as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. No clients accounted for 10% of revenue in each of the years
ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

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, 2013 and 2012 was $44 and $47, respectively, of cash restricted as
to withdrawal pursuant to a collateral agreement and a customer’s contractual requirement.

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
customer 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. Computers, furniture and

ﬁxtures are depreciated on a straight-line basis over periods of 3 to 7 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 the FASB Accounting Standards Codiﬁcation

topic, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets, a long-lived asset or asset group is
tested for recoverability 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% 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 noncontrolling 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 a 50% undivided interest in a real estate joint venture. In 2013, the Company recorded a
distribution of $3,096 from this real estate joint venture, of which $3,058 was in excess of the Company’s

56

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

2. Signiﬁcant Accounting Policies − (continued)

carrying amount and has been recorded as a gain in equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates. 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 are 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 is
included in Other Assets on the balance sheet, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $12,452 and $10,733,
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 condition and
prospects of the investee, as well as the Company’s investment intent.

Goodwill and Indeﬁnite Lived Intangible.

In accordance with the FASB Accounting Standards

Codiﬁcation topic, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, 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 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 determination 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 multiples 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 the FASB Accounting Standards Codiﬁcation topic, Business Combinations. The residual fair
value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill.

The fair value of a reporting unit was estimated using a combination of the income approach, which

incorporates the use of the discounted cash ﬂow method.

Impairment losses, where applicable, will be charged to operating proﬁt. The Company 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, 2013 and 2012, there was no impairment of
goodwill and no reporting units were at risk of failing step one of the Company’s annual impairment test.

Deﬁnite Lived Intangible Assets.

In accordance with the FASB Accounting Standards Codiﬁcation,

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 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
connection 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

57

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

2. Signiﬁcant Accounting Policies − (continued)

in the ﬁnancial statements or income for ﬁnancial statement purposes in excess of the amount for tax
purposes. The effect of changes in tax rates is recognized in the period the rate change is enacted.

Business Combinations. Valuation of acquired companies are based on a number of factors, including

specialized know-how, reputation, competitive position and service offerings. The Company’s acquisition
strategy has been focused on acquiring the expertise of an assembled workforce in order to continue to build
upon the core capabilities of its various strategic business platforms to better serve the Company’s clients.
Consistent with the acquisition strategy and past practice of acquiring a majority ownership position, most
acquisitions completed after 2010 included an initial payment at the time of closing and provide for future
additional contingent purchase price payments. Contingent payments for these transactions, as well as certain
acquisitions completed in prior years, are derived using the performance of the acquired entity and are based
on pre-determined formulas. Contingent purchase price obligations for acquisitions completed prior to
January 1, 2009 are accrued when the contingency is resolved and payment is certain. Contingent purchase
price obligations related to acquisitions completed subsequent to December 31, 2008 are recorded as liabilities
at estimated value and are remeasured at each reporting period and changes in estimated value are recorded in
results of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, $35,914, $53,027 and $12,849,
respectively, related to changes in estimated value was recorded as operating expenses. In addition, certain
acquisitions also include put/call obligations for additional equity ownership interests. The estimated value of
these interests are recorded as Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests. As of January 1, 2009, the Company
expenses acquisition related costs in accordance with the Accounting Standard’s Codiﬁcation’s guidance on
acquisition accounting. For the year ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 $2,074, $3,364 and $3,819,
respectively, of acquisition related costs were charged to operations.

For each of the Company’s acquisitions, we undertake a detailed review to identify other intangible assets
and a valuation is performed for all such identiﬁed assets. We use several market participant measurements to
determine estimated value. This approach includes consideration of similar and recent transactions, as well as
utilizing discounted expected cash ﬂow methodologies. Like most service businesses, a substantial portion of
the intangible asset value that we acquire is the specialized know-how of the workforce, which is treated as
part of goodwill and is not required to be valued separately. The majority of the value of the identiﬁable
intangible assets acquired is derived from customer relationships, including the related customer contracts, as
well as trade names. In executing the Company’s acquisition strategy, one of the primary drivers in identifying
and executing a speciﬁc transaction is the existence of, or the ability to, expand existing client relationships.
The expected beneﬁts of the Company’s acquisitions are typically shared across multiple agencies and regions.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest. 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 arrangement 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 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 through the date of
exercise, etc. as described in Note 17.

The Company has recorded its put options as mezzanine equity at their current estimated redemption
amounts. The Company accrues changes in the redemption amounts over the period from the date of issuance
to the earliest redemption date of the put options. The Company accounts for the put options with a charge to
noncontrolling interests to reﬂect the excess, if any, of the estimated exercise price over the estimated fair
value of the noncontrolling interest shares at the date of the option being exercised. For the three years ended
December 31, 2013, there has been no charges to noncontrolling interests. Changes in the estimated
redemption amounts of the put options are adjusted at each reporting period with a corresponding adjustment
to equity. These adjustments will not impact the calculation of earnings (loss) per share.

The following table presents changes in Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests.

58

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

2. Signiﬁcant Accounting Policies − (continued)

Beginning Balance as of January 1,

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Redemptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changes in redemption value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Currency translation adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ending Balance as of December 31,

Years Ended December 31,
2012
$107,432
(16,712)
4,189
22,912
132
$117,953

2013
$117,953
(4,270)
—
35,689
(838)
$148,534

2011
$ 77,560
(9,068)
15,318
24,532
(910)
$107,432

Variable Interest Entity. Effective March 28, 2012, MDC invested in Doner Partners LLC (‘‘Doner’’)
(see Note 4), and has determined that this entity is a variable interest entity (‘‘VIE’’) and is consolidated for
the year ended December 31, 2012. The Company acquired a 30% voting interest and convertible preferred
interests that allow the Company to increase ordinary voting ownership to 70% at MDC’s option. Doner is a
full service integrated creative agency that is included as part of our portfolio in the Strategic Marketing
Services Segment. The Company’s WF Credit Agreement (see Note 11) is guaranteed and secured by all of
Doner’s assets.

The Company has determined that it is the primary beneﬁciary because MDC receives a disproportionate

share of proﬁts and losses as compared to the Company’s ownership percentage. Total assets and total
liabilities of Doner included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013 were
$224,964 and $179,501 respectively.

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
guarantees is not signiﬁcant. (See Note 17.)

Revenue Recognition. The Company’s revenue recognition policies are as required by the Revenue
Recognition topics of the FASB Accounting Standards Codiﬁcation, 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. The Company follows the Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables topic of
the FASB Accounting Standards Codiﬁcation issued. This topic addresses certain aspects of the accounting by
a vendor for arrangements 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.
The Company also follows the topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codiﬁcation. Reporting Revenue
Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent. 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
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.

59

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

2. Signiﬁcant Accounting Policies − (continued)

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

customer arrangement. 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
recognized 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 a limited number of 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.

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
incentive 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 assured, 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 ﬁxed assets.

Interest Expense.

Interest expense primarily consists of the cost of borrowing on the Credit Agreement
and the 6.75% Notes. The Company uses the effective interest method to amortize the original issue premium
on the 6.75% Notes and straightline over the life of the Credit Agreement.

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 additional paid-in capital when compensation costs were charged against income or
acquisition consideration.

The 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 determine the term of the award due to the fact that historical share option exercise experience does not
provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the expected term.

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 (expense) 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 income 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
compensation 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.

For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company did not issue any stock options or

similar awards.

During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company issued Equity Value Appreciation Awards to its

employees. During 2013, these awards resulted in the issuance of up to 1,917,000 restricted stock units and
restricted stock shares. The Company measured the fair value of these awards using a lattice based model
(Monte Carlo) on the date of grant. The Company used the following assumptions in calculating the fair value

60

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

2. Signiﬁcant Accounting Policies − (continued)

under the lattice model; risk free rate 1.2%, volatility 31.7%, time to maturity 2.93 years, the weighted
average fair value of the awards granted was $9.37.

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.

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 fair value at the grant
date for performance based awards granted in 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $2,699, $9,838 and $20,188,
respectively.

The Company treats beneﬁts paid by shareholders to employees as a stock based compensation charge

with a corresponding credit to additional paid-in capital.

For the year ended December 31, 2013, included in stock based compensation is a charge of $77,967

relating to the cash settlement of the outstanding Stock Appreciation Rights (‘‘SAR’s’’).

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 $6,450, $4,090 and $2,356 for the years ended December 31,
2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company also has a deﬁned beneﬁt plan. See Note 19.

Loss per Common Share. Basic loss 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 loss 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.

Subsidiary and Affıliate Stock Transactions.

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codiﬁcation

Topic on Business combinations, effective January 1, 2009, transactions involving purchases, sales or
issuances of stock of a subsidiary where control is maintained are recorded as an increase or decrease in
additional paid-in capital. In transactions involving subsidiary stock where control is lost, gains and losses are
recorded in results of operations. Gains and losses from transactions involving stock of an affiliate are
recorded in results of operations until control is achieved.

Foreign Currency Translation. The Company’s ﬁnancial statements were prepared in accordance with
the requirements of the Foreign Currency Translation topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codiﬁcation.
The functional currency of the Company is the Canadian dollar and it has decided to use US dollars as its
reporting currency for consolidated reporting purposes. All of the Company’s subsidiaries use their local
currency as their functional currency. 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. Translation of intercompany debt, which
is not intended to be repaid, is included in cumulative translation adjustments. 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. Translation of
current intercompany balances are included in net earnings. 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

61

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

2. Signiﬁcant Accounting Policies − (continued)

are of a long-term nature (that is settlement is not planned or anticipated in the future) are included as
cumulative translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Derivative Financial Instruments. The Company follows Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities. Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codiﬁcation establishes accounting and reporting
standards requiring that every derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in
other contracts 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 qualiﬁes 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.

3. Loss per Common Share

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

continuing operations for the years ended December 31:

Numerator
Numerator for diluted loss per common share − loss
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

from continuing operations

Net income attributable to the noncontrolling

2013

2012

2011

$ (131,018)

$

(71,895)

$

(74,163)

interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6,461)

(6,863)

(8,429)

Loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common

shareholders from continuing operations

. . . . . .
Effect of dilutive securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Numerator for diluted income per common

share − loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.
common shareholders from continuing
operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Denominator
Denominator for basic loss per common

(137,479)
—

(78,758)
—

(82,592)
—

$ (137,479)

$

(78,758)

$

(82,592)

share − weighted average common shares

. . . . .

47,108,406

46,090,159

43,680,560

Effect of dilutive securities:
Dilutive potential common shares . . . . . . . . . . .
Denominator for diluted loss per common

share − adjusted weighted shares and assumed
conversions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Basic and diluted loss per common share from

—

—

—

47,108,406

46,090,159

43,680,560

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

$

(2.92)

$

(1.71)

$

(1.89)

62

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

3. Loss per Common Share − (continued)

At December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, warrants, options and other rights to purchase, 1,488,958,

6,115,863 and 7,817,502 shares of common stock, respectively, were not included in the computation of
diluted loss per common share because doing so would have had an antidilutive effect.

4. Acquisitions

Pro forma ﬁnancial information has not been presented for 2013 acquisitions noted below since they did

not have a material effect on the Company’s operating results. Included in the Company’s consolidated
statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 was revenue of $3,669, and net income of
$286, related to 2013 acquisitions. The Company assumed cash of $637, accounts receivable of $3,364, and
accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $1,517 as of the acquisition dates.

2013 Acquisitions

During the fourth quarter, the Company acquired a 70% interest in Local Biz Now LLC (‘‘LBN’’). The

acquisition of LBN allows MDC to participate in the online local search market. LBN is in the Company’s
Performance Marketing Services segment. During the year, the Company also entered into various immaterial
transactions with certain majority owned entities.

The aggregate purchase price has an estimated present value at acquisition date of $38,202 and consisted
of total closing cash payments of $12,000, and additional contingent deferred acquisition consideration that are
based on the ﬁnancial results of the underlying businesses from 2013 to 2017 with ﬁnal payments due in 2018
that have an estimated present value at acquisition date of $26,202. An allocation of excess purchase price
consideration of these acquisitions to the fair value of the net assets acquired resulted in identiﬁable
intangibles of $10,835 consisting primarily of customer lists, a technology asset, and covenants not to
compete, and goodwill of $35,956 representing the value of the assembled workforce. The identiﬁed assets
will be amortized over a ﬁve to six year period in a manner represented by the pattern in which the economic
beneﬁts of the customer contracts/relationships are realized. In addition, the Company has recorded $11,090 as
the present value of noncontrolling interest. The intangibles and goodwill of $46,791 are tax deductible.

The actual adjustments that the Company will ultimately make in ﬁnalizing the allocation of purchase

price to fair value of the net assets acquired will depend on a number of factors.

2012 Acquisitions

During 2012, the Company completed a number of transactions. Effective March 28, 2012, MDC
invested in Doner Partners LLC (‘‘Doner’’). The Company acquired a 30% voting interest and a convertible
preferred interest that allows the Company to increase its ordinary voting ownership to 70% at MDC’s option,
at no additional cost to the Company. Doner is a full service integrated creative agency. In addition, the
Company acquired a 70% interest in TargetCast LLC (‘‘TargetCast’’). TargetCast is a full service media
agency that expands our media strategy and activation offerings. The Company acquired a 51% interest in
Dotbox LLC (‘‘Dotbox’’), and subsequently acquired the remaining 49% of the equity interests in Dotbox.
The Dotbox acquisition forms the foundation for a potential e-commerce solution within the network. Doner
and Dotbox were included in the Company’s Strategic Marketing Services segment, while TargetCast was
included in the Company’s Performance Marketing Group segment. During the year, the Company also
entered into various immaterial transactions with certain majority owned entities.

The aggregate purchase price for these transactions had an estimated present value at acquisition date of

$99,299 and consisted of total closing cash payments of $23,471, and additional contingent deferred
acquisition consideration that are based on the ﬁnancial results of the underlying businesses from 2012 to
2018 with ﬁnal payments due in 2018 that have an estimated present value at acquisition date of $67,812.
During 2012, the Company paid $8,016 relating to a working capital payment. An allocation of excess
purchase price consideration of these acquisitions to the fair value of the net assets acquired resulted in
identiﬁable intangibles of $31,968 consisting primarily of customer lists and covenants not to compete, and

63

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

4. Acquisitions − (continued)

goodwill of $113,404 representing the value of the assembled workforce. The identiﬁed assets will be
amortized over a ﬁve to ten year period in a manner represented by the pattern in which the economic beneﬁts
of the customer contracts/relationships are realized. In addition, the Company has recorded $18,501 as the
present value of noncontrolling interest. The intangibles and goodwill of $145,372 are tax deductible.
In connection with the step transactions, the Company also recorded an entry of $197 to reduce short term
noncontrolling interest included in accrued and other liabilities, decrease redeemable noncontrolling interest by
$12,523 and offset additional paid-in-capital by $13,920.

2011 Acquisitions

During 2011, the Company completed a number of acquisitions. The Company, through a wholly-owned
subsidiary, acquired substantially all of the assets of RJ Palmer LLC and a 75% interest in Trade X Partners
LLC (‘‘Trade X’’). These acquisitions expand the Company’s portfolio with another full service media buying
agency as well as provide corporate bartering services to clients and are included in the Performance
Marketing Services segment. The Company also entered into a transaction through its subsidiary Kwittken PR
LLC (‘‘Kwittken’’) which acquired 100% of Epoch PR Limited. Epoch is a communications and PR agency
and expands Kwittken’s capabilities to London and is included in the Strategic Marketing Services segment.
The Company also acquired a 51% interest in AIC Publishing Services LP (‘‘AIC’’). The Company, through a
wholly-owned subsidiary, purchased a 70% interest in Concentric Partners, LLC (‘‘Concentric’’) and a 65%
interest in Laird + Partners, New York LLC (‘‘Laird’’). The Concentric acquisition serves as the foundation of
the Company’s healthcare platform. The Laird acquisition increases the Company’s positioning in the luxury
goods and retail marketplace. Concentric and Laird are now included in the Company’s Strategic Marketing
Services segment. The Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, purchased 60% of the total outstanding
membership interests in Anomaly Partners, LLC (‘‘Anomaly’’). This acquisition expands the Company’s
portfolio with another creatively driven agency brand with an international presence. Anomaly is now included
in the Company’s Strategic Marketing Services segment. The Company also completed a number of
immaterial transactions with certain majority owned entities.

The aggregate purchase price for these transactions has an estimated present value at acquisition date

of $107,575 and consisted of total closing cash payments of $44,953, and additional contingent deferred
acquisition consideration, that are based on actual ﬁnancial results of the underlying businesses from 2011 to
2016 with ﬁnal payments due in 2017 with an estimated present value at acquisition date of $62,622. During
2011, the Company paid $2,426 of working capital payments. An allocation of the excess purchase
consideration of these acquisitions to the fair value of the net assets acquired resulted in identiﬁable
intangibles of $13,639 consisting primarily of customer lists and covenants not to compete, and goodwill of
$85,463 representing the value of assembled workforce. The identiﬁed intangible assets will be amortized
from a ﬁve to eight year period in a manner represented by the pattern in which the economic beneﬁts of the
customer contracts/relationships are realized. The intangibles and goodwill of $96,829 are tax deductible. In
addition, the Company has recorded $14,172, the present value of redeemable noncontrolling interest in
relation to Anomaly, Laird, and Trade X. Also, the Company has recorded $6,706, the present value of
noncontrolling interest in relation to AIC and Concentric. The founder of Trade X and remaining principals at
Anomaly and Laird have the put option rights only upon termination without cause, disability, or death. In
relation to the step up transactions, the Company also recorded an entry to reduce redeemable noncontrolling
interest by $7,922 and additional paid-in-capital of $7,475.

64

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

4. Acquisitions − (continued)

Noncontrolling Interests

Changes in the Company’s ownership interests in our less than 100% owned subsidiaries during the

three years ended December 31, 2013 were as follows:

Net Loss Attributable to MDC Partners Inc. and
Transfers (to) from the Noncontrolling Interest

Net Loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.
Transfers (to) from the noncontrolling interest

. . . . . . . .

Increase (Decrease) in MDC Partners Inc. paid-in

capital for purchase of equity interests in excess of
. . . . . . . . .
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Increase in MDC Partners Inc. paid-in capital for

purchase of equity interests in excess of
noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Increase (Decrease) in MDC Partners Inc. paid in

capital from issuance of equity interests
Net transfers from (to) noncontrolling interest

. . . . . . .
. . . . .
Change from net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.
. . . . .

and transfers from (to) noncontrolling interest

2013
$(148,863)

Year Ended December 31,
2012
$(85,439)

2011
$(84,674)

—

743

(6,328)

11,074

12,410

—

—
$ 11,074

767
$ 13,920

(1,147)
$ (7,475)

$(137,789)

$(71,519)

$(92,149)

5. Fixed Assets

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

Computers, furniture and ﬁxtures . . $109,252
60,938
Leasehold improvements . . . . . . . .
$170,190

Cost

2013
Accumulated
Depreciation
$ (83,383)
(34,736)
$(118,119)

Net Book
Value
$25,869
26,202
$52,071

Cost
$111,356
57,350
$168,706

2012
Accumulated
Depreciation
$ (83,537)
(32,255)
$(115,792)

Net Book
Value
$27,819
25,095
$52,914

Included in ﬁxed assets are assets under capital lease obligations with a cost of $2,462, (2012 − $3,941)

and accumulated depreciation of $1,417 (2012 − $2,721). Depreciation expense for the years ended
December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $19,645, $18,758 and $17,603, respectively.

6. Accrued and Other Liabilities

At December 31, 2013 and 2012, accrued and other liabilities included accrued media of $144,161 and

$132,483, respectively; and included amounts due to noncontrolling interest holders, for their share of proﬁts,
which will be distributed within the next twelve months of $5,210 and $3,624, respectively.

65

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

6. Accrued and Other Liabilities − (continued)

Changes in noncontrolling interest amounts included in accrued and other liabilities for the three years

ended December 31, 2013 were as follows:

Balance, December 31, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income attributable to noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distributions made . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other(1)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance, December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income attributable to noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distributions made . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other(1)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance, December 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income attributable to noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distributions made . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other(1)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance, December 31, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Noncontrolling
Interests
$ 8,577
8,387
(12,264)
(651)
$ 4,049
6,012
(7,673)
1,236
$ 3,624
6,461
(5,525)
650
$ 5,210

(1) Other consists primarily of step up transactions, discontinued operations and cumulative translation

adjustments.

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. Deferred acquisition
consideration is recorded at fair value. Bank debt is a variable rate debt, the carrying value of which
approximates fair value. The Company’s note payable is a ﬁxed rate debt instrument, 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:

Goodwill
Balance as of December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquired goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition purchase price adjustments . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency translation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance as of December 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquired goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency translation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance as of December 31, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Strategic
Marketing
Services
$389,525
93,531
(78)
782
$483,760
—
(3,981)
(2,374)
$477,405

Performance
Marketing
Services
$215,719
19,873
(223)
942
$236,311
35,956
(2,493)
(2,846)
$266,928

Total
$605,244
113,404
(301)
1,724
$720,071
35,956
(6,474)
(5,220)
$744,333

66

MDC PARTNERS INC.
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)

For the Year Ended
December 31,

2013

2012

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

$ 17,780
$ 92,640
(62,906)
$ 29,734
$ 17,064
(8,316)
$
8,748
$127,484
(71,222)
$ 56,262

$ 17,780
$104,070
(66,108)
$ 37,962
$ 20,908
(13,407)
$
7,501
$142,758
(79,515)
$ 63,243

See Note 4 for Accounting for Business Combinations.

The total accumulated impairment charges are $31,319 through December 31, 2013.

The weighted average amortization periods for customer relationships are 5 years and other intangible
assets are 8 years. In total, the weighted average amortization period is 6 years. The amortization expense
of amortizable intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2013, was $18,908 (2012 − $26,575;
2011 − $21,997) the estimated amortization expense for the ﬁve succeeding years is:

Year
2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amortization
$13,833
$ 9,199
$ 6,277
$ 2,912
$ 1,352

9. Income Taxes

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

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

Loss:
US . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-US . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2013

2012

2011

$ 21,242
(156,832)
$(135,590)

$(36,660)
(26,315)
$(62,975)

$(17,460)
(15,181)
$(32,641)

67

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

9. Income Taxes − (continued)

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 (recovery):

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
US federal
US state and local . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-US . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income tax provision (recovery) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2013

2012

2011

$

—
213
923
1,136

7,505
1,027
(13,959)
(5,427)
$ (4,291)

$ —
802
329
1,131

2,150
299
5,973
8,422
$9,553

$

—
894
557
1,451

45,110
7,750
(12,576)
40,284
$ 41,735

A reconciliation of income tax expense (recovery) 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:

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes,

equity in affiliates and noncontrolling interest

. . . . .
Statutory income tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tax beneﬁt using statutory income tax rate . . . . . . . . .
State and foreign taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-deductible stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . .
Other non-deductible expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change to valuation allowance on items affecting

taxable income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of the change in tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, net
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense (recovery) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effective income tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

See Note 10 for income taxes for discontinued operations.

2013

2012

2011

$(135,590)

$(62,975)

$(32,641)

26.5%

26.5%

31.0%

(35,931)
1,136
24,357
942

6,952
—
(1,712)
(35)
(4,291)

$

(16,688)
1,131
7,699
1,176

15,682
2,168
(1,593)
(22)
$ 9,553

(10,119)
1,451
7,143
1,482

44,554
—
(2,368)
(408)
$ 41,735

(3.2)%

15.2%

127.9%

The 2013 effective income tax rate was signiﬁcantly lower than the statutory rate due primarily to
non-deductible stock based compensation of $24,357, and an increase in the valuation allowance of $6,952.

The 2012 effective income tax rate was signiﬁcantly higher than the statutory rate due primarily to an

increase in the valuation allowance of $16,240 and non-deductible stock based compensation of $7,699.

The 2011 effective income tax rate was signiﬁcantly higher than the statutory rate due primarily to an

increase in the valuation allowance of $44,230 and non-deductible stock based compensation of $7,143.

Income taxes receivable were $533 and $195 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and were

included in accounts receivable on the balance sheet. Income taxes payable were $4,907 and $4,725 at
December 31, 2013 and 2012, 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

68

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

9. Income Taxes − (continued)

payment of income taxes as a component of income tax expense. For the years ended 2013, 2012 and 2011,
income tax expense does not include any amounts for interest and penalties.

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest deductions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reﬁnancing charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred acquisition consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pension plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unrealized foreign exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital loss carry forwards
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounting reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross deferred tax asset
Less: valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities:
Pension plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred ﬁnance charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net deferred tax asset (liability)

Disclosed as:
Deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2013

2012

$ 36,449
41,947
21,753
10,153
26,779
1,433
—
2,372
16,180
4,769
161,835
(137,961)
23,874

(1,112)
(420)
(178)
(61,859)
(63,569)
$ (39,695)

$ 34,563
43,280
19,285
—
21,418
2,317
2,168
843
17,408
4,721
146,003
(134,761)
11,242

—
(449)
(348)
(53,875)
(54,672)
$ (43,430)

$ 23,380
(63,075)
$ (39,695)

$

9,637
(53,067)
$ (43,430)

Included in accrued and other liabilities at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is a deferred tax liability of $55
and $49, respectively. Included in other current assets at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is a deferred tax asset
of $2,249 and $305, respectively.

The Company has US federal net operating loss carry forwards of $60,525 and non-US net operating loss

carry forwards of $44,383, these carry forwards expire in years 2015 through 2031. The Company also has
total indeﬁnite loss carry forwards of $162,396. These indeﬁnite loss carry forwards consist of $58,006
relating to the US and $104,390 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
$158,867.

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

69

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

9. Income Taxes − (continued)

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
operations for each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $6,952, $16,240 and $44,230,
respectively. In addition, expense of $1,112 and a beneﬁt of $2,168 has been recorded in accumulated other
comprehensive loss relating to the deﬁned pension plan, for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012,
respectively.

Deferred taxes are not provided for temporary differences representing earnings of subsidiaries that are

intended to be permanently reinvested. The potential deferred tax liability associated with these undistributed
earnings is not material.

As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded a liability for unrecognized tax beneﬁts as

well as applicable penalties and interest in the amount of $4,166. The Company identiﬁed an uncertainty
relating to the future tax deductibility of certain intercompany interest and fees, to the extent that such future
beneﬁt will be established, the resolution of this position will have no effect with respect to the ﬁnancial
statements.

Changes in the Company’s reserve is as follows:
Balance December 31, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charges to income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charges to income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Settlement of uncertainty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance December 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charges to income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance December 31, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$3,624
—
3,624
—
(551)
3,073
—
$3,073

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 2013, the Company discontinued two subsidiaries and an operating division.

In 2012, the Company discontinued a subsidiary and certain operating divisions.

In 2011, the Company discontinued an operating division.

70

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

10. Discontinued Operations − (continued)

Included in discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the years

ended December 31 were the following:

Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating loss
Other expense
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noncontrolling interest expense recovery . . . . . . . .
Loss on disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . .
Net loss from discontinued operations

Years Ended December 31,
2012
$18,107
(7,697)
(288)
1,304
—
$ (6,681)

2013
$ 2,329
(2,922)
(110)
(53)
(8,299)
$(11,384)

2011
$19,109
(2,495)
(244)
657
—
$ (2,082)

At December 31, 2013, other assets and other current liabilities did not include any assets held for sale

and related liabilities. At December 31, 2012, $2,920 and $1,638 was included in other assets and other
current liabilities, respectively, which represent assets held for sale and related liabilities. At December 31,
2011, $4,060 and $1,332 was included in other assets and other current liabilities, respectively, which
represent assets held for sale and related liabilities.

11. Bank Debt, Long-Term Debt and Convertible Notes

At December 31, the Company’s indebtedness was comprised as follows:

Revolving credit facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.75% Notes due 2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11% Notes due 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Original issue premium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note payable and other bank loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Obligations under capital leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Less:
Current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

2013

—
660,000
—
4,056
120
664,176
952
665,128

$

2012

—
—
425,000
4,193
1,385
430,578
1,125
431,703

467
$664,661

1,858
$429,845

Interest expense related to long-term debt for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was
$92,828, $44,045 and $39,044, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2013, interest expense included
a $55,588 loss on redemption of the 11% Notes. For the year ended December 31, 2013, interest expense
included income of $4,262 related to the amortization of the original issue premium. For the year ended
December 31, 2012, interest expense included income of $46 related to the amortization of the original issue
premium of $1,366. For the year ended December 31, 2011, interest expense included $232, amortization of
the original issue discount, net of amortized premium of $943. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012
and 2011, interest expense also included $232, $277 and $702, of present value adjustments for ﬁxed deferred
acquisition payments, respectively.

The amortization and write off of deferred ﬁnance costs included in interest expense were $12,024,

$2,295 and $1,944 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

71

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

11. Bank Debt, Long-Term Debt and Convertible Notes − (continued)

Issuance of 6.75% Senior Notes

On March 20, 2013, MDC Partners Inc. (‘‘MDC’’) entered into an indenture (the ‘‘Indenture’’) among
MDC, its existing and future restricted subsidiaries that guarantee, or are co-borrowers under or grant liens to
secure, MDC’s senior secured revolving credit agreement (the ‘‘Credit Agreement’’), as guarantors (the
‘‘Guarantors’’) and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, relating to the issuance by MDC of its 6.75%
Senior Notes due 2020 (the 6.75% Notes’’). The 6.75% Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.75% per annum,
accruing from March 20, 2013. Interest is payable semiannually in arrears in cash on April 1 and October 1
of each year, beginning on October 1, 2013. The 6.75% Notes will mature on April 1, 2020, unless earlier
redeemed or repurchased. The Company received net proceeds from the offering of the 6.75% Notes equal
to approximately $537,600. The Company used the net proceeds to redeem all of the existing 11% Notes,
together with accrued interest, related premiums, fees and expenses and recorded a charge for loss on
redemption of notes of $55,588, including write offs of unamortized original issue premium and debt issuance
costs. Remaining proceeds were used for general corporate purposes.

On November 15, 2013, the Company issued an additional $110,000 aggregate principal amount of its
6.75% Notes. The additional notes were issued under the Indenture governing the 6.75% Notes and treated
as a single series with the original 6.75% Notes. The additional notes were sold in a private placement in
reliance on exceptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company received
net proceeds before expenses of $111,925, which included an original issue premium of $4,125, and
underwriter fees of $2,200. The Company used the net proceeds of the offering for general corporate purposes.

The 6.75% Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by all of MDC’s existing and future

restricted subsidiaries that guarantee, or are co-borrowers under or grant liens to secure, the Credit Agreement.
The 6.75% Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of MDC and rank (i) equally in right of
payment with all of MDC’s or any Guarantor’s existing and future senior indebtedness, (ii) senior in right of
payment to MDC’s or any Guarantor’s existing and future subordinated indebtedness, (iii) effectively
subordinated to all of MDC’s or any Guarantor’s existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the
collateral securing such indebtedness, including the Credit Agreement, and (iv) structurally subordinated to all
existing and future liabilities of MDC’s subsidiaries that are not Guarantors.

MDC may, at its option, redeem the 6.75% Notes in whole at any time or in part from time to time, on

and after April 1, 2016 at a redemption price of 103.375% of the principal amount thereof if redeemed during
the twelve-month period beginning on April 1, 2016, at a redemption price of 101.688% of the principal
amount thereof if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on April 1, 2017 and at a redemption
price of 100% of the principal amount thereof if redeemed on April 1, 2018 and thereafter.

Prior to April 1, 2016, MDC may, at its option, redeem some or all of the 6.75% Notes at a price equal
to 100% of the principal amount of the 6.75% Notes plus a ‘‘make whole’’ premium and accrued and unpaid
interest. MDC may also redeem, at its option, prior to April 1, 2016, up to 35% of the 6.75% Notes with the
proceeds from one or more equity offerings at a redemption price of 106.750% of the principal amount
thereof.

If MDC experiences certain kinds of changes of control (as deﬁned in the Indenture), holders of the
6.75% Notes may require MDC to repurchase any 6.75% Notes held by them at a price equal to 101% of the
principal amount of the 6.75% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, if MDC sells assets under
certain circumstances, it must offer to repurchase the 6.75% Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal
amount of the 6.75% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest.

The Indenture includes covenants that, among other things, restrict MDC’s ability and the ability of its

restricted subsidiaries (as deﬁned in the Indenture) to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; pay
dividends on or redeem or repurchase the capital stock of MDC; make certain types of investments; create
restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts from MDC’s restricted subsidiaries; sell assets;

72

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

11. Bank Debt, Long-Term Debt and Convertible Notes − (continued)

enter into transactions with affiliates; create liens; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; and consolidate
or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of MDC’s assets to, another person. These covenants are subject
to a number of important limitations and exceptions. The 6.75% Notes are also subject to customary events of
default, including cross-payment default and cross-acceleration provision.

Credit Agreement

On March 20, 2013, MDC, Maxxcom Inc. (a subsidiary of MDC) and each of their subsidiaries party
thereto entered into an amended and restated, $225 million senior secured revolving credit agreement due
2018 (the ‘‘Credit Agreement’’) with Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as agent, and the lenders from time
to time party thereto. Advances under the Credit Agreement will be used for working capital and general
corporate purposes, in each case pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement. Capitalized terms used in this
section and not otherwise deﬁned have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

Advances under the Credit Agreement bear interest as follows: (a)(i) LIBOR Rate Loans bear interest at
the LIBOR Rate and (ii) Base Rate Loans bear interest at the Base Rate, plus (b) an applicable margin. The
initial applicable margin for borrowing is 1.25% in the case of

Base Rate Loans and 2.00% in the case of LIBOR Rate Loans. In addition to paying interest on

outstanding principal under the Credit Agreement, MDC is required to pay an unused revolver fee to lenders
under the Credit Agreement in respect of unused commitments thereunder.

The Credit Agreement is guaranteed by substantially all of MDC’s present and future subsidiaries, other
than immaterial subsidiaries and subject to customary exceptions. The Credit Agreement includes covenants
that, among other things, restrict MDC’s ability and the ability of its subsidiaries to incur or guarantee
additional indebtedness; pay dividends on or redeem or repurchase the capital stock of MDC; make certain
types of investments; impose limitations on dividends or other amounts from MDC’s subsidiaries; incur
certain liens, sell or otherwise dispose of certain assets; enter into transactions with affiliates; enter into sale
and leaseback transactions; and consolidate or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of MDC’s assets to,
another person. These covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions. The Credit
Agreement also contains ﬁnancial covenants, including a total leverage ratio, a senior leverage ratio, a ﬁxed
charge coverage ratio and a minimum earnings level. The Credit Agreement is also subject to customary
events of default.

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

and management believes, based on its current ﬁnancial projections, that the Company will be in compliance
with the covenants over the next twelve months. At December 31, 2013, there were no borrowings under the
Credit Agreement.

At December 30, 2013, the Company had issued $4,884 of undrawn outstanding Letters of Credit.

At December 31, 2013 and 2012, accounts payable included $34,312 and $29,336 of outstanding checks,

respectively.

73

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

11. Bank Debt, Long-Term Debt and Convertible Notes − (continued)

Future Principal Repayments

Future principal repayments, including capital lease obligations, for the years ended December 31, and in

aggregate are as follows:

Period
2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2019 and beyond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amount
467
$
430
175
—
—
660,000
$661,072

Capital Leases

Future minimum capital lease payments for the years ended December 31 and in aggregate are as

follows:

Period
2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2019 and thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Less: imputed interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Less: current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amount
$ 467
369
180
—
—
—
1,016
(64)
952
(427)
$ 525

12. 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.

Preferred A Shares

An unlimited number, non-voting, issuable in series.

74

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

12. Share Capital − (continued)

(b) 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 3,000,000 shares of MDC Partners’ Class A
Subordinate Voting Shares or any other security in to which such shares shall be exchanged. On June 1, 2007
and on June 2, 2009, the Company’s shareholders approved a total additional authorized Class A Shares of
3,750,000 to be added to the 2005 Incentive Plan for a total of 6,750,000 authorized Class A Shares. On
May 30, 2008, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2008 Key Partner Incentive Plan, which provides for
the issuance of 900,000 Class A Shares. On June 1, 2011, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2011
Stock Incentive Plan, which provides for the issuance of up to 3,000,000 Class A Shares. As of December 31,
2013, the Company has granted 300,000 Director options (of which 150,000 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.

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, 2008 Key Partner Incentive Plan
and 2011 Stock Incentive Plan:

Balance at December 31, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Performance Based Awards
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
$ 5.89
12.26
8.49
9.73
$10.54
8.70
9.63
10.44
$10.73
8.97
10.63
7.90
$ 9.79

Shares
752,885
1,646,631
(326,546)
(2,135)
2,070,835
1,130,844
(2,621,981)
(44,919)
534,779
300,756
(353,858)
(19,011)
462,666

Time Based Awards

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
$ 4.93
11.29
3.45
5.86
$ 8.57
7.78
8.17
9.88
$ 8.48
16.83
15.79
10.91
$12.54

Shares
924,101
446,280
(430,851)
(62,181)
877,349
375,356
(395,187)
(22,080)
835,438
2,612,520
(2,499,083)
(35,087)
913,788

The total fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards, which vested during the year
ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $43,227, $22,557 and $8,269, respectively. In connection with
the vesting of these awards, the Company included in the taxable loss the amounts of $17,219, $5,242 and
$7,280 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. At December 31, 2013, the weighted average remaining
contractual life for performance based awards is 2.6 years and for time based awards is 1.9 years. At
December 31, 2013, the fair value of all restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards is $35,113. The term
of these awards is three years with vesting up to three years. At December 31, 2013, the unrecognized
compensation expense for these awards was $8,597 and will be recognized through 2016. At December 31,
2013, there are 428,772 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.

75

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

12. Share Capital − (continued)

Prior to adoption of the 2005 Incentive Plan, the Company’s Prior 2003 Plan provided for grants of up to

2,836,179 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 802,440 options, on the privatization of
Maxxcom, 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.

Information related to share option transactions grant under all plans over the past three years is

summarized as follows:

Balance at December 31, 2010 . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expired and cancelled . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2011 . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expired and cancelled . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2012 . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expired and cancelled . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2013 . . . . . . .

Options Outstanding

Options Exercisable

Number
Outstanding
324,300
—
—
(169,628)
(22,552)
132,120
—
—
(4,728)
(14,892)
112,500
—
—
—
—
112,500

Weighted
Average
Price per
Share
$6.27
—
—
5.96
8.38
$6.08
—
—
5.79
5.19
$6.35
—
—
—
—
$6.03

Number
Outstanding
286,800

Weighted
Average
Price per
Share
$6.27

124,620

$6.09

112,500

$6.35

112,500

$6.03

Non Vested
Options
37,500
(30,000)
—
—
—
7,500
(7,500)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

At December 31, 2013, the intrinsic value of vested options and the intrinsic value of all options was

$2,191. For options exercised during 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company received cash proceeds of nil, $27
and $1,011, respectively. The Company did not receive any windfall tax beneﬁts. The intrinsic value of
options exercised during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was nil, $5 and $900, respectively. At December 31, 2013, the
weighted average remaining contractual life of all outstanding options was 2.8 years and for all vested options
was 2.8 years. At December 31, 2013, the unrecognized compensation expense of all options was nil.

76

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

12. Share Capital − (continued)

Share options outstanding as of December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows:

Options Outstanding
Weighted
Average
Contractual
Life
2.8

Outstanding
Number
112,500

Weighted
Average
Price per
Share
$6.03

Options Exercisable
Weighted
Average
Price per
Share
$6.03

Weighted
Average
Contractual
Life
2.8

Exercisable
Number
112,500

Range of Exercise Prices
$5.83 − $6.14 . . . . . . . . .

(c) Stock Appreciation Rights

During 2003, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved a SAR’s compensation
program for senior officers and directors of the Company. SAR’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

Balance at December 31, 2010 . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expired and cancelled . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2011 . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expired and cancelled . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2012 . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expired and cancelled . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2013 . . .

Weighted
Average
Number
Outstanding
4,996,655
—
—
(259,461)
—
4,737,194
—
—
(104,048)
—
4,633,146
—
—
(4,633,146)
—
—

Weighted
Average
Price per
Share
$2.52
—
—
2.82
—
$2.50
—
—
2.94
—
$2.49
—
—
2.49
—
$ —

Number
Outstanding
2,665,551

Price per
Share
$2.51

3,100,685

$2.50

4,633,146

$2.49

—

$ —

Non Vested
SAR’s
2,331,104
(435,134)
—
(259,461)
—
1,636,509
(1,570,539)
—
(65,970)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

At December 31, 2013, the aggregate amount of shares to be issued on vested SAR’s was nil. During
2013, 2012 and 2011, the aggregate value of SAR’s exercised was $80,323, $301 and $2,289, respectively.
The Company received tax deductions of $12,682, $296 and $387 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. In
November 2013, the Company determined that all outstanding SAR’s would be settled in cash and marked the
SAR’s to market. At December 31, 2013, the unrecognized compensation expense of all SAR’s was nil.

(d) Equity Value Appreciation Awards

In January 2011, the Company awarded 2,119,500 extraordinary Equity Value Appreciation Awards
(‘‘EVARs’’) to its employees. During 2013, these EVARs resulted in the issuance of 1,917,000 restricted stock
units and restricted stock shares (‘‘RSUs’’). The RSUs underlying the EVAR grant vested on December 31,
2013.

77

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

12. Share Capital − (continued)

The Company measured the fair value of EVARs using a lattice based model (Monte Carlo) on the grant

date.

Information related to EVAR transactions over the past three years is summarized as follows:

Balance at December 31, 2010 . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expired and cancelled . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2011 . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expired and cancelled . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2012 . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expired and cancelled . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2013 . . . . . . .

EVARs Outstanding

EVARs Exercisable

Weighted
Average
Issuance
Price per
Share
$ —
—
15.33
15.33
$15.33
—
—
15.33
$15.33
15.33
—
—
$ —

Number
Outstanding
—
—
2,119,500
(67,500)
2,052,000
—
—
(135,000)
1,917,000
(1,917,000)
—
—
—

Weighted
Average
Issuance
Price per
Share
$—

Number
Outstanding
—

$

$—

$—

—

—

Non Vested
EVARs

—
—
2,119,500
(67,500)
2,052,000
—
—
(135,000)
1,917,000
(1,917,000)
—
—
—

The grant date fair value of these EVARs was $13,240. At December 31, 2013, there are no outstanding

EVARs.

The Company has reserved a total of 2,923,509 Class A shares in order to meet its obligations under

various conversion rights, warrants and employee share related plans. At December 31, 2013 there were
1,434,554 shares available for future option and similar grants.

13. Fair Value Measurements

The Company adopted guidance regarding accounting for Fair Value Measurements. This guidance

deﬁnes fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands the related disclosure
requirements. The statement indicates, among other things, that a fair value measurement assumes a
transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in
the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.

In order to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements, the guidance establishes a
hierarchy for observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels, which are
described below:

•

•

•

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date
for assets or liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs.

Level 2: Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated
by market data.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available. The fair value
hierarchy gives the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs.

78

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

13. Fair Value Measurements − (continued)

In determining fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable

inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible as well as considers counterparty
credit risk in its assessment of fair value.

On a nonrecurring basis, the Company uses fair value measures when analyzing asset impairment.
Long-lived assets and certain identiﬁable intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If it is
determined such indicators are present and the review indicates that the assets will not be fully recoverable,
based on undiscounted estimated cash ﬂows over the remaining amortization periods, their carrying values are
reduced to estimated fair value. Measurements based on undiscounted cash ﬂows are considered to be level 3
inputs. During the fourth quarter of each year, the Company evaluates goodwill and indeﬁnite-lived
intangibles for impairment at the reporting unit level. For each acquisition, the Company performed a detailed
review to identify intangible assets and a valuation is performed for all such identiﬁed assets. The Company
used several market participant measurements to determine estimated value. This approach includes
consideration of similar and recent transactions, as well as utilizing discounted expected cash ﬂow
methodologies. The amounts allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisitions were
determined using level three inputs. Fair value for property and equipment was based on other observable
transactions for similar property and equipment. Accounts receivable represents the best estimate of balances
that will ultimately be collected, which is based in part on allowance for doubtful accounts reserve criteria and
an evaluation of the speciﬁc receivable balances.

The following tables present certain information for our ﬁnancial assets that is measured at fair value on

a recurring basis at December 31, 2013 and 2012:

Level 1 2013

Level 1 2012

Carrying
Amount

Fair Value

Carrying
Amount

Fair Value

Liabilities:

Long term debt

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$664,056

$690,525

$429,193

$467,500

Our long term debt includes ﬁxed rate debt. The fair value of this instrument is based on quoted market

prices.

The following table presents changes in Deferred Acquisition Consideration.

Beginning Balance of contingent payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Redemption value adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfers (to) from ﬁxed payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign translation adjustment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ending Balance of contingent payments

Fair Value Measurements Using
Signiﬁcant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)

2013
$ 194,795
(106,460)
31,608
38,712
(6,318)
(489)
$ 151,848

2012
$129,759
(55,071)
63,972
55,737
159
239
$194,795

In addition to the above amounts, there are ﬁxed payments of $2,065 and $1,651 for total deferred
acquisition consideration of $153,913 and $196,446, which reconciles to the consolidating ﬁnancial statements
at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Level 3 payments relate to payments made for deferred acquisition consideration. Level 3 grants relate to

contingent purchase price obligations related to acquisitions. The Company records the initial liability of the

79

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

13. Fair Value Measurements − (continued)

estimated present value. The estimated liability is determined in accordance with various contractual valuation
formulas that may be dependent on future events, such as the growth rate of the earning of the relevant
subsidiary during the contractual period, and, in some cases, the currency exchange rate of the date of
payment. Level 3 redemption value adjustments relate to the remeasurement and change in these various
contractual valuation formulas as well as adjustments of present value.

14. Gain on Sale of Assets and Other Income (Expense)

The gain on sale of assets and other income (expense) for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

Other income (expense) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on disposition of assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2013
$2,531
—
$2,531

2012
$117
—
$117

2011
$191
(75)
$116

15. Segment Information

The Company’s segment reporting is consistent with the current manner of how the Chief Operating

Decision Maker (‘‘CODM’’) and the Board of Directors view the business. The Company is focused on
expanding its capabilities in database marketing and data analytics in order to position the Company for future
business development efforts and revenue growth.

In order to position this strategic focus along the lines of how the CODM and management will base

their business decisions, the Company reports two segments. Decisions regarding allocation of resources are
made and will be made based not only on the individual operating results of the subsidiaries but also on the
overall performance of the reportable segments. These reportable segments are the aggregation of various
reporting segments.

The Company reports in two segments plus corporate. The segments are as follows:

•

•

The Strategic Marketing Services segment consists of integrated marketing consulting services ﬁrms
that offer a full complement of marketing, activation and consulting services including advertising
and media, marketing communications including direct marketing, public relations, corporate
communications, market research, corporate identity and branding, interactive marketing and sales
promotion. Each of the entities within the Strategic Marketing Services Group 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 Performance Marketing Services segment includes our ﬁrms that provide consumer insights and
analytics to satisfy the growing need for targetable, measurable solutions or cost effective means
of driving return on marketing investment. These services interface directly with the consumer
of a client’s product or service. Such services include the design, development, research and
implementation of consumer service, media planning and buying and direct marketing initiatives.
Each of the entities within the Performance Marketing Services Group 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, and services provided to the customer, they exhibit similar long term ﬁnancial
performance and have been aggregated together.

The signiﬁcant accounting policies 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 Company
continues to evaluate its Corporate Group and the services provided by the Corporate Group to the operating

80

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

15. Segment Information − (continued)

segments. The Company will continue to evaluate the services and amount of time spent directly on the
operating segments business operations, and adjust accordingly.

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, ﬁnance charges, and loss on

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

redemption of notes, net

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Loss from continuing operations before income

taxes, equity in affiliates

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss from continuing operations before equity in

affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in earnings of affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss from continuing operations
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to

MDC Partners Inc., net of taxes . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income attributable to noncontrolling

interests

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. . . . . . .
Stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital expenditures from continuing operations . .
Goodwill and intangibles
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For the Year Ended December 31, 2013

Strategic
Marketing
Services
$805,439
510,014
186,369
23,720
85,336

Performance
Marketing
Services
$343,442
244,480
73,696
14,486
10,780

Corporate
—
$
—
126,714
1,394
(128,108)

Total
$1,148,881
754,494
386,779
39,600
(31,992)

2,531
(5,537)

(100,592)

(135,590)
(4,291)

(131,299)
281
(131,018)

(11,384)
(142,402)

(6,461)
$ (148,863)
$ 100,405
$
19,549
$ 800,595
$1,425,227

(4,889)

(1,572)

—

$
7,249
$ 12,220
$516,304
$820,577

$
3,425
$
5,197
$284,291
$400,176

$ 89,731
2,132
$
$
—
$ 204,474

81

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

15. Segment 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 loss
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense and ﬁnance charges, net . . . . . . .
Loss from continuing operations before income

taxes, equity in affiliates

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss from continuing operations before equity in

affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in earnings of affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss from continuing operations
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to

MDC Partners Inc., net of taxes . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income attributable to noncontrolling

interests

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. . . . . . .
Stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Capital expenditures from continuing operations . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill and intangibles
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For the Year Ended December 31, 2012

Strategic
Marketing
Services
$719,364
479,060
188,954
27,260
24,090

Performance
Marketing
Services
$343,901
254,740
71,798
17,190
173

Corporate
—
$
—
38,847
1,342
(40,189)

Total
$1,063,265
733,800
299,599
45,792
(15,926)

117
(976)
(46,190)

(62,975)
9,553

(72,528)
633
(71,895)

(6,681)
(78,576)

(5,167)

(1,696)

—

$

9,186

$ 11,455
$532,643
$827,248

$

8,227

8,459
$
$250,671
$397,450

$ 14,784

382
$
—
$
$120,247

(6,863)
$ (85,439)
32,197
$

20,296
$
$ 783,314
$1,344,945

82

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

15. Segment 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 loss
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense and ﬁnance charges, net . . . . . . .
Loss from continuing operations before income

taxes, equity in affiliates

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss from continuing operations before equity in

affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in earnings of affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss from continuing operations
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to

MDC Partners Inc., net of taxes . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income attributable to noncontrolling

interests

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. . . . . . .
Stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Capital expenditures from continuing operations . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill and intangibles
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For the Year Ended December 31, 2011

Strategic
Marketing
Services
$608,022
425,316
137,824
22,378
22,504

Performance
Marketing
Services
$326,266
241,402
44,172
16,457
24,235

Corporate
—
$
—
35,432
826
(36,258)

Total
$ 934,288
666,718
217,428
39,661
10,481

116
(1,677)
(41,561)

(32,641)
41,735

(74,376)
213
(74,163)

(2,082)
(76,245)

(6,414)

(2,015)

—

$

5,149

$ 11,647
$426,034
$627,268

$

3,695

4,719
$
$237,190
$380,825

$ 14,813

$ 6,929
—
$
$ 47,652

(8,429)
$ (84,674)
23,657
$

23,295
$
$ 663,224
$1,055,745

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

2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 44,360
$ 45,068

$ 5,424
$ 6,145

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$720,373
$698,083

$80,222
$85,231

$2,287
$1,701

$ —
$ —

$ 52,071
$ 52,914

$800,595
$783,314

83

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

15. Segment Information − (continued)

A summary of the Company’s revenue as at December 31 is set forth in the following table.

Revenue:

2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$944,954
$862,611
$751,875

$135,630
$148,063
$149,670

$68,297
$52,591
$32,743

$1,148,881
$1,063,265
$ 934,288

United States

Canada

Other

Total

16. Related Party Transactions

(a) The Company incurred fees and paid cash incentive awards totaling $15,992, $2,739 and $3,375 in 2013,
2012 and 2011, 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 25, 2007, the Company entered into a new Management Services Agreement (as amended and
restated on May 6, 2013, the ‘‘Services Agreement’’) with Miles Nadal and with Nadal Management, Inc.
to set forth the terms and conditions on which Miles Nadal will continue to provide services to the
Company as its Chief Executive Officer. The Services Agreement is subject to automatic one-year
extensions unless either party gives to the other a 60-day advance written notice of its intention not to
renew. Effective January 1, 2013, the annual retainer amount (base salary) under the Services Agreement
was increased to $1,750 and effective January 1, 2014, the annual retainer amount was increased to
$1,850.

During 2011, 2012 and 2013 and in accordance with this Services Agreement, Mr. Nadal repaid an
amount equal to $102, $475 and $5,445 of loans due to the Company. As of April 26, 2013, Mr. Nadal
has repaid and satisﬁed in full the remaining principal balance of all previously outstanding loans made
by the Company to Mr. Nadal and his affiliates. After giving effect to this ﬁnal repayment by Mr. Nadal
to the Company, there is currently $0 remaining due and owing to the Company in respect of all prior
loans.

(b) Pursuant to the amended Services Agreement, the Company agreed to provide to its CEO, Miles S. Nadal
a special bonus of C$10,000 upon the ﬁrst to occur of (i) the average market price of the Company’s
Class A subordinate voting shares is C$30 per share or more for more than 20 consecutive trading days
(measured as of the close of trading on each applicable date) or (ii) a change of control of the Company.
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. During November 2013, this bonus was earned and paid to
Mr. Nadal in the amount of C$10,000 (US $9,649).

(c)

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
purchased 500,000 shares for $64. In 2002, the Company’s CEO purchased 3,691,930 shares of Trapeze
for $470. All of these purchases were made at identical prices (C$.20/share). In 2003, the Company and
the CEO exchanged their units in Trapeze for non-voting shares and entered into a voting trust
agreement.

During 2013 and 2011, an MDC partner ﬁrm provided services to Trapeze in exchange for fees equal to
$187 and $390, respectively. Trapeze did not provide any services to MDC nor its partner ﬁrms in the
three years ended December 31, 2013.

84

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

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 2 and 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 2014 to 2018. 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 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, 2013,
perform over the relevant future periods at their 2013 earnings levels, that these rights, if all exercised, could
require the Company, in future periods, to pay an aggregate amount of approximately $17,807 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 $1,319 by the issuance of share capital. In addition, the Company
is obligated under similar put option rights to pay an aggregate amount of approximately $130,727 only upon
termination of such owner’s employment with the applicable subsidiary or death. The ultimate amount payable
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 and if these rights are exercised. The aggregate amount of these options is
$148,534, which has been recorded on the balance sheet at December 31, 2013 and is included in Redeemable
Noncontrolling Interests.

Natural Disasters. Certain of the Company’s operations are located in regions of the United States and
the Caribbean which typically are subject to hurricanes. During the year ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and
2011, these operations did not incur any material costs related to damages resulting from hurricanes, although
certain agency operations experienced temporary closures as a result of Hurricane Sandy.

Guarantees. Generally, the Company has indemniﬁed the purchasers of certain assets 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. 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.

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. At December 31, 2013, the Company has $4,884 of undrawn outstanding letters of

credit. In addition, the Company has commitments to fund investments in an aggregate amount of $2,546.

Leases. The Company and its subsidiaries lease certain facilities and equipment. Gross premises rental

expense amounted to $40,111 for 2013, $35,909 for 2012 and $26,521 for 2011, which was reduced by

85

MDC PARTNERS INC.
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)

sublease income of $897 in 2013, $820 in 2012 and $555 in 2011. 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 2012 and thereafter, are as follows:

Period
2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2019 and thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amount
$ 41,166
40,447
35,893
30,350
31,026
86,696
$265,578

At December 31, 2013, the total future cash to be received on sublease income is $6,201.

18. New Accounting Pronouncements

On January 1, 2013, we adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update No. 2012-02, Testing

Indeﬁnite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. This standard provides an option for companies to use a
qualitative approach to test indeﬁnite-lived intangibles for impairment if certain conditions are met. If an
entity concludes, based on qualitative factors, that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is
less than its carrying amount, then the entity is required to perform the existing two step quantitative
impairment test. If based on this qualitative approach, impairment is not indicated, no further testing is
required. An entity may choose to perform the qualitative assessment on none, some or all of its reporting
units or an entity may bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed
directly to step one of the two step quantitative impairment test. We perform our annual impairment test at the
beginning of the fourth quarter of each year. However, for 2013, the Company did not use the qualitative
approach.

Effective January 1, 2013, we adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-02, Reporting of
Amounts Reclassiﬁed Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This update, which was issued in
February 2013, amended disclosure requirements for the presentation of comprehensive income. The
amendments are effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The standard
requires presentation (either in a single note or parenthetically on the face of the ﬁnancial statements) of the
effect of signiﬁcant amounts reclassiﬁed from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income
based on its source and the income statement line items affected by the reclassiﬁcation. If a component is not
required to be reclassiﬁed to net income in its entirety, a cross reference to the related footnote for additional
information will be required. The year ended December 31, 2013 had no signiﬁcant amounts reclassiﬁed out
of accumulated other comprehensive income, (see Note 20).

In March 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No 2013-05, Parent’s Accounting for the
Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a
Foreign Entity or an Investment in a Foreign Entity. This update addresses the accounting for the cumulative
translation adjustment when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer
holds a controlling ﬁnancial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonproﬁt activity or a business
within a foreign entity. The amendments are effective prospectively for the company beginning on January 1,
2014. The implementation of the amended accounting guidance is not expected to have a material impact on
our consolidated ﬁnancial position or results of operations.

86

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

18. New Accounting Pronouncements − (continued)

In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No 2013-11, Income Taxes. This update
will require an entity to present an unrecognized tax beneﬁt, or a portion of an unrecognized tax beneﬁt in the
ﬁnancial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax
loss, or tax credit carryforward. The implementation of the amended accounting guidance will not have an
impact on the presentation of our ﬁnancial statements.

19. Employee Beneﬁt Plans

A subsidiary acquired in 2012 sponsors a deﬁned beneﬁt plan. The beneﬁts under the deﬁned beneﬁt
plans are based on each employee’s years of service and compensation. Effective March 1, 2006, the plan was
frozen to all new employees. The Company’s policy is to contribute the minimum amounts required by the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), as amended. The assets of the plans are invested
in an investment trust fund and consist of investments in money market funds, bonds and common stock,
mutual funds, preferred stock, and partnership interests.

Net periodic pension cost consists of the following components for the year ended December 31:

Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest cost on beneﬁt obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Curtailment and settlements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of prior service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of actuarial (gains) losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net periodic beneﬁt cost

Pension
Beneﬁts
2013
$ —
1,752
(1,829)
105
—
15
43

$

Pension
Beneﬁts
2012
$ —
1,375
(1,391)
385
—
—
369

$

ASC 715-30-25 requires an employer to recognize the funded status of its deﬁned pension beneﬁt plan as

a net asset or liability in its statement of ﬁnancial position with an offsetting amount in accumulated other
comprehensive income, and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which changes occur
through comprehensive income.

87

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

19. Employee Beneﬁt Plans − (continued)

Other changes in plan assets and beneﬁt obligation recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss consist of

the following for the year ended December 31:

Curtailment/settlement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current year actuarial (gain) loss
Amortization of actuarial gain (loss)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current year prior service (credit) cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)
Amortization of transition asset (obligation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . .
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss

Total recognized in net periodic beneﬁt cost and other comprehensive
(income) loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pension
Beneﬁts
2013
$ (105)
(7,928)
(15)
—
—
—
$(8,048)

Pension
Beneﬁts
2012
$ (385)
5,714
—
—
—
—
$5,329

$(8,005)

$5,698

The following table summarizes the change in beneﬁt obligations and fair values of plan assets for the

years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:

Change in beneﬁt obligation:
Beneﬁt obligation, Beginning balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plan amendments
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Curtailment/settlement
Actuarial (gains) losses
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Beneﬁts paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Beneﬁt obligation, Ending balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, Beginning balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Actual return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Employer contributions
Beneﬁts paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fair value of plan assets, Ending balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unfunded status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:

Noncurrent liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net amount recognized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pension
Beneﬁts
2013

$40,041
—
1,752
—
(1,567)
(4,954)
(2,415)
32,857

24,769
3,236
1,278
(2,415)
26,868
$ 5,989

Pension
Beneﬁts
2013

$5,989

$5,989

Pension
Beneﬁts
2012

$35,624
—
1,375
—
(1,655)
7,069
(2,372)
40,041

25,045
1,091
1,005
(2,372)
24,769
$15,272

Pension
Beneﬁts
2012

$15,272

$15,272

88

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

19. Employee Beneﬁt Plans − (continued)

Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss:

Accumulated net actuarial losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated prior service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated transition obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net amount recognized, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pension
Beneﬁts
2013
$(1,607)
—
—
$(1,607)

Pension
Beneﬁts
2012
$(5,329)
—
—
$(5,329)

The preceding table presents two measures of beneﬁt obligations for the pension plan. Accumulated
beneﬁt obligation (ABO) generally measures the value of beneﬁts earned to date. Projected beneﬁt obligation
(PBO) also includes the effect of assumed future compensation increases for plans in which beneﬁts for prior
service are affected by compensation changes. This pension plan has asset values less than these measures.
Plan funding amounts are calculated pursuant to ERISA and Internal Revenue Code rules.

Weighted average assumptions used to determine beneﬁt obligations as of December 31,:

Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rate of compensation increase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pension
Beneﬁts
2013
5.26%
N/A

Pension
Beneﬁts
2012
5.23%
N/A

The discount rate assumptions at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were determined independently. A yield
curve was produced for a universe containing the majority of U.S.-issued Aa-graded corporate bonds, all of
which were non-callable (or callable with make-whole provisions). The discount rate was developed as the
level equivalent rate that would produce the same present value as that using spot rates aligned with the
projected beneﬁt payments.

Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic costs at December 31,:

Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rate of compensation increase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pension
Beneﬁts
2013
4.53%
7.40%
N/A

Pension
Beneﬁts
2012
4.53%
7.40%
N/A

The expected return on plan assets is a long-term assumption established by considering historical and

anticipated returns of the asset classes invested in by the pension plan and the allocation strategy currently in
place among those classes.

89

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

19. Employee Beneﬁt Plans − (continued)

Fair Value of Plan Assets

The Deﬁned Beneﬁt plan assets fall into any of three fair value classiﬁcations as deﬁned in the Guidance

for Fair Value Measurements. There are no Level 3 assets held by the plan. The fair value of the plan assets
as of December 31 is as follows:

Asset Category:
Money Market Fund − Short Term Investments
. .
Common Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corporate Bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mutual Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total

December 31,
2013

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

$ 2,020
9,826
6,215
8,172
635
$26,868

$

106
9,826
—
8,172
635
$18,739

$1,914
—
6,215
—
—
$8,129

$—
—
—
—
—
$—

December 31,
2012

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Asset Category:
Money Market Fund − Short Term Investments
. .
Common Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corporate Bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mutual Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total

$

644
9,981
6,426
7,173
545
$24,769

$

82
9,981
—
7,173
545
$17,781

$ 562
—
6,426
—
—
$6,988

$—
—
—
—

$—

The pension plans weighted-average target allocation for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012

and strategic asset allocation matrix as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:

Asset Category:
Equity Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Debt Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash/Cash Equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Target
Allocation
2013

Plan Assets
2013

60%
40%
0%
100%

55.6%
36.9%
7.5%
100%

The investment policy for the plans is formulated by the Company’s Pension Plan Committee (the
‘‘Committee’’). The Committee is responsible for adopting and maintaining the investment policy, managing
the investment of plan assets and ensuring that the plans’ investment program is in compliance with all
provisions of ERISA, as well as the appointment of any investment manager who is responsible for
implementing the plans’ investment process.

The goals of the pension plan investment program are to fully fund the obligation to pay retirement

beneﬁts in accordance with the plan documents and to provide returns that, along with appropriate funding
from the Company, maintain an asset/liability ratio that is in compliance with all applicable laws and
regulations and assures timely payment of retirement beneﬁts.

90

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

19. Employee Beneﬁt Plans − (continued)

The Company’s overall investment strategy is to achieve a mix of approximately 50 percent of

investments for long-term growth and 50 percent for near-term beneﬁt payments with a wide diversiﬁcation of
asset types and fund strategies.

Equity securities primarily include investments in large-cap and mid-cap companies primarily located in

the United States, as well as a smaller percentage invested in large-cap and mid-cap companies located outside
of the United States. Fixed income securities are diversiﬁed across different asset types with bonds issued in
the United States as well as outside the United States.

The target allocation of plan assets is 50 percent equity securities and 50 percent corporate bonds and

U.S. Treasury securities.

The Plan invests in various investment securities. The investments are primarily invested in corporate
equity and bond securities. Investment securities are exposed to various risks such as interest rate, market, and
credit risks. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities, it is at least reasonably
possible that changes in the values of investment securities will occur in the near term and that such changes
could materially affect the amounts reported in the preceding tables.

The above tables present information about the pension plan assets measured at fair value at
December 31, 2013 and the valuation techniques used by the Company to determine those fair values.

In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs use quoted prices in active markets for identical

assets that the Plan has the ability to access.

Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs use other inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly.

These Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets in active markets, and other inputs such as
interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.

Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs, including inputs that are available in situations where there is

little, if any, market activity for the related asset.

In instances where inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels in the above fair value
hierarchy, fair value measurements in their entirety are categorized based on the lowest level input that is
signiﬁcant to the valuation. The Company’s assessment of the signiﬁcance of particular inputs to these fair
value measurements requires judgment and considers factors speciﬁc to each plan asset.

The net of investment manager fee asset return objective is to achieve a return earned by passively
managed market index funds, weighted in the proportions identiﬁed in the strategic asset allocation matrix.
Each investment manager is expected to perform in the top one-third of funds having similar objectives over a
full market cycle.

The investment policy is reviewed by the Committee at least annually and conﬁrmed or amended as

needed. Under ASC 715-30-25, the transition obligation, prior service costs, and actuarial (gains)/losses are
recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income each December 31 or any interim measurement
date, while amortization of these amounts through net periodic beneﬁt cost will occur in accordance with
ASC 715-30 and ASC 715-60. The estimated amounts that will be amortized in 2014 are as follow:

Estimated 2014 Amortization
Prior service cost (credit) amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total

Pension
Beneﬁts
$—
—
$—

91

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

19. Employee Beneﬁt Plans − (continued)

The following estimated beneﬁt payments, which reﬂect expected future service, as appropriate, are

expected to be paid:

Estimated Future Beneﬁt Payments for FYE 12/31
2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2019 − 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pension
Beneﬁts

$1,061
$1,118
$1,187
$1,333
$1,446
$8,911

The pension plan contributions are deposited into a trust, and the pension plan beneﬁt payments are made

from trust assets.

20. Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2013

were:

Balance January 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassiﬁcations . . .
Amounts reclassiﬁed from accumulated other comprehensive

income (loss) (net of taxes of $1,112)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance December 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deﬁned
Beneﬁt
Pension
$(5,329)
—

Foreign
Currency
Translation
$(2,116)
(288)

6,936
6,936
$ 1,607

—
(288)
$(2,404)

Total
$(7,445)
—

6,648
6,648
$ (797)

Reclassiﬁcations from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31,

2013 were:

Amortization of deﬁned pension plan:

Prior service cost
Actuarial (gains) losses

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net periodic beneﬁt cost (see Note 19)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$—
15
15
6
$ 7

21. Subsequent Events

Effective January 1, 2014, MDC acquired 60% of the equity interests of Luntz Global Partners LLC.

Effective February 14, 2014 MDC acquired 65% of the equity interests of Kingsdale Partners LP. The
aggregate purchase price for these transactions consisted of $41,315 paid at closing and additional contingent
amounts based on 2014 through 2019 earnings.

92

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

22. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

The following table sets forth a summary of the Company’s consolidated unaudited quarterly results of

operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, in thousands of dollars, except per share
amounts.

First

Second

Third

Fourth

Quarters

Revenue:

2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$265,636
$233,790

$287,499
$271,425

$288,670
$265,410

$307,076
$292,640

Cost of services sold:

2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$177,858
$174,628

$189,677
$186,007

$189,204
$178,828

$197,755
$194,337

Income (loss) from continuing operations:

2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ (39,994)
$ (22,909)

$ 12,651
$ (15,229)

$ (11,901)
$ (11,897)

$ (91,774)
$ (21,860)

Net income (loss) attributable to MDC

Partners Inc.:
2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income (loss) per common share:
Basic
Continuing operations:

2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net income (loss):

2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diluted
Continuing operations:

2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net income (loss):

2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ (43,158)
$ (26,281)

$
9,816
$ (20,113)

$ (21,200)
$ (14,497)

$ (94,321)
$ (24,548)

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

(0.87)
(0.55)

(0.92)
(0.59)

(0.87)
(0.55)

(0.92)
(0.59)

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

0.24
(0.38)

0.21
(0.43)

0.22
(0.38)

0.19
(0.43)

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

(0.29)
(0.28)

(0.45)
(0.31)

(0.29)
(0.28)

(0.45)
(0.31)

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

(1.98)
(0.50)

(2.00)
(0.53)

(1.98)
(0.50)

(2.00)
(0.53)

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.

93

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

22. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) − (continued)

Income (loss) from continuing operations and net loss have been affected as follows:

•

•

•

•

The fourth quarter of 2013 includes stock based compensation charges of $63,715.

The fourth quarter of 2012 includes stock based compensation charges of $5,827.

The fourth quarter of 2013 includes deferred acquisition adjustments of $30,514.

The fourth quarter of 2012 includes deferred acquisition adjustments of $32,901.

94

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,

including 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 CEO and CFO have concluded that the
Company’s disclosure controls and procedures 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, 2013.
In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (1992)
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

Based on our assessment, we believe that, as of December 31, 2013, 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, 2013, has been
independently audited by BDO USA 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, 2013, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal
control over ﬁnancial reporting.

95

(d) Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

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

We have audited MDC Partners Inc. internal control over ﬁnancial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based
on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). MDC Partners Inc. management
is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over ﬁnancial reporting and for its assessment
of the effectiveness of 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 reporting 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 assurance
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 assurance
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 company;
(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 expenditures
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. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over ﬁnancial
reporting as of December 31, 2013, 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. as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, shareholders’ equity (deﬁcit), and cash
ﬂows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013 and our report dated March 10, 2014
expressed an unqualiﬁed opinion thereon.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP
New York, New York
March 10, 2014

96

Item 9B. Other Information

Approval of Long Term Cash Incentive Compensation Plan. On March 6, 2014, the Board of Directors
of the Company approved and adopted the MDC Partners Inc. Long-Term Cash Incentive Compensation Plan
(the ‘‘LTIP Plan’’). The purpose of the LTIP is to provide key executives of the Company with an incentive to
achieve and exceed the long term ﬁnancial objectives established by the Company; facilitate the achievement
of forward-looking long term performance goals by key executives; align the motivations and performance
goals of the key executives with the Company’s commercial goals and the interests of the Company’s
shareholders through the use of both internal performance and relative Total Shareholder Return (‘‘TSR’’); and
enable the Company to attract and retain executives who will pursue the long term ﬁnancial goals established
by the Company.

Administration. The LTIP shall be administered by the Human Resources & Compensation Committee

of the Board of Directors (the ‘‘Committee’’). The Committee shall have full discretionary authority to
determine awards to be granted under the LTIP, establish performance measures, adopt rules and regulations
relating to the LTIP, and make decisions and interpretations regarding the provisions of the LTIP, including the
level of achievement of performance measures and payment of cash awards.

Awards. The LTIP provides for the grant of long-term cash awards to select employees of the Company

and its subsidiaries. Awards made under the LTIP may be granted subject to satisfaction of time or
performance based vesting conditions.

Performance Measures. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the performance measures
applicable to performance awards granted under the LTIP shall be objectively measurable and established for a
period coinciding with or ending within the applicable performance period. The initial performance period for
awards made under the LTIP shall commence on January 1, 2014 and end on December 31, 2016. The initial
performance measures shall consist of: (1) TSR relative to a group of comparator companies; and (2)
cumulative EBITDA.

Payment of Awards. All cash awards granted under the LTIP shall be evidenced by a separate written

agreement entered into by the Company and the recipient of such cash award (the ‘‘Award Agreement’’).
The Award Agreement shall set forth the amount and terms of a participant’s cash award, including the
performance measures and the level of attainment required in respect of performance awards. Grants may be
made annually under the LTIP, with the Board of Directors having approved initial grants to the CEO and
other executives on March 6, 2014.

Repayment Obligations.

In accordance with applicable law, the Committee in its discretion may require

participants to repay any net income derived from a cash award in the event of a restatement of the
Company’s ﬁnancial results within three years after payment of such cash award to correct a material error
that is determined by the Committee to be the result of fraud or intentional misconduct.

This summary of the LTIP is qualiﬁed by reference to the full text of the LTIP, which is incorporated

herein by reference as Exhibit 10.13 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

97

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Reference is made to the sections captioned ‘‘Nomination of Directors,’’ ‘‘Information Concerning
Nominees for Election as Directors,’’ ‘‘Information Concerning Executive Officers’’, ‘‘Audit Committee’’,
‘‘Ethical Conduct’’ and ‘‘Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act’’ in our Proxy Statement for the
2013 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, 2013, which sections are incorporated herein by reference.

Executive Officers of MDC Partners

The executive officers of MDC Partners as of March 1, 2014 are:

Name
Miles S. Nadal(1)
Stephen Pustil(1)
David B. Doft
Mitchell S. Gendel
Michael C. Sabatino
Andre Coste

David C. Ross

(1) Also a director

Age

56
70
42
48
49
50

33

Office

Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President
Vice Chairman
Chief Financial Officer
General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, The MDC
Partners Network
Senior Vice President, Corporate Development

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 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. 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. Sabatino joined MDC Partners in April 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 USA, LLP, a public accounting ﬁrm.

98

Mr. Coste joined MDC Partners in April 2013 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
The MDC Partners Network. Prior to joining MDC Partners, he was with Publicis Worldwide for 9 years, ﬁrst
as Chief Financial Officer of the Asia-Paciﬁc Region from 2004 to 2008 and then as Global Chief Financial
Officer from 2008 to 2013.

Mr. Ross joined MDC Partners in March 2010 and became Senior Vice President, Corporate

Development, in March 2012. Prior to joining MDC Partners, he was an Associate at Skadden Arps LLP
where he represented corporate clients in a variety of capital markets and M&A transactions.

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
regulations. 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., 745 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, 10151,
Attention: Investor Relations.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

Reference is made to the sections captioned ‘‘Compensation of Directors’’ and ‘‘Executive

Compensation’’ 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 ‘‘Section 16 (a)

Beneﬁcial Ownership Reporting Compliance’’ in the Company’s next Proxy Statement, which are incorporated
herein by reference.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence

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 ‘‘Appointment of Auditors’’ in our next Proxy Statement,

which is incorporated herein by reference.

99

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

PART IV

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

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

The audits referred to in our report dated March 10, 2014 relating to the consolidated ﬁnancial statements of
MDC Partners Inc., which is contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K also included the audit of the ﬁnancial
statement Schedule II for years ended 2013, 2012 and 2011. This ﬁnancial statement schedule is the
responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the ﬁnancial
statement schedule based on our audits.

In our opinion such ﬁnancial statement Schedule II, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated
ﬁnancial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP
New York, New York
March 10, 2014

100

(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, 2013
(Dollars in Thousands)

Column A

Column B

Column C

Column D

Balance at
Beginning of
Period

Charged to
Costs and
Expenses

Removal of
Uncollectable
Receivables

Column E
Translation
Adjustments
Increase
(Decrease)

Column F

Balance at
the End of
Period

Description
Valuation accounts deducted from
assets to which they apply −
allowance for doubtful accounts:
December 31, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . .

1,581
$ 851
$1,990

1,484
$1,587
$ 158

(1,042)
$ (864)
$(1,299)

$12
$ 7
$ 2

$2,011
$1,581
$ 851

Schedule II — 2 of 2

MDC PARTNERS INC. & SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
For the Three Years Ended December 31, 2013
(Dollars in Thousands)

Column A

Column B

Column C

Column D

Balance at
Beginning of
Period

Charged to
Costs and
Expenses

Other(1)

Description
Valuation accounts deducted from
assets to which they apply –
valuation allowance for deferred
income taxes:

Column E
Translation
Adjustments
Increase
(Decrease)

Column F

Balance at
the End of
Period

December 31, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . .

$134,761
$113,585
$ 66,459

$ 6,640
$16,240
$47,422

$(2,212)
$ 4,449
(4)
$

$(1,228)
$
487
$ (292)

$137,961
$134,761
$113,585

(1) Adjustment to reconcile actual net operating loss carry forwards to prior year tax accrued, utilization of

net operating loss carry forwards, which were fully reserved, adjustment for net operating loss relating to
sale of business and pension plan adjustment.

(b) Exhibits

The exhibits listed on the accompanying Exhibits Index are ﬁled as a part of this report.

101

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the

registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

SIGNATURES

Date: March 10, 2014

By: /s/ Miles S. Nadal

MDC PARTNERS INC.

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.

Name: Miles S. Nadal
Title: Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President

Signature

/s/ Miles S. Nadal
Miles S. Nadal

/s/ Scott Kauffman
Scott Kauffman

/s/ Robert Kamerschen
Robert Kamerschen

/s/ Clare Copeland
Clare Copeland

/s/ Thomas N. Davidson
Thomas N. Davidson

/s/ Michael J. Kirby
Michael J. Kirby

/s/ Irwin D. Simon
Irwin D. Simon

/s/ Stephen M. Pustil
Stephen M. Pustil

/s/ David Doft
David Doft

/s/ Michael Sabatino
Michael Sabatino

Title

Date

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President

March 10, 2014

Presiding Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

March 10, 2014

March 10, 2014

March 10, 2014

March 10, 2014

March 10, 2014

March 10, 2014

Director, Vice Chairman

March 10, 2014

Chief Financial Officer

March 10, 2014

Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

March 10, 2014

102

Exhibit No.

EXHIBIT INDEX

Description

3.1

3.1.1

3.1.2

3.2

3.1.3

3.1.4
3.1.5
3.1.6
4.1

4.1.1

4.1.2

4.1.3

4.1.4

10.1

10.1.1

10.1.2

10.2

10.3

10.3.1

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);
Articles of Amalgamation, dated July 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Company’s Form 10-Q ﬁled on July 30, 2010);
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);
Articles of Amalgamation, dated May 1, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Company’s Form 10-Q ﬁled on May 2, 2011);
Articles of Amalgamation, dated January 1, 2013*
Articles of Amalgamation, dated April 1, 2013*
Articles of Amalgamation, dated July 1, 2013*
Indenture, dated as of March 20, 2013, among the company, the Guarantors and The Bank of
New York Mellon, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s
Form 8-K ﬁled on March 20, 2013;
6.75% Senior Notes due 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s
Form 8-K ﬁled on March 20, 2013);
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 21, 2013 (adding Anomaly Inc. as an Additional
Note Guarantor), to the Indenture dated as of March 20, 2013, among the Company, the Note
Guarantors and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee.*
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 6, 2013 (adding LBN Partners LLC as an
Additional Note Guarantor), to the Indenture dated as of March 20, 2013, among the Company,
the Note Guarantors and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee.*
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 15, 2013, to the Indenture, dated as of
March 20, 2013, among the Company, the Note Guarantors and The Bank of New York Mellon,
as trustee, including the form of 6.75% Senior Notes due 2020.*
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 20, 2013, among the Company,
Maxxcom Inc., a Delaware corporation, each of their subsidiaries party thereto, Wells Fargo
Capital Finance, LLC, as agent, and the lenders from time to time party thereto (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K ﬁled on March 20, 2013);
Consent and First Amendment, dated November 8, 2013, to Credit Agreement, dated as of
March 20, 2013 by and among the Company, Maxxcom Inc., a Delaware corporation, each of
their subsidiaries party thereto, Wells Fargo Foothill, LLC (now Wells Fargo Capital Finance,
LLC), as agent, and the lenders party thereto*;
Second Amendment, dated February 14, 2014, to Credit Agreement, dated as of March 20, 2013,
by and among the Company, Maxxcom Inc., a Delaware corporation, each of their subsidiaries
party thereto, Wells Fargo Foothill, LLC (now Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC), as agent, and
the lenders party thereto*;
Amended and Restated Management Services Agreement dated as of May 6, 2013, by and
among MDC Partners Inc.; Nadal Management Limited; Nadal Financial Corporation and Miles
Nadal (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q ﬁled on May 8,
2013);
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);
Amendment No. 1 dated August 5, 2010, to the Employment Agreement made as of August 20,
2007, by and between MDC Partners Inc. and Stephen Pustil (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q ﬁled on October 29, 2010);

Exhibit No.

10.4

10.4.1

10.5

10.6

10.6.1

10.7

10.7.1

10.8

10.8.1

10.9

10.9.1

10.9.2

10.9.3

10.9.4

10.9.5

10.9.6

10.9.7

10.9.8

10.9.9

10.10

Description

Employment Agreement between the Company and David Doft, dated as of July 19, 2007
(effective August 10, 2007) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s
Form 10-Q ﬁled on August 7, 2007);
Amendment No. 1 dated March 7, 2011, to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement
made as of July 19, 2007, by and between the Company and David Doft (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q ﬁled on May 2, 2011);
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 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);
Amendment No. 1 dated March 7, 2011, to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement
made as of July 6, 2007, by and between the Company and Mitchell Gendel (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 10-Q ﬁled on May 2, 2011);
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);
Amendment No. 1 dated March 7, 2011, to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement
made as of July 6, 2007, by and between the Company and Michael Sabatino (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 10-Q ﬁled on May 2, 2011);
Amended and Restated Stock Appreciation Rights Plan, as adopted by the shareholders of the
Company at the 2009 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders on June 2, 2009 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K ﬁled on June 5, 2009);
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
shareholders of the Company at the 2009 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders on June 2,
2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s 8-K ﬁled on June 5, 2009);
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 Financial Performance-Based Restricted Stock Grant Agreement (incorporated by
reference 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);
Form of Restricted Stock Grant Agreement (2010) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12.5
to the Company’s Form 10-K ﬁled on March 10, 2010);
Form of Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) Grant Agreement (2010) (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.12.6 to the Company’s Form 10-K ﬁled on March 10, 2010);
Form of Restricted Stock Grant Agreement (2011) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12.9
to the Company’s Form 10-K ﬁled on March 14, 2011);
Form of Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) Grant Agreement (2011) (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.12.10 to the Company’s Form 10-K ﬁled on March 14, 2011);
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 on July 31, 2008);
2011 Stock Incentive Plan of the Company, as approved and adopted by the shareholders of the
Company on June 1, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s
Form 8-K ﬁled on June 1, 2011);

Exhibit No.

10.10.1

10.10.2

10.10.3

10.10.4

10.10.5
10.11

10.12
12
14

14.1

21
23
31.1

31.2

32.1

32.2

Description

Form of Restricted Stock Grant Agreement (2011 Plan) (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K ﬁled on June 1, 2011);
Form of Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) Grant Agreement (2011 Plan) (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K ﬁled on June 1, 2011);
Form of Restricted Stock Grant Agreement (2012) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13.3
of the Company’s Form 10-K ﬁled on March 15, 2012);
Form of Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) Grant Agreement (2012) (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.13.4 of the Company’s Form 10-K ﬁled on March 15, 2012);
Form of 2014 Financial-Performance Based Restricted Stock Grant Agreement;*
Form of Incentive/Retention Payment letter agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1
to the Company’s Form 8-K ﬁled on August 1, 2011);
MDC Partners Inc. Long Term Cash Incentive Compensation; Forms of Award Agreement*
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
Company’s Form 10-K ﬁled on March 10, 2008);
MDC Partners’ Corporate Governance Guidelines, amended in May 2009 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 14.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K ﬁled on March 10, 2010);
Subsidiaries of Registrant*;
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm BDO USA 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.

MDC Partners Inc. – Directory 

New York Headquarters 
745 Fifth Avenue 
19th Floor 
New York, New York 10151 
Tel: 646-429-1800 
Fax: 212-937-4365 
Chief Financial Officer: 
David B. Doft 

Santa Monica 
11611 San Vicente Blvd. 
Suite 910 
Los Angeles, CA 90049 
Tel: 310-496-4474 
Fax: 310-425-9005 
Contact: 
Larry Krutchik 

Toronto Office 
45 Hazelton Avenue 
Toronto, ON M5R 2E3 
Tel: 416-960-9000 
Fax: 416-960-9555 
www.mdc-partners.com 
Chairman & CEO: 
Miles S. Nadal 

6degrees Integrated 
Communications 
1210 Sheppard Avenue East 
Suite 700 
Toronto, ON  M2K 1E3 
Tel: 416-446-7758 
Fax: 416-446-1923 
www.6deg.ca 
Partners: 
Troy Yung 
Robin Whalen 

72andSunny 
12101 W. Bluff Creek Drive 
Playa Vista, CA 90094 
Tel: 310-215-9009 
Fax: 310-215-9012 
www.72andsunny.com 
Partner, Chief Strategy 
Officer: 
Matt Jarvis 

Netherlands 
Westerhuís -1st Fl. 
Westerstraat 187 
1015 MA Amsterdam 
Netherlands 
Tel: +31 (0)20 521 04 70 
Fax: +31 (0)20 521 04 85 

ACCENT 
400 Missouri Avenue 
Suite 100 
Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130 
Tel: 812-206-6200 
Fax: 812-206-6201 
www.accentonline.com 
Chairman: 
David Norton 

Allison + Partners 
505 Sansome Street 
7th Floor 
San Francisco, CA 94111 
Tel: 415-217-7500 
Fax: 412-217-7503 
www.allisonpr.com 
President & CEO: 
Scott Allison  

New York 
71 Fifth Avenue 
5th Floor 
New York, NY 10003 
Tel: 212-302-5460 
Fax: 212-302-5464 
Contact: 
Andy Hardie-Brown 

Washington D.C. 
1129 20th Street NW 
Suite 200 
Washington, DC 20036 
Tel: 202-223-9260 
Fax: 202-466-7585 
Contact: 
Karyn Barr Amin 

San Diego 
8880 Rio San Diego Drive 
Suite 1090 
San Diego, CA 92108 
Tel: 619-533-7971 
Fax: 619-543-0030 
Contact: 
Richard Kendall 

Phoenix 
7135 E. Camelback Road 
Suite 204 
Phoenix, AZ 85251 
Tel: 623-201-5555 
Fax: 623-201-5501 
Contact: 
Cathy Planchard 

Seattle 
2111 Third Avenue 
Seattle, WA 98121 
Tel: 206-414-8599 
Contact: 
Tom Biro 

Atlanta  
1708 Peachtree Street 
Suite 100 
Atlanta, GA 30309 
Tel: 404-885-9596 
Fax: 404-885-9558 
Contact: 
Brian Feldman 

Anomaly 
536 Broadway 
11th Floor 
New York, NY 10012 
Tel: 917-595-2200 
Fax: 917-595-2299 
www.anomaly.com 
CEO: 
Carl Johnson 

Amsterdam 
Herengracht 257 
1016BJ Amsterdam 
The Netherlands 
Tel: +31-20-308-0380 
Contact: 
Hazelle Klonhammer 

London 
3-7 Herbal Hill 
London, EC1R 5EJ 
England 
Tel: +44-207-843-0600 
Contact: 
Paul Graham 

Toronto 
46 Spadina 
Toronto, ON M5V 2H8 
Tel: 647-547-3440 
Contact: 
Franke Rodriguez 

Assembly 
909 Third Avenue 
31st Floor 
New York, NY 10022 
Tel: 212-500-6900 
Fax: 212-500-6880 
CEO: 
Martin Cass 

156 West 56th Street 
5th Floor 
New York, NY 10019 
Tel: 212-541-6770 

Atlanta 
260 Peachtree Street NW 
Suite 1100 
Atlanta, GA 30303 U.S. 
Tel: 404-479-2256 

Boston 
156 Washington Street 
#410 
Newton, MA 02465 
Tel: 617-779-1874 

Attention Partners 
160 Varick Street 
5th Floor 
New York, New York 10013 
Tel. 917-621-4400 
Fax: 917-591-1256 
www.attentionusa.com 
Founder & CEO: 
Curtis Hougland 

BOOM! Marketing 
1210 Sheppard Avenue East 
Suite 700 
Toronto, ON  M2K 1E3 
Tel: 416-446-7720 
www.boommarketing.ca 
President:  
Nicole Gallucci 

Bruce Mau Design 
469C King Street West 
Toronto, ON M5V 3M4 
Tel: 416-306-6401 
www.brucemaudesign.com 
President & CEO: 
Hunter Tura 

Bryan Mills Iradesso 
1129 Leslie Street 
Toronto, ON M3C 2K5 
Tel: 416-447-4740 
Fax: 416-447-4760 
www.bmir.com 
Chairman & CEO: 
Nancy Ladenheim 

Calgary 
Sun Life Plaza, North Tower 
Suite 2240, 140-4th Ave. SW 
Calgary, AB T2P 3N3 
Tel: 403-503-0144 
Fax: 403-503-0174 
General Manager: 
Geoff Vanderberg 

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 

Concentric 
175 Varick Street 
9th Floor 
New York, NY 10014 
Tel: 212-633-9700 
www.concentricpharma.com 
Co-CEOs: 
Ken Begasse 
Michael Sanzen 

Crispin Porter + Bogusky 
CP+B Miami 
3390 Mary Street 
Office 300 
Coconut Grove, FL 33133 
Tel: 305-859-2070 
Fax: 305-854-3419 
www.cpbgroup.com 
CEO:  
Andrew Keller 

CP+B Boulder 
6450 Gunpark Drive 
Boulder, CO 80301 
Tel: 303-628-5100 

CB+P Scandinavia  
Östra  Hamngatan 26-28 
SE-411 09 Gothenburg, 
Sweden  
Tel: 001-46-31-339-6060 
Fax: 001-46-31-339-6061 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CP+B Santa Monica 
2110 Colorado Avenue 
Suite 200 
Santa Monica, CA 90404 
Tel: 310-822-3063 

CP+B London 
The Smokery 
2Greenhill Rents 
London, EC1M 6BN 
England 
Tel: 44-020-73248184 

Doner 
25900 Northwestern Highway 
Southfield, MI 48075 
Tel: 248-354-9700 
www.doner.com 
Co-CEO & President: 
David DeMuth 
Co-CEO & Chief Creative 
Officer: 
Robert Strasberg 

Atlanta 
303 Peachtree Center Avenue 
Suite 625 
Atlanta, GA 30303 
Tel: 404-221-1188 

Cleveland 
1100 Superior Avenue East 
10th Floor 
Cleveland, OH 44114 
Tel: 216-771-5700 

London 
60 Charlotte Street 
London, W1T 2NU 
England 
Tel: +44-020-7632-7600 

Los Angeles 
909 N. Sepulveda 
Suite 200 
El Segundo, CA 90245 
Tel: 424-220-7200 

Exponent Public Relations 
400 First Avenue N. 
Suite 600 
Minneapolis, MN 55401 
Tel: 612-305-6003 
Fax: 612-305-6501 
www.exponentpr.com 
Managing Director: 
Tom Lindell 

Hello Design 
10305 Jefferson Blvd. 
Culver City, CA 90232 
Tel: 310-839-4885 
Fax: 310-839-4886 
www.hellodesign.com 
CEO & Creative Director: 
David Lai 

HL Group 
853 Broadway 
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 
9300 Wilshire Blvd. 
Suite 300 
Los Angeles, CA 90212 
Tel: 323-966-4600 
Fax: 323.966.4601 

Integrated Media Solutions  
650 5th Avenue 
35th Floor  
New York, NY 10019 
Tel: 212-373-9500 
Fax: 212-333-2076 
www.imediasolutions.com 
CEO: 
Nancy Mullahy  

Kenna 
1000-90 Burnhamthorpe Road W. 
Mississauga, ON L5B 3C3 
Tel: 905-277-2900 
Fax: 905-277-2299 
www.kenna.ca 
President & CEO: 
Glenn Chilton 

Toronto 
479 Wellington Street West 
Main Floor 
Toronto, ON M6V 1E7 
Tel: 416-977-6660 
Fax: 416-977-2226 

kbs+ 
160 Varick Street 
New York, NY 10013 
Tel: 212-633-0080 
Fax: 212-633-8643 
www.kbsp.com 
President & CEO: 
Lori Senecal 

kbs+ Canada Inc. (Toronto) 
340 King Street East 
Suite 400 
Toronto, ON  M5A 1K8 
Tel: 416-260-7000 
Fax: 416-260-7100 
President: 
Nick Dean  

kbs+  Canada Inc. (Montreal) 
555 Boul René-Lévesque 
West, 17th Floor 
Montreal, QC H2Z 1B1 
Tel: 514-875-7400 
Fax: 514-875-0568 
President: 
Annie Aubert 

Kwittken & Co. 
160 Varick Street 
5th Floor 
New York, NY 10013 
Tel: 646-277-7111 
Fax: 646-658-0880 
www.kwitco.com 
President & Partner: 
Aaron Kwittken 

London 
1-2 Hatfields 
Enterprise House 
London, SE1 9PG 
England 
Tel: +44-020-7401-8001 

The Media Kitchen 
160 Varick Street 
New York, NY 10013 
Tel: 212-663-0080 
Fax: 212-633-8644 
CEO: 
Barry Lowenthal 

Kingsdale Shareholder 
Services 
130 King Street West 
Suite 2950 
P.O. Box 361 
Toronto, ON M5X 1E2 
Tel: 416-644-4031 
www.kingsdaleshareholder.com 
CEO: 
Wesley Hall 

Vancouver 
701 West Georgia Street  
Suite 1500 
Vancouver, BC V7Y 1C6 
604-638-0140 

New York 
745 Fifth Avenue 
16th Floor 
New York, NY 10151 
646-429-1800 

Laird + Partners 
475 10th Avenue 
7th Floor 
New York, NY 10018 
Tel: 212-478-8181 
Fax: 212-478-5855 
www.lairdandpartners.com 
CEO: 
Trey Laird 

Luntz Global 
1800 Diagonal Road 
Suite 600 
Alexandria, VA 22314 
Tel: 571-299-2050 
www.luntzglobal.com 
Founder & President: 
Frank Luntz 

LocalBizNOW 
1030 Doris Road 
Auburn Hills, MI 48326 
Tel: 1-888-298-8955 
www.localbiznow.com 
Founder & CEO: 
Todd Webber 
Los Angeles 
5657 Wilshire Boulevard 
Suite 390 
Los Angeles, CA 90036 
Tel: 1-888-298-8955 

MDC Media Partners 
909 Third Avenue 
31st Floor 
New York, NY 10022 
Tel: 212-500-6900 
Fax: 212-500-6880 
CEO: 
Martin Cass 

Mono Advertising 
1350 Lagoon Avenue 
Minneapolis, MN 55408 
Tel: 612-454-4900 
Fax: 612-822-4136 
www.mono-1.com 
Founding Partners: 
Michael Hart 
Chris Lang 
James Scott 

Northstar Research 
Partners 
18 King Street East 
Suite 1500 
Toronto, ON M5C 1C4 
Tel: 416-907-7100 
Fax: 416-907-7149 
www.nsresearch.com 
CEO:  
Craig Binkley 

New York 
One Penn Plaza 
Suite 1630 
New York, NY 10119 
Tel: 212-986-4077 
Fax: 212-986-4088 

London 
Studio D 
22 Ebury Street 
London,  SW1W OLU 
England  
Tel: +44-20-7824-9870 
Fax: +44-20-7730-6303 
Managing Director: 
Matthew Sell 

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  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Union 
296 Richmond Street West 
Suite 600 
Toronto, ON M5V 1X2 
Tel: 416-598-4944 
Fax: 416-593-4944 
President: 
Subtej Nijjar 

Varick Media Management 
160 Varick Street 
New York, NY 10013 
Tel: 212-243-8200 
Fax: 212-633-6693 
www.varickmm.com 
President: 
Paul Rotskowski 

Veritas Communications 
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 
www.veritascanada.com 
President: 
Krista Webster 

Vitro 
2305 Historic Decatur Road 
Suite 205 
San Diego, CA 92106 
Tel: 619.234.0408 
Fax: 619-234-4015 
www.vitroagency.com 
CEO: 
Tom Sullivan 

Yamamoto 
219 2nd Street North 
Suite 200 
Minneapolis, MN 55401 
Tel: 612-375-0180 
Fax: 612-342-2424 
www.go-yamamoto.com 
CEO: 
Kathy McCuskey 

San Francisco 
99 Osgood Place 
2nd Floor 
San Francisco, CA 94133 
Tel: 415-644-5278 

Relevent 
160 Varick Street 
12th Floor 
New York, NY 10013 
Tel: 212-206-0600 
Fax: 212-206-0693 
www.relevent.net 
CEO: 
H. Tony Berger 

Sloane & Company 
7 Times Square Tower 
17th Floor 
New York, NY 10036 
Tel:212-486-9500 
Fax: 212-486-9094 
www.sloanepr.com 
CEO: 
Elliot Sloane 

Source Marketing 
761 Main Avenue 
Norwalk, Connecticut  06851 
Tel: 203-291-4000 
Fax: 203-229-0865 
www.source-marketing.com 
CEO: 
Derek Correia 

Warrendale 
40 Pennwood Place 
Suite 400 
Warrendale, PA 15086 
Tel: 724-742-7100 
Fax: 724-935-7080 

TargetCom, LLC 
444 North Michigan Avenue 
Suite 3300 
Chicago, IL 60611 
Tel: 312-822-1100 
Fax: 312-822-9628 
www.targetcom.com 
Managing Director: 
Tim Claffey 

TEAM Enterprises 
110 E. Broward Blvd. 
Suite 2450 
Fort Lauderdale, FL33301 
Tel: 954-862-2400 
Fax: 954-449-0273 
www.teament.com 
CEO: 
Dan Gregory 

Trade X Media 
156 West 56th Street 
5th Floor 
New York, NY 10019 
Tel: 212-541-6770 
President: 
Vincent Laraia 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Board of Directors and Corporate Officers 

Chairman 

Directors 

Corporate Officers 

Miles S. Nadal 
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer & 
President, 
MDC Partners Inc. 

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

David B. Doft 
Chief Financial Officer 

Mitchell Gendel 
General Counsel & 
Corporate Secretary 

Robert Kantor 
Chief Marketing Officer 

Michael Sabatino 
Senior Vice President & 
Chief Accounting Officer 

Andre Coste 
Chief Financial Officer, 
The MDC Partners Network 

Charles Porter 
Chief Strategist 

Paula Daly 
Managing Director 

Raffi Grigorian 
Managing Director 

Brett Colbert 
Chief Procurement Officer 

Amie Miller 
Senior Vice President, 
Director of Talent Development 

David C. Ross 
Senior Vice President, Corporate 
Development 

Alexandra Delanghe Ewing 
Vice President, 
Corporate Communications 

Scott L. Kauffman (2) (3)
Presiding Director 
Chief Executive Officer, President & 
Director, New Engineering University 
Chairman, Choose Energy 
Chairman, Ology.com 
Chairman, Tune-Up Media 
Chairman, Lotame 
Vice Chairman, Encryptics 
Director, Vindicia 

Clare R. Copeland (1) (2) 
Corporate Director 
Vice Chairman, Falls Management 
Company 
Trustee, RioCan Real Estate Investment 
Trust 
Trustee, Chesswood Income Fund 
Trustee, Telesat 
Director, Danier Leather Inc. 
Director, Entertainment One Ltd. 

Thomas N. Davidson (1) (2) (3) 
Corporate Director 
Chairman, NuTech Precision Metals, Inc. 
Chairman, Quarry Hill Group 

Robert J. Kamerschen (2) (3) 
Corporate Director 
Chairman, Survey Sampling Inc. (Ret.) 
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, 
ADVO, Inc. (Ret.) 

Hon. Michael J.L. Kirby (1) (2) (3) 
Corporate Director 
The Senate of Canada (Ret.) 
Director, Just Energy Income Fund 
Director, Indigo Books & Music Inc. 

Stephen M. Pustil 
Vice Chairman 
Director, Trez Capital Mortgage 
Investment Corporation 
Director, Trez Senior Mortgage 
Investment Corporation 
Vice Chairman, Peerage Realty Partners 
Chairman, Artemis Investment 
Management Inc. 

Irwin D. Simon (1) (2) 
Corporate Director 
Chairman, President and Chief Executive 
Officer, The Hain Celestial Group 
Director, Jarden Group 
Director, Yeo Hiap Seng Limited 

(1) Audit Committee 

(2) Human Resources & Compensation Committee 
(3) Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transfer Agent 

Investor Relations 

Notice of Shareholders’ Meeting 

CST Trust Company 

CST operates a telephone information 
inquiry line available by dialing: (toll-
free) 1-800-387-0825; or 416-682-3860. 

Correspondence may be addressed to: 
MDC Partners Inc. 
c/o CST Trust Company 
P.O. Box 700, Station B 
Montreal, QC H3B 3K3 
Canada 

For Investor Relations information, 
please call David B. Doft, Chief 
Financial Officer, at: 646-429-1818. 

The annual meeting of shareholders will be 
held at The MDC Partners Innovation Centre, 
745 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. on 
Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 10:00 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”.