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


FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011

or

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

For the transition period from ______________ to ______________

Commission file number: 001-13178
 

 
MDC Partners Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Canada
98-0364441
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
   
950 Third Avenue
New York, New York
 
10022
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

(646) 429-1800
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

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   x No   o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, 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   o No   o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer; a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated Filer  o
Accelerated filer  x
Non-accelerated Filer  o   (Do not check if a smaller reporting company.)
Smaller reporting company  o

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

The numbers of shares outstanding as of April 25, 2011 were: 29,912,800 Class A subordinate voting shares and 2,503 Class B multiple voting shares.

Website Access to Company Reports

MDC Partners Inc.’s internet website address is www.mdc-partners.com. The Company’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, will be made available free of charge through the Company’s website as soon as reasonably practical after those reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The information found on, or otherwise accessible through, the Company’s website is not incorporated into, and does not form a part of, this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

 
 

 

MDC PARTNERS INC.

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
Page
 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
2
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010
2
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2011 (unaudited) and December 31, 2010
3
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010
4
 
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
5
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
23
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
38
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
38
 
 
 
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
39
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
39
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
39
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
39
Item 4.
Reserved
39
Item 5.
Other Information
39
Item 6.
Exhibits
39
Signatures
  40
 
 

 

Item 1. Financial Statements
MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts)

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Revenue:
           
Services
  $ 217,502     $ 135,915  
Operating Expenses:
               
Cost of services sold
    159,144       96,571  
Office and general expenses
    45,731       34,277  
Depreciation and amortization
    10,383       5,816  
      215,258       136,664  
Operating profit (loss)
    2,244       (749 )
Other Income (Expense):
               
Other income (expense), net
    311       (588 )
Interest expense
    (9,564 )     (7,028 )
Interest income
    32       31  
      (9,221 )     (7,585 )
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in affiliates
    (6,977 )     (8,334 )
Income tax expense
    358       249  
Loss from continuing operations before equity in affiliates
    (7,335 )     (8,583 )
Equity in earnings (loss) of non-consolidated affiliates
    255       (104 )
Loss from continuing operations
    (7,080 )     (8,687 )
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to MDC Partners Inc., net of taxes
          (476 )
Net loss
    (7,080 )     (9,163 )
                 
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests
    (1,605 )     (1,023 )
                 
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.
  $ (8,685 )   $ (10,186 )
                 
Loss Per Common Share:
               
Basic and Diluted:
               
Loss from continuing operations attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders
  $ (0.31 )   $ (0.35 )
Discontinued operations attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders
    (0.00 )     (0.02 )
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders
  $ (0.31 )   $ (0.37 )
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:
               
Basic
    28,200,111       27,631,903  
Diluted
    28,200,111       27,631,903  
                 
Non cash stock-based compensation expense is included in the following line items above:
               
Cost of services sold
  $ 3,234     $ 681  
Office and general expenses
    1,040       2,787  
Total
  $ 4,274     $ 3,468  

See notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
2

 

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(thousands of United States dollars)

   
March 31,
2011
   
December 31,
2010
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
ASSETS
           
Current Assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 6,962     $ 10,949  
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,048 and $1,990
    203,882       195,306  
Expenditures billable to clients
    50,014       30,414  
Other current assets
    15,333       13,455  
Total Current Assets
    276,191       250,124  
Fixed assets, at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $99,813 and $94,432
    42,541       41,053  
Investment in affiliates
    128        
Goodwill
    545,902       514,488  
Other intangibles assets, net
    65,473       67,133  
Deferred tax asset
    21,680       21,603  
Other assets
    22,822       19,947  
Total Assets
  $ 974,737     $ 914,348  
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING
INTERESTS, AND EQUITY
               
Current Liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 105,830     $ 131,074  
Accruals and other liabilities
    73,318       64,050  
Advance billings
    133,635       124,993  
Current portion of long-term debt
    1,584       1,667  
Current portion of deferred acquisition consideration
    32,649       30,887  
Total Current Liabilities
    347,016       352,671  
Revolving credit facility
    59,741        
Long-term debt
    284,857       284,549  
Long-term portion of deferred acquisition consideration
    70,759       77,104  
Other liabilities
    12,235       10,956  
Deferred tax liabilities
    19,558       19,642  
                 
Total Liabilities
    794,166       744,922  
                 
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Note 2)
    89,848       77,560  
Commitments, contingencies and guarantees (Note 13)
               
Shareholders’ Equity:
               
Preferred shares, unlimited authorized, none issued
           
Class A Shares, no par value, unlimited authorized, 28,960,790 and 28,758,734 shares issued in 2011 and 2010
    227,617       226,752  
Class B Shares, no par value, unlimited authorized, 2,503 shares issued in 2011 and 2010, each convertible into one Class A share
    1       1  
Additional paid-in capital
           
Charges in excess of capital
    (11,076 )     (16,809 )
Accumulated deficit
    (155,285 )     (146,600 )
Stock subscription receivable
    (135 )     (135 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (3,206 )     (4,148 )
                 
MDC Partners Inc. Shareholders’ Equity
    57,916       59,061  
Noncontrolling Interests
    32,807       32,805  
Total Equity
    90,723       91,866  
Total Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Equity
  $ 974,737     $ 914,348  

See notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
3

 

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(thousands of United States dollars)

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net loss
  $ (7,080 )   $ (9,163 )
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to MDC Partners Inc., net of taxes
          (476 )
Loss from continuing operations
    (7,080 )     (8,687 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss from continuing operations to cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation
    4,615       3,695  
Amortization of intangibles
    5,768       2,121  
Non-cash stock-based compensation
    4,274       3,468  
Amortization of deferred finance charges and debt discount
    637       651  
Adjustment to deferred acquisition consideration
    (2,977 )     334  
Gain on disposition of assets
          (69 )
Loss (earnings) of non-consolidated affiliates
    (255 )     104  
Other non-current assets and liabilities
    (1,216 )     (1,069 )
Foreign exchange
    (146 )     554  
Changes in working capital:
               
Accounts receivable
    (5,882 )     (5,295 )
Expenditures billable to clients
    (3,247 )     824  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (1,745 )     (2,070 )
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities
    (20,348 )     (13,911 )
Advance billings
    (9,464 )     10,886  
Cash flows used in continuing operating activities
    (37,066 )     (8,464 )
Discontinued operations
          (475 )
Net cash used in operating activities
    (37,066 )     (8,939 )
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Capital expenditures
    (5,022 )     (2,762 )
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
    (20,070 )     (22,989 )
Proceeds from sale of assets
    12       44  
Other investments
    (868 )     (4 )
Profit distributions from affiliates
    3,783       7  
Cash Flows used in continuing investing activities
    (22,165 )     (25,704 )
Discontinued operations
          (439 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (22,165 )     (26,143 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from revolving credit facility
    59,741       10,278  
Repayment of long-term debt
    (281 )     (222 )
Proceeds from stock subscription receivable
          124  
Proceeds from exercise of options
    721        
Purchase of treasury shares
    (1,481 )     (611 )
Deferred financing costs
    (275 )      
Distributions to noncontrolling partners
    (4,293 )     (2,279 )
Proceeds from bank overdrafts
    1,066        
Payment of dividends
          (2,781 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    55,198       4,509  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    46       (106 )
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (3,987 )     (30,679 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    10,949       51,926  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 6,962     $ 21,247  
                 
Supplemental disclosures:
               
Cash income taxes paid
  $ 64     $ 645  
Cash interest paid
  $ 422     $ 120  
Dividends payable
  $     $ 208  
Non-cash transactions:
               
Capital leases
  $ 313     $ 148  

See notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
4

 

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated)

1.
Basis of Presentation

MDC Partners Inc. (the “Company”) has prepared the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements included herein pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) of the United States of America (“US GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to these rules.

The accompanying financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normally recurring accruals, which in the opinion of management are necessary for a fair presentation, in all material respects, of the information contained therein. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of annual results.

These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Effective September 2010, one of the Company’s operating subsidiaries, Zig (USA) LLC has been deemed a discontinued operation.

In June 2010, the Company discontinued a start-up called Fearless Progression LLC.

In addition, in December 2010, the Company discontinued a start-up division of Redscout, LLC called 007.

All periods have been restated to reflect the discontinued operations.

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to the current period financial statement presentation.  These reclassifications did not have any effect on the prior year net loss.

2.
Significant Accounting Policies

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

Principles of Consolidation . The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MDC Partners Inc. and 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 in 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 estimates are based on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

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; the Company did not have a client that accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated accounts receivable at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.  Furthermore, the Company did not have a client that accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2011. However, one client accounted for 11% of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2010.

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 risk in that there are cash deposits in excess of federally insured amounts. Included in cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, is approximately $48 and $64, respectively, of cash restricted as to withdrawal pursuant to a collateral agreement and a customer’s contractual requirements.

 
5

 

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated)

2. Significant Accounting Policies  – (continued)

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 in 2011, 2010 and 2009 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 three months ended March 31, 2011, $2,977 of income was recognized related to changes in estimated value.  For the three months ended March 31, 2010, $344 has been charged to operating income. 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 new guidance on acquisition accounting.  For the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, $568 and $399, respectively, of acquisition related costs have been charged to operations.

For each acquisition, the Company undertakes a detailed review to identify other intangible assets and a valuation is performed for all such identified assets. The Company uses 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 the Company acquires 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 the Company acquires is derived from customer relationships, including the related customer contracts, as well as trade names. In executing the acquisition strategy, one of the primary drivers in identifying and executing a specific transaction is the existence of, or the ability to, expand the Company’s existing client relationships. The expected benefits of the 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 13.

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 months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, there have 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 per share.

 
6

 

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated)

2. Significant Accounting Policies  – (continued)

The following table presents changes in Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests.

   
Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Beginning Balance as of December 31,
  $ 77,560     $ 33,728  
Redemptions
    (362 )     (1,285 )
Granted
    7,890       1,276  
Changes in redemption value
    3,781       (4,233 )
Currency Translation Adjustments
    979       382  
Ending Balance as of March 31,
  $ 89,848     $ 29,868  

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 recognizes revenue based on the relative selling price of each multiple deliverable when delivered. 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 summarizes 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 summarizes 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 such reimbursed expenses in revenue.

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

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

 
7

 

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated)

2. Significant Accounting Policies  – (continued)

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.

Interest Expense .  Interest expense primarily consists of the cost of borrowing on the revolving credit facility and the 11% Senior Notes. The Company uses the effective interest method to amortize the original issue discount and original issue premium on the 11% Senior Notes. At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, $214 and $848 was amortized, respectively, net of amortized premium of $80 and $197, respectively. The Company amortizes deferred financing costs using the effective interest method over the life of the 11% Senior Notes and straight line over the life of the revolving credit facility. The total net deferred financing costs, included in Other Assets on the balance sheet, as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was $10,456 and $10,605, net of accumulated amortization of $2,007 and $1,583, respectively.  During the three months of 2011, the Company recorded $275 of deferred financing costs primarily relating to the 2010 expansion of the revolving credit facility.

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 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 both the Black-Scholes option pricing-model and a lattice based model (Monte Carlo) and is recorded in operating income over the service period that is the vesting period of the award.  The lattice based model is used for awards which are subject to achieving stock performance targets.

 
8

 

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 Company treats benefits paid by shareholders to employees as a stock based compensation charge with a corresponding credit to additional paid-in-capital.

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company issued 995,514 restricted stock units and restricted stock shares  (“RSUs”) to its employees and directors.  The RSUs have an aggregate grant date fair value of $18,247 and generally vest on the third anniversary date with certain awards subjected to accelerated vesting based on the financial performance of the Company.  In addition, during the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company awarded 1,413,000.  Extraordinary equity value appreciation restricted stock grants (“EVARs”) to its employees.  These EVARs have an aggregate grant date fair value of $13,240 and may result in the issuance of RSUs, but only upon the achievement of extraordinary stock performance targets.  If issued, the RSUs underlying EVAR grants will vest on December 31, 2013.

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company has recorded a $1,651 charge relating to these equity incentive grants.

A total of 952,010 Class A shares of restricted stock, granted to employees as equity incentive awards, are included in the Company’s calculation of Class A shares outstanding as of March 31, 2011.

 
9

 

3 .
Loss Per Common Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted income (loss) per common share from continuing operations.
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Numerator
           
Numerator for basic loss per common share - loss from continuing operations
  $ (7,080 )   $ (8,687 )
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests
    (1,605 )     (1,023 )
Loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders from continuing operations
  $ (8,685 )   $ (9,710 )
Effect of dilutive securities
           
Numerator for diluted loss per common share – loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders from continuing operations
  $ (8,685 )   $ (9,710 )
Denominator
               
Denominator for basic loss per common share - weighted average common shares
    28,200,111       27,631,903  
Effect of dilutive securities:
           
Denominator for diluted loss per common share - adjusted weighted shares
    28,200,111       27,631,903  
Basic and diluted loss per common share from continuing operations attributable to MDC Partners Inc.
  $ (0.31 )   $ (0.35 )

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, options and other rights to purchase 5,352,121 shares of common stock, which includes 1,912,723 shares of non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units, were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted loss per common share because their effect would be antidilutive.

During the three months ended March 31, 2010, options and other rights to purchase 5,845,769 shares of common stock, which includes 1,023,912 shares of non-vested restricted stock, were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted income per common share because their effect would be antidilutive.

 
4.
First Quarter 2011 Acquisitions

  Effective January 31, 2011, 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.  At closing, the Company paid cash of $15,000 plus additional contingent deferred acquisition consideration, based on actual results from 2010 to 2014 with final payments due in 2015, with an original estimated present value of $20,951 at the date of acquisition.  An initial estimated allocation of the excess purchase consideration of this acquisition to the fair value of the net assets acquired resulted in identifiable intangibles of $4,000 (consisting primarily of customer lists and a covenant not to compete) and goodwill of $22,297 representing the value of the assembled workforce. The fair value of the noncontrolling interest not acquired at the acquisition date was $7,890 based on the Company’s evaluation of the Company being acquired and the purchase price paid by the Company and have been recorded as redeemable noncontrolling interests due to put option rights which are triggered upon such owner’s termination without cause, disability or death. The identified intangibles will be amortized ranging 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 are tax deductible.

The actual adjustments that the Company will ultimately make in analyzing the allocation of purchase price to fair value of the net assets acquired, will depend on a number of factors, including additional information such as changes in the unaudited financial statements.

 
10

 

Fourth Quarter 2010 Acquisitions
 
Effective November 30, 2010, the Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, purchased 80% of the total outstanding equity interests in each of Kenna Communications LP, an Ontario limited partnership ("Kenna"), and Capital C Partners LP, an Ontario limited partnership ("Capital C").  Capital C is a full-service marketing agency providing services such as business strategy and consumer insights, shopper monitoring, and product innovation.  Kenna delivers sales and marketing solutions to make organizations more efficient, more productive and more effective.  The aggregate purchase price was equal to $26,300 and additional deferred acquisition consideration, with an original estimated present value at the acquisition date of $12,360, that is based upon actual results from 2010 to 2015 with final payments due in 2016.  In addition, performance payments of up to $5,000 may be paid in the future based on these results and will result in stock based compensation charges over that period.  The Company recorded $19,905 as the present value of redeemable noncontrolling interest in relation to the Kenna and Capital C put option rights triggered upon such owner’s termination without cause, disability or death.   Beginning in 2016, the Company has a call for the remaining 20% of each of Kenna and Capital C.  If the Company does not exercise this call, the operating results of Kenna and Capital C will be allocated to the Company on a basis less than the Company’s ownership basis as defined.  An initial estimated allocation of the excess purchase consideration of this acquisition to the fair value of the net assets acquired resulted in identifiable intangibles of $10,254 (consisting of primarily customer lists and a covenant not to compete) and goodwill of $47,297 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 are not tax deductible.  Accordingly, the Company recorded a deferred tax liability of $3,188 representing the future benefits relating to the amortization of the identified intangibles.
 
The actual adjustments that the Company will ultimately make in analyzing the allocation of purchase price to fair value of the net assets acquired, will depend on a number of factors, including additional information such as changes in the unaudited financial statements.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2010, the Company also completed a number of other acquistions.  The Company purchased a 51% interest in 72andSunny Partners LLC (“72andSunny”).  72andSunny is full service agency that conceives and executes fully integrated campaigns across all media for top global brands.  The Company also increased its ownership of Allard Johnson Communications Inc. (now known as Kbs+p Canada, Inc.,) (“Kbs+p Canada”) to 100%, and Company C LLC (“Company C”) to 100%.  The aggregate purchase price paid for these other acquisitions was equal to $35,859, and consisted of total closing cash payments of $12,937, net of $790 repayment of loans; a $271 working capital adjustment; and additional contingent deferred acquisition consideration, that are based on actual financial results of the underlying business from 2010 to 2015 with final payments due in 2016 with an original estimated present value at acquisition date of $21,861, of which the Company paid $2,500 in December 2010 and $812 in 2011.  An allocation of the excess purchase consideration of this acquisition to the fair value of the net assets acquired resulted in identifiable intangibles of $5,690, consisting primarily of customer lists and covenants not to compete, and goodwill of $35,322 representing the value of assembled workforce.  The identified intangibles will be amortized ranging from a five to seven-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 $13,722, the present value of redeemable noncontrolling interest in relation to 72andSunny.  72andSunny has put option rights only upon such owner’s termination without cause, disability or death. The Company also recorded an entry to reduce redeemable noncontrolling interests by $3,802 and additional paid-in-capital of $3,123 in relation to the Kbs+p Canada and Company C step up.  The amounts paid and to be paid will be tax deductibe in relation to the 72andSunny acquisition.  However, it will not be tax deductible in relation to the Kbs+p Canada transaction.

The actual adjustments that the Company will ultimately make in analyzing the allocation of purchase price to fair value of the net assets acquired, will depend on a number of factors, including additional information such as changes in the unaudited financial statements.

Third Quarter 2010 Acquisitions

During the quarter ended September 30, 2010, the Company completed a number of acquisitions. The Company purchased a 60% equity interest in Relevent Group, LLC (“Relevent”), a 60% equity interest in Kwittken & Company, LLC (“Kwittken”), and certain assets and liabilities of Think 360 Inc. (“Think 360”).  Relevent is a full service marketing, special events, production and promotions company that builds brands with consumers through experiential lifestyle, entertainment and relationship marketing programs.  Kwittken is a full service public relations and  marketing agency.  Think 360 is an integrated marketing agency. The aggregate purchase price paid for these acquisitions consisted of total closing cash payments of $15,085, plus additional contingent deferred acquisition consideration, that are based on the actual financial results of the underlying businesses from 2010 to 2014, with final payments due in 2015 with an original estimated present value at acquisition date of $14,898. An allocation of the excess purchase consideration of these acquisitions to the fair value of the net assets acquired resulted in identifiable intangibles of $4,974, consisting primarily of customer lists and covenants not to compete, and goodwill of $29,083 representing the value of the assembled workforce.  The identified intangibles will be amortized ranging from a two to seven-year period in a manner represented by the pattern in which the economic benefits of the customer contracts/relationships are realized.  The present value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest not acquired at the acquisition date was $5,513. Relevent and Kwittken have put option rights upon an employee-owner’s termination without cause, disability or death.  The amounts paid and to be paid will be tax deductible.

 
11

 

The actual adjustments that the Company will ultimately make in analyzing the allocation of purchase price to the fair value of the net assets acquired, will depend on a number of factors, including additional information such as changes in the unaudited financial statements.

The Company has also increased ownership to 100% of Zig Inc. (now known as Crispin Porter + Bogusky Canada Inc. (“CPB Canada”)) and purchased an additional 25% of Bruce Mau Design Inc., increasing the Company’s ownership to 75%  The aggregate purchase price paid for these step-ups consisted of total closing cash payments of $3,115, plus additional deferred acquisition consideration of $626.  During the fourth quarter of 2010, and first quarter of 2011, the Company made payments of $47 and $16, respectively.  In relation to these step-ups, the Company recorded an entry to reduce redeemable noncontrolling interests by $1,365 and an entry to reduce noncontrolling interests by $144.  The Company recorded a reduction of additional paid-in-capital of $2,296 representing the difference between the fair value of the interest and the value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests.  The amounts paid and to be paid will not be tax deductible.

Second Quarter 2010 Acquisitions

Effective May 6, 2010, the Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, purchased 75% of the total outstanding membership interests in Integrated Media Solutions, LLC (“IMS”), which expands the Company’s direct response marketing capabilities.  At closing, the Company paid cash of $20,000 plus additional contingent deferred acquisition consideration, based on actual results from 2010 to 2015 with final payments due in 2016, with an original estimated present value of $19,658 at the date of acquisition which includes fixed payments of $2,216.  During 2010 and 2011, the Company made payments of $666 and $312, respectively.  An initial estimated allocation of the excess purchase consideration of this acquisition to the fair value of the net assets acquired resulted in identifiable intangibles of $9,081 (consisting of primarily customer lists and a covenant not to compete) and goodwill of $44,678 representing the value of the assembled workforce.  The fair value of the noncontrolling interest not acquired at the acquisition date was $13,219 based in the Company’s evaluation of the Company being acquired and the purchase price paid by the Company.  The identified intangibles will be amortized ranging from a five to seven-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 are tax deductible.

The actual adjustments that the Company will ultimately make in finalizing the allocation of the purchase price of IMS to the fair value of the net assets acquired at May 6, 2010 will depend on a number of factors, including additional information such as changes in the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

During the quarter ended June 30, 2010, the Company completed a number of acquisitions. The Company purchased a 51% equity interest in Allison & Partners LLC (“Allison”), a 75% equity interest in Sloane & Company LLC (“Sloane”), and certain assets and liabilities of CSC – ADPLUS, LLC (d.b.a. Infolure) (“Infolure”). Allison is a full service public relations and corporate communications agency.  Sloane is a communication firm focused on corporate positioning and communications, financial public relations and investor relations, and crisis and transactions communications.  Infolure is a direct marketing firm. The purchase price paid for these acquisitions consisted of aggregate cash payments of $17,632 plus additional contingent deferred acquisition consideration, that are based on actual results from 2010 to 2015 with final payments due in 2016 with an original estimated present value at acquisition date of $15,797 which includes fixed payments of $3,805. During 2010 and 2011, the Company made payments of $2,020 and $1,596, respectively.  An allocation of the excess purchase consideration of these acquisitions to the fair value of the net assets acquired resulted in identifiable intangibles of $9,431 consisting primarily of customer lists and covenants not to compete, and goodwill of $27,697 representing the value of the assembled workforce.  The identified intangibles will be amortized ranging from a five to seven-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 $6,024, the present value of redeemable noncontrolling interests in relation to Allison and Sloane.  The Allison acquisition has put option rights upon termination of an employee-owner’s employment by reason of death.  The Sloane acquisition has put rights that could increase the Company’s ownership to 100% in 2015.  The amounts paid and to be paid will be tax deductible.

The actual adjustments that the Company will ultimately make in analyzing the allocation of purchase price to the fair value of the net assets acquired, will depend on a number of factors, including additional information such as changes in the unaudited financial statements.

 
12

 

First Quarter 2010 Acquisitions

Effective March 1, 2010, the Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, purchased 60% of the total outstanding membership interests in Team Holdings LLC (“Team”), which expands the Company’s experiential marketing capabilities.  At closing, the Company paid cash of $11,000 plus additional contingent deferred acquisition consideration, based on actual results from 2010 to 2012 with final payments in 2013, with an original estimated present value of $12,656, and the Company paid a working capital true-up estimated at an additional $569.  An initial estimated allocation of the excess purchase consideration of this acquisition to the fair value of the net assets acquired resulted in identifiable intangibles of $5,220 (consisting of primarily customer lists and a covenant not to compete) and goodwill of $32,993 representing the value of the assembled workforce.  The fair value of the noncontrolling interest not acquired at the acquisition date was $15,771 based in the Company’s evaluation of the Company being acquired and the purchase price paid by the Company.  The identified intangibles will be amortized up to a seven-year period in a manner represented by the pattern in which the economic benefits of the customer contracts/relationships are realized.  During the second quarter of 2010, the Company amended the purchase agreement to include additional deferred acquisition consideration, with a current present value of $3,071, with final payments due in 2012.  The additional deferred acquisition consideration resulted in additional intangibles of $3,071.  During 2010 and 2011, the Company made payments of $986 and $329, respectively.  The intangibles and goodwill are tax deductible.

During the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Company completed a number of other acquisitions and step-ups in ownership. The Company purchased a 76% equity interest in Communifx Partners LLC (“Communifx”), substantially all of the assets of Plaid Inc. (“Plaid”), an additional 15% equity interest in Fletcher Martin, LLC (“Fletcher Martin”), an additional 49% equity interest in Trend Core, LLC (“Trend Core”), and an additional 1% equity interest in HL Group Partners, LLC (“HL Group”). Communifx builds and manages large-scale customer database solutions to enable the planning, execution, and measurement of multi-channel marketing and advertising programs.  Plaid is a marketing services business with a concentration in the digital communication and social media arena.  The Company purchased the additional equity interests in Fletcher Martin and HL Group pursuant to the exercise of outstanding puts. The purchase price paid for these acquisitions and step-ups consisted of aggregate cash payments of $4,921 plus additional contingent payments of $576 that are based on actual results from 2010 to 2015 with final payments due in 2016. During  2011, the Company made payments of $267.  An allocation of the excess purchase consideration of these acquisitions to the fair value of the net assets acquired resulted in identifiable intangibles of $1,851 consisting primarily of customer lists and a covenant not to compete, and goodwill of $2,426 representing the value of the assembled workforce.  The identified intangibles will be amortized up to a seven-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 $710, the present value of redeemable noncontrolling interests in relation to Communifx.  The Communifx acquisition has put/call rights that could increase the Company’s ownership to 100% in 2013.   In relation to the step up acquisitions, the Company recorded an entry to reduce Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests by $1,116.  The amount paid to the employee over fair value, $608, was recorded as a stock-based compensation charge.  The Company recorded a reduction of additional paid-in capital of $1,623 representing the difference between the fair value of the shares and the value of the Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests.  The amounts paid and to be paid will be tax deductible.

 
13

 

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated)

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

   
Three Months
Ended March 31, 2011
   
Three Months
Ended March 31, 2010
 
Net Loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.
  $ (8,685 )   $ (10,186 )
Transfers to the noncontrolling interest
               
Decrease in MDC Partners Inc. paid-in capital for purchase of equity interests in excess of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
          (1,639 )
Decrease in MDC Partners Inc. paid-in-capital from issuance of profits interests
          (160 )
Net transfers to noncontrolling interest
  $     $ (1,799 )
Change from net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. and transfers to noncontrolling interest
  $ (8,685 )   $ (11,985 )

5. 
Accrued and Other Liabilities

At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, accrued and other liabilities included amounts due to noncontrolling interest holders, for their share of profits, which will be distributed within the next twelve months of $5,994 and $8,577, respectively.
Changes in noncontrolling interest amounts included in accrued and other liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2010 and three months ended March 31, 2011 were as follows:
 
   
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
Balance, December 31, 2009
  $ 4,058  
Income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    10,074  
Distributions made
    (7,685 )
Other (1)
    2,130  
Balance, December 31, 2010
  $ 8,577  
Income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    1,605  
Distributions made
    (4,293 )
CTA
    105  
Balance, March 31, 2011
  $ 5,994  

(1)           Other consists primarily of an adjustment to record distributions to be made as a result of an acquired company and cumulative translation adjustments.

6.
Discontinued Operations

In December 2010, the Company discontinued a start-up division of Redscout, LLC called 007. As a result, the Company has classified this entity’s results of operations as discontinued operations.  The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was a loss of $136.

Effective September 30, 2010, the Company ceased Zig US current operations and has classified this entity’s results of operations as discontinued operations.  The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was a loss of $169.

In June 2010, the Company discontinued a start up called Fearless Progression LLC (“Fearless”). The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was a loss of $171.

 
14

 

Included in discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was the following:

   
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2010
 
       
Revenue
  $ 267  
Operating loss
  $ (496 )
Other expense
  $ (35 )
Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to MDC Partners Inc., net of taxes
  $ (476 )
 
7.
Comprehensive (Loss ) Income

Total comprehensive (loss) income and its components were:

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Net loss for the period
  $ (7,080 )   $ (9,163 )
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
               
Foreign currency cumulative translation adjustment
    845       1,416  
Comprehensive loss
    (6,235 )     (7,747 )
Comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest
    (1,608 )     (966 )
Comprehensive loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.
  $ (7,843 )   $ (8,713 )

8. 
Short-Term Debt, Long-Term Debt and Convertible Debentures

Debt consists of:
   
March 31,
2011
   
December 31,
2010
 
             
Revolving credit facility
  $ 59,741     $  
11% Senior Notes due 2016
    290,000       290,000  
Original issue discount
    (6,629 )     (6,843 )
Notes payable and other bank loans
    1,400       1,400  
      344,512       284,557  
Obligations under capital leases
    1,670       1,659  
      346,182       286,216  
Less:
               
Current portions
    1,584       1,667  
Long term portion
  $ 344,598     $ 284,549  

MDC Financing Agreement and Senior Notes

Issuance of 11% Senior Notes

On October 23, 2009, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, as guarantors, issued and sold $225,000 aggregate principal amount of 11% Senior 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. The Company received net proceeds before expenses of $208,881, which included an original issue discount of approximately 4.7% or $10,494, and underwriter fees of $5,624. The 11% Notes were sold in a private placement in reliance on exemptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. 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$45,000 convertible debentures on November 26, 2009.

On May 14, 2010, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, as guarantors, issued and sold $65,000 aggregate principal amount of 11% Senior 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 $67,208, which included an original issue premium of $2,600, and underwriter fees of $392. The Company used the net proceeds of the offering to repay the outstanding balance under the Company’s revolving credit facility described elsewhere herein, and for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions.
 
 
15

 
 
The Company may, at its option, redeem the 11% Notes (including the additional notes) in whole at any time or in part, on and after November 1, 2013 at a redemption price of 105.500% of the principal amount thereof. If redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on November 1, 2014, at a redemption price of 102.750% of the principal amount thereof or if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on or after November 1, 2015 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof. Prior to November 1, 2013, the Company may, at its option, redeem some or all of the 11% Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus a “make whole” premium and accrued and unpaid interest. The Company may also redeem, at its option, prior to November 1, 2012, up to 35% of the 11% Notes with the proceeds from one or more equity offerings at a redemption price of 111% of the principal amount thereof. If the Company experiences certain kinds of changes of control (as defined in the Indenture), holders of the 11% Notes may require the Company to repurchase any 11% Notes held by them at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the 11% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest.  The indenture governing the 11% Notes contains certain events of default and restrictive covenants which are customary with respect to non-investment grade debt securities, including limitations on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, dividends, sales of assets and transactions with affiliates.

The fair value for the 11% Senior Notes was $320,300 as of March 31, 2011.

At March 31, 2011, the Company had issued $6,055 of undrawn outstanding Letters of Credit.

At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, accounts payable included $10,092 and $9,026 of outstanding checks, respectively.

 
16

 

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated)

8. Bank Debt, Long-Term Debt and Convertible Notes  – (continued)

Credit Agreement

On October 23, 2009, the Company and its subsidiaries entered into a $75,000 five year senior secured revolving credit agreement (the “WF Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Foothill, LLC, as agent, and the lenders from time to time party thereto. On November 22, 2010, this agreement was amended to increase the availability under the facility to $100,000.  The WF Credit Agreement replaced the Company’s existing $185,000 senior secured financing agreement with Fortress Credit Corp., as collateral agent, and Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc., as administrative agent. Advances under the WF 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 applicable margin as of March 31, 2011 for borrowing is 2.50% in the case of Base Rate Loans and 2.75% in the case of LIBOR Rate Loans. The applicable margin may be reduced subject to the Company achieving certain trailing twelve month earning levels, as defined. In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the WF Credit Agreement, the Company is required to pay an unused revolver fee to the lender under the WF Credit Agreement in respect of unused commitments thereunder.

The WF Credit Agreement is guaranteed by all of the Company’s present and future subsidiaries, other than immaterial subsidiaries (as defined) and is secured by all of the assets of the Company. The WF Credit Agreement includes covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company’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 the Company’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 the Company’s assets to, another person. These covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions. The WF Credit Agreement also contains financial covenants, including a senior leverage ratio, a total leverage ratio, a fixed charge coverage ratio, a minimum receivables level, and a minimum earnings level, as defined.

The Company is currently in compliance with all of the terms and conditions of its WF 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 March 31, 2011, the weighted average interest rate under the WF Credit Agreement was 5.8%.

 
17

 

9.
Total Equity

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, Class A share capital increased by $865, as the Company issued 186,895 shares related to vested restricted stock, and 18,179 shares related to the exercise of outstanding stock appreciation rights and 80,664 related to the exercise of options.  During the three months ended March 31, 2011, charges in excess of capital increased by $1,625 related to the vested restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, and options offset by $4,060 related to an increase from stock-based compensation that was expensed during the same period, and $3,296 related to charges in put options (Note 2 and Note 13).

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company purchased and retired 83,682 Class A shares for $1,481 from employees in connection with the required tax withholding resulting from the vesting of shares of restricted stock and stock appreciation rights.

Total equity decreased $1,143, which is comprised of an increase in stock-based compensation of $4,060, changes in put options of $3,296,  an increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $942 and an exercise of stock options of $721, offset by a net loss attributable to MDC Partners of $8,685 and $1,481 of treasury stock purchases.
 
10.
Fair Value Measurements
 
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted guidance regarding accounting for Fair Value Measurements, for financial assets and liabilities. 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.

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 3 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 of fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2011 and 2010:
 
   
Level 1
March 31, 2011
   
Level 1
March 31, 2010
 
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Fair Value
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Fair Value
 
Liabilities:
                       
11% Senior Notes due 2016
  $ 283.4     $ 320.3     $ 215.0     $ 245.3  
 
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.
 
   
Fair Value Measurements Using
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Beginning Balance of contingent payments
  $ 101,822     $ 29,928  
Payments
    (7,590 )     (7,120 )
Grants
    6,430       13,187  
Redemption value adjustments
    (2,737 )     320  
Foreign translation adjustment
    288        
Ending Balance of contingent payments
  $ 98,213     $ 36,315  

In addition to the above amounts, there are fixed payments of $5,195 and $1,632 for total deferred acquisition consideration of $103,408 and $37,948, which reconciles to the consolidating financial statements at March 31, 2011 and 2010, 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 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 earnings 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.

At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the carrying amount of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximated fair value because of their short-term maturity.

11.
Other Income (Expense)
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Other income (expense)
  $ 69     $ (6 )
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)
    242       (651 )
Gain on sale of assets
          69  
    $ 311     $ (588 )

12.
Segmented 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.

 
18

 

The Company reports in two segments plus corporate. The segments are as follows:
 
The Strategic Marketing Services segment includes Crispin Porter & Bogusky and kirshenbaum bond senecal + partners among others. This segment consists of integrated marketing consulting services firms that offer a full complement of marketing consulting services including advertising and media, marketing communications including direct marketing, public relations, corporate 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 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 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, the services provided to the customer and they exhibit similar long term financial performance and have been aggregated together.

The significant accounting polices of these segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies included in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. The Company continues to evaluate its Corporate Group and the services provided by the Corporate Group to the operating segments.

Summary financial information concerning the Company’s operating segments is shown in the following tables:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
(thousands of United States dollars)

   
Strategic
Marketing
Services
   
Performance
Marketing
Services
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
                         
Revenue
  $ 141,493     $ 76,009     $     $ 217,502  
                                 
Cost of services sold
    100,770       58,374             159,144  
                                 
Office and general expenses
    27,193       11,832       6,706       45,731  
                                 
Depreciation and amortization
    5,807       4,472       104       10,383  
                                 
Operating Profit/(Loss)
    7,723       1,331       (6,810 )     2,244  
                                 
Other Income (Expense):
                               
Other income, net
                            311  
Interest expense, net
                            (9,532 )
                                 
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in affiliates
                            (6,977 )
Income tax expense
                            358  
                                 
Loss from continuing operations before equity in affiliates
                            (7,335 )
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates
                            255  
                                 
Net loss
                            (7,080 )
                                 
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests
    (1,643 )     38             (1,605 )
 Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.
                          $ (8,685 )
                                 
Non cash stock based compensation
  $ 1,547       505     $ 2,222     $ 4,274  
                                 
 Supplemental Segment Information:
                               
                                 
 Capital expenditures
  $ 3,733     $ 1,091     $ 198     $ 5,022  
                                 
 Goodwill and intangibles
  $ 393,320     $ 218,055     $     $ 611,375  
                                 
 Total assets
  $ 598,369     $ 335,186     $ 41,182     $ 974,737  
 
19

 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010
(thousands of United States dollars)
 
   
Strategic
Marketing
Services
   
Performance
Marketing
Services
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
                         
Revenue
  $ 91,258     $ 44,657     $     $ 135,915  
                                 
Cost of services sold
    61,215       35,356             96,571  
                                 
Office and general expenses
    19,980       9,514       4,783       34,277  
                                 
Depreciation and amortization
    3,284       2,439       93       5,816  
                                 
Operating Profit/(Loss)
    6,779       (2,652 )     (4,876 )     (749 )
                                 
Other Income (Expense):
                               
Other expense, net
                            (588 )
Interest expense, net
                            (6,997 )
                                 
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in affiliates
                            (8,334 )
Income tax expense
                            249  
                                 
Loss from continuing operations before equity in affiliates
                            (8,583 )
Equity in loss of non-consolidated affiliates
                            (104 )
                                 
Loss from continuing operations
                            (8,687 )
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to MDC Partners Inc., net of taxes
                            (476 )
                                 
Net loss
                            (9,163 )
                                 
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests
    (982 )     (41 )           (1,023 )
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.
                          $ (10,186 )
                                 
Non cash stock based compensation
  $ 1,753     $ 366     $ 1,349     $ 3,468  
                                 
Supplemental Segment Information:
                               
                                 
Capital expenditures
  $ 1,605     $ 1,034     $ 123     $ 2,762  
                                 
Goodwill and intangibles
  $ 278,055     $ 99,852     $     $ 377,907  
                                 
Total assets
  $ 430,731     $ 166,342     $ 35,993     $ 633,066  

 
20

 

A summary of the Company’s revenue by geographic area, based on the location in which the services originated, is set forth in the following table:

   
United
States
   
Canada
   
Other
   
Total
 
Revenue 
                       
Three Months Ended March 31, 
                       
2011
  $ 174,319     $ 35,140     $ 8,043     $ 217,502  
2010  
  $ 111,882     $ 20,045     $ 3,988     $ 135,915  

13. 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 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 2011 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 March 31, 2011, perform over the relevant future periods at their trailing twelve-months earnings levels, that these rights, if all exercised, could require the Company, in future periods, to pay an aggregate amount of approximately $35,758 to the owners of such rights to acquire such ownership interests in the relevant subsidiaries. Of this amount, the Company is entitled, at its option, to fund approximately $3,452 by the issuance of share capital. In addition, the Company is obligated under similar put option rights to pay an aggregate amount of approximately $59,187 only upon termination of such owner’s employment with the applicable subsidiary or death. Included in redeemable noncontrolling interests at March 31, 2011 is $54,093 of these put options because they are not within the control of the Company. 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 these rights are exercised.

Natural Disasters. Certain of the Company’s operations are located in regions of the United States and Caribbean which typically are subject to hurricanes. During the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, these operations did not incur any costs related to damages resulting from hurricanes.

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

In connection with the 2003 sale of the Company’s investment in CDI, the amounts of indemnification guarantees were limited to the total sale price of approximately $84,000. For the remainder, the Company’s potential liability for these indemnifications are not subject to a limit as the underlying agreements do not always specify a maximum amount and the amounts are dependent upon the outcome of future contingent events.

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

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

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

 
21

 

Commitments.  The Company has commitments to fund $3,833 of investments.  At March 31, 2011, the Company had issued $6,055 of undrawn outstanding letters of credit.

14. New Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2010, the FASB issues ASU 2010-17, “Revenue Recognition-Milestone Method.”    ASU 2010-17 provides guidance on the criteria that should be met for determining whether the milestone method of revenue recognition is appropriate.  A vendor can recognize consideration that is contingent upon achievement of a milestone in its entirety as revenue in the period in which the milestone is achieved only if the milestone meets all criteria to be considered substantive.  The amendments in ASU 2010-17 are effective on a prospective basis for milestones achieved in fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after June 15, 2010.  The adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

In April 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-13, "Compensation - Stock Compensation  Effect of Denominating the Exercise Price of a Share-Based Payment Award in the Currency of the Market in Which the Underlying Equity Security Trades." ASU 2010-13 provides amendments to clarify that an employee share-based payment award with an exercise price denominated in the currency of a market in which a substantial portion of the entity's equity securities trades should not be considered to contain a condition that is not a market, performance, or service condition. Therefore, an entity would not classify such an award as a liability if it otherwise qualifies as equity. The amendments in ASU 2010-13 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2010. The adoption of this standard did not have an effect on our results of operation or our financial position.

In October 2009, the FASB issued revised guidance on the topic of Multiple — Deliverable Revenue Arrangements. The revised guidance amends certain accounting for revenue with multiple deliverables. In particular when vendor specific objective evidence or third party evidence for deliverables in an arrangement cannot be determined, the revised guidance allows use of a best estimate of the selling price to allocate the arrangement consideration among them. This guidance is effective for the first quarter of 2011, with early adoption permitted. The adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

  15. Subsequent Events

On April 19, 2011, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, as guarantors, issued and sold $55 million aggregate principal amount of 11% senior notes due 2016.
 
On April 29, 2011, the Company entered into an amendment (the “Amendment ) to its existing senior secured revolving credit facility, dated October 23, 2009. The maximum revolver amount under the Credit Agreement was increased to $150 million, from $100 million, in connection with the Amendment and pursuant to separate assignment agreements in which Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC joined Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Bank of Montreal as Lenders under the credit facility. In addition, the Amendment extends the maturity day of the Credit Agreement by an additional one year, to October, 23, 2015, and lowers the Base LIBOR Rate Floor (as defined) from 1.5% to 0.5%.

 
22

 

Item 2.   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 st of that year and ending December 31 of that year (e.g., fiscal 2011 means the period beginning January 1, 2011, and ending December 31, 2011).

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.

The following discussion focuses on the operating performance of the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, and the financial condition of the Company as of March 31, 2011. This analysis should be read in conjunction with the interim condensed consolidated financial statements presented in this interim report and the annual audited consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis presented in the Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2010 as reported on Form 10-K. All amounts are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated.

 
23

 

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 services 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, which results in earnings before interest, income taxes and depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”)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 Marking Services. In addition, MDC has a “Corporate Group” which provides certain administrative, accounting, financial, human resources and legal functions. Through our operating “partners”, MDC provides advertising, consulting, customer relationship management, and specialized communication services to clients throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean.

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 Unaudited Condensed 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 tends 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 also monitor the resulting EBITDA generated to assist in determining where investment needs to be made.

We measure capital expenses as either maintenance or investment related.  Maintenance capital expenses are primarily composed of general upkeep of our office facilities and equipment that are required to continue to operate our businesses.  Investment capital expenses 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 expenses 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 loses occur for of 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 any number of reasons, such as a change in top management and the new management wants to go 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.
 
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 2009 to 2010 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 6 “Discontinued Operations” in the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Foreign Exchange Fluctuations .  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.

 
24

 

Results of Operations:
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
(thousands of United States dollars)
 
   
Strategic
Marketing
Services
   
Performance
Marketing
Services
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Revenue
  $ 141,493     $ 76,009     $     $ 217,502  
                                 
Cost of services sold
    100,770       58,374             159,144  
                                 
Office and general expenses
    27,193       11,832       6,706       45,731  
                                 
Depreciation and amortization
    5,807       4,472       104       10,383  
                                 
Operating Profit/(Loss)
    7,723       1,331       (6,810 )     2,244  
                                 
Other Income (Expense):
                               
Other income, net
                            311  
Interest expense, net
                            (9,532 )
                                 
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in affiliates
                            (6,977 )
Income tax expense
                            358  
                                 
Loss from continuing operations before equity in affiliates
                            (7,335 )
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates
                            255  
                                 
Loss from continuing operations
                            (7,080 )
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to MDC Partners Inc., net of taxes
                             
                                 
Net loss
                            (7,080 )
                                 
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests
    (1,643 )     38             (1,605 )
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.
                          $ (8,685 )
                                 
Non cash stock based compensation
  $ 1,547     $ 505     $ 2,222     $ 4,274  

 
25

 

Results of Operations:
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2010
(thousands of United States dollars)
 
   
Strategic
Marketing
Services
   
Performance
Marketing
Services
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Revenue
  $ 91,258     $ 44,657     $     $ 135,915  
                                 
Cost of services sold
    61,215       35,356             96,571  
                                 
Office and general expenses
    19,980       9,514       4,783       34,277  
                                 
Depreciation and amortization
    3,284       2,439       93       5,816  
                                 
Operating Profit/(Loss)
    6,779       (2,652 )     (4,876 )     (749 )
                                 
Other Income (Expense):
                               
Other expense, net
                            (588 )
Interest expense, net
                            (6,997 )
                                 
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in affiliates
                            (8,334 )
Income tax expense
                            249  
                                 
Loss from continuing operations before equity in affiliates
                            (8,583 )
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates
                            (104 )
                                 
Loss from continuing operations
                            (8,687 )
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to MDC Partners Inc., net of taxes
                            (476 )
                                 
Net loss
                            (9,163 )
                                 
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests
    (982 )     (41 )           (1,023 )
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.
                          $ (10,186 )
                                 
Non cash stock based compensation.
  $ 1,753     $ 366     $ 1,349     $ 3,468  

 
26

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2011, Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2010

Revenue was $217.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, representing an increase of $81.6 million, or 60.0%, compared to revenue of $135.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2010. This revenue increase related primarily to acquisition growth of $44.1 million and organic growth of $36.1 million. In addition, a weakening of the US Dollar, primarily versus the Canadian dollar during the quarter ended March 31, 2011, resulted in increased revenues of $1.4 million.

The operating profit for the quarter ended March 31, 2011was $2.2 million compared to an operating loss of $0.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2010. The increase in operating profit was primarily the result of an increase in operating profit of $4.0 million in the Performance Strategic Marketing Services segment, an increase of $0.9 million within the Strategic Marketing Services segment, offset by an increase in corporate operating expense of $1.9 million.

The loss from continuing operations attributable to MDC Partners Inc. for the first quarter of 2011 was $7.1 million, compared to a loss of $8.7 million in 2010. This decrease in loss of $1.6 million was primarily the result of an increase in operating profits of $3.0 million, an increase in other income, net of $0.9 million, and an increase from equity in earning of non-consolidated affiliates of $0.4 million.  These amounts were offset by an increase in interest expense, net of $2.5 million, an increase in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of $0.6 million, and an increase in income tax expense of $0.1 million.

Marketing Communications Group

Revenues in the first quarter of 2011 attributable to the Marketing Communications Group, which consists of two reportable segments — Strategic Marketing Services and Performance Marketing Services, were $217.5 million compared to $135.9 million in the first quarter of 2010, representing a year-over-year increase of 60.0%.

The components of the increase in revenue in 2011 are shown in the following table:

   
Revenue
 
   
$   000’s
   
%
 
Quarter ended March 31, 2010
  $ 135,915        
Organic
    36,074       26.5 %
Acquisitions
    44,102       32.5 %
Foreign exchange impact
    1,411       1.0 %
Quarter ended March 31, 2011
  $ 217,502       60.0 %

The geographic mix in revenues was consistent between the first quarter of 2011 and 2010 and is demonstrated in the following table:

   
2011
   
2010
 
US
    80 %     82 %
Canada
    16 %     15 %
Other
    4 %     3 %

The operating profit of the Marketing Communications Group increased by approximately 119.4% to $9.1 million from $4.1 million. Operating margins increased by 1.2% and were 4.2% for 2011 compared to 3.0% for 2010. The increase in operating profit and operating margin was primarily attributable to increased revenue and a decrease in total staff costs as a percentage of revenue offset by an increase in direct costs (excluding staff costs) as a percentage of revenues from 17.3% in 2010 to 23.4% in 2011. Total staff costs increased $38.5 million; however, decreased as a percentage of revenue from 62.8% in 2010 to 56.9% in 2011. Direct costs increased due to the requirement that certain costs be included in both revenue and direct costs due to the company acting as principle versus agent for certain client contracts. General and administrative costs decreased as a percentage of revenue from 21.7% in 2010 to 17.9% in 2011.  This decrease was due to increased revenues on relatively fixed costs and adjustments relating to deferred acquisition consideration, resulting in income of 1.4% of revenue offset in part by acquisition related costs of 0.3%.  Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of revenue increased from 4.2% in 2010 to 4.7% in 2011 due to the 2010 and 2011 acquisitions.

Strategic Marketing Services (“SMS”)

Revenues attributable to Strategic Marketing Services in the first quarter of 2011 were $141.5 million, compared to $91.3 million in the first quarter of 2010. The year-over-year increase of $50.2 million or 55.0% was attributable primarily to organic growth of $28.3 million as a result of net new business wins, and acquisition growth of $21.0 million. A weakening of the US dollar versus the Canadian dollar in 2011 compared to 2010 resulted in a $0.9 million increase in revenues from the division’s Canadian-based operations.

 
27

 

The operating profit of Strategic Marketing Services increased by approximately 13.9% to $7.7 million in the first quarter of 2011 from $6.8 million in the first quarter of 2010, while operating margins decreased to 5.5% in 2011 from 7.4% in 2010. The increase in operating profit was primarily due to the increased revenue.  The decrease in operating margin was due primarily to increased direct costs (excluding staff costs) as a percentage of revenue from 13.4% in 2010 to 21.0% in 2011.  In addition, depreciation and amortization as a percentage of revenue increased from 3.6% in 2010 to 4.1% in 2011, due to the 2010 and 2011 acquisitions.  Offsetting these increases, total staff costs increased $23.5 million, however, as a percentage of revenue decreased from 62.0% in 2010 to 56.6% in 2011. General and administrative costs decreased as a percentage of revenue from 21.9% in 2010 to 19.2% in 2011.

Performance Marketing Services

The Performance Marketing Services segment generated revenues of $76.0 million for the first quarter of 2011, an increase of $31.4 million, or 70.2% higher than revenues of $44.7 million in the first quarter of 2010. The year over year increase was attributed primarily to growth from acquisitions of $23.1 million, and organic revenue growth of $7.7 million. In addition, a weakening of the US dollar verses the Canadian dollar in 2011 compared to 2010 resulted in a $0.5 million increase in revenues from the division’s Canadian-based operations.

The operating profit of Performance Marketing Services increased by $4.0 million in the first quarter of 2011 from a loss of $2.7 million in the first quarter of 2010 to income of $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2011.  Operating margins increased from a loss of 5.9% to income of 1.8%.  Operating margins increased due to total staff costs as a percentage of revenue decreasing from 64.4% in the first quarter of 2010 to 57.6% in the first quarter of 2011. General and administrative costs decreased as a percentage of revenue from 21.3% in the first quarter of 2010 to 15.6% in the first quarter of 2011. The decrease as a percentage of revenue was due to increased revenues and adjustments relating to deferred acquisition consideration.  Offsetting these increases, total direct costs (excluding staff costs) increased $9.9 million and as a percentage of revenue increased from 25.1% in the first quarter of 2010 to 27.8% in the first quarter of 2011. Depreciation and amortization increased as a percentage of revenue from 5.5% in 2010 to 5.9% in 2011 due to the amortization of intangibles in connection with the 2010 and 2011 acquisitions.

Corporate

Operating costs related to the Company’s Corporate operations totaled $6.8 million in the first quarter of 2011 compared to $4.9 million in the first quarter of 2010. This increase of $1.9 million was primarily related to increased compensation and related expenses of $1.2 million, of which non-cash stock based compensation was $0.9 million.  In addition, Corporate operations incurred a $0.2 million increase in advertising and promotions, $0.3 million increase in occupancy costs and $0.2 million in travel and entertainment costs.

Other Income, Net

Other income (expense) increased to income of $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2011 compared to an expense of $0.6 million in the first quarter of 2010. The 2011 income was primarily comprised of an unrealized foreign exchange gain of $0.2 million, compared to an unrealized loss of $0.7 million recorded in 2010.  Specifically, this unrealized gain and loss was due primarily to the fluctuation in the US dollar during 2011 and 2010 compared to the Canadian dollar primarily on the Company’s US dollar denominated intercompany balances with its Canadian subsidiaries.

Net Interest Expense

Net interest expense for the first quarter of 2011 was $9.5 million, an increase of $2.5 million over the $7.0 million of net interest expense incurred during the first quarter of 2010. Interest expense increased in 2011 due to higher average outstanding debt in 2011, relating to the 11% senior notes issued in October 2009 and May 2010. Interest income was nominal in both 2011 and 2010.

Income Taxes

 Income tax expense was $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2011 compared to income tax expense of $0.2 million for the first quarter of 2010. The Company’s effective tax rate in 2011 and 2010 was substantially higher than the statutory rate due to noncontrolling interest charges, offset by non-deductible stock based compensation.  In addition, effective tax rate was higher due to losses in certain tax jurisdictions where the benefits are not expected to be realized.

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 (losses) attributable to equity-accounted affiliate operations. For the first quarter of 2011 the income was $0.3 million compared to a loss of $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2010.

 
28

 

Noncontrolling Interests

Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests was $1.6 million for the first quarter of 2011, an increase of $0.6 million from the $1.0 million of noncontrolling interest expense incurred during the first quarter of 2010, primarily due to increased profitability of certain entities which are not wholly owned in the Strategic Marketing Services segment.

Discontinued Operations Attributable to MDC Partners Inc.

The loss of $0.5 million, from discontinued operations in 2010, resulted from the operating results and write-off of our investment of Zig US, a start up division of Redscout, LLC called 007, and a start up called Fearless progression LLC.

Net Loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc .

As a result of the foregoing, the net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. recorded for the first quarter of 2011 was $8.7 million or a loss of $0.31 per diluted share, compared to a net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. of $10.2 million or a loss of $0.37 per diluted share reported for the first quarter of 2010.

 
29

 
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources:

Liquidity

The following table provides summary information about the Company’s liquidity position:
 
   
As of and for the
three months ended
March 31, 2011
   
As of and for the
three months ended
March 31, 2010
   
As of and for the
year ended
December 31, 2010
 
   
(000’s)
   
(000’s)
   
(000’s)
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
6,962
   
$
21,247
   
$
10,949
 
Working capital (deficit)
 
$
(70,825
)
 
$
(52,011
 
$
(102,547
)
Cash from operations
 
$
(37,066
 
$
(8,939
 
$
37,297
 
Cash from investing
 
$
(22,165
)
 
$
(26,143
)
 
$
(130,253
)
Cash from financing
 
$
55,198
   
$
4,509
   
$
52,401
 
Long-term debt to total equity ratio
   
3.82
     
2.23
     
3.11
 
Fixed charge coverage ratio
   
N/A
     
N/A
     
N/A
 
Fixed charge deficiency
 
$
3,194
   
$
8,327
   
$
3,265
 

As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, $3.0 million and $5.2 million, respectively, of the consolidated cash position was held by subsidiaries, which, although available for the subsidiaries’ use, does not represent cash that is distributable as earnings to MDC Partners for use to reduce its indebtedness. It is the Company’s intent through its cash management system to reduce any outstanding borrowings under the WF Credit Agreement by using available cash.

The Company intends to maintain sufficient cash to fund operations for the next twelve months.

Working Capital

At March 31, 2011, the Company had a working capital deficit of $70.8 million compared to a deficit of $102.5 million at December 31, 2010. The improvement in working capital was primarily due to seasonal shifts in the amounts collected from clients, and paid to suppliers, primarily media outlets and improvements made in the Company’s billing and collecting practices. The Company includes amounts due to noncontrolling interest holders, for their share of profits, in accrued and other liabilities. At March 31, 2011, $6.0 million remained outstanding to be distributed to noncontrolling interest holders over the next twelve months.

The Company intends to maintain sufficient cash or availability of funds under the WF Credit Agreement at any particular time to adequately fund such working capital deficits should there be a need to do so from time to time.
 
 
30

 
 
Cash Flows

Operating Activities

Cash flow used in continuing operations, including changes in non-cash working capital, for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $37.1 million. This was attributable primarily to a net operating loss from continuing operations of $7.1 million, payments of accounts payables, accruals, and other liabilities of $20.3 million, a decrease in advanced billings of $9.5 million, increase in accounts receivable of $5.9 million, an increase in expenditures billable to clients of $3.2 million, adjustments to deferred acquisition consideration of $3.0 million, an increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $1.7 million. This use of cash was offset by depreciation and amortization and non-cash stock compensation of $15.3 million.

Cash flow used in continuing operations, including changes in non-cash working capital, for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $8.5 million. This was attributable primarily to a net loss from continuing operations of $8.7 million, payments of accounts payables, accruals and other liabilities of $13.9 million, an increase in accounts receivable of $5.3 million, an increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $2.1 million, and an increase in other non-current assets and liabilities of $1.1 million.  This use of cash was offset by depreciation and amortization and non-cash stock compensation of $9.9 million, a decrease in advanced billings of $10.9 million, a decrease in expenditures billable to clients of $0.8 million and adjustments to deferred acquisition consideration for $0.3 million. Discontinued operations attributable to MDC Partners used cash of $0.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2010.

Investing Activities

Cash flows used in investing activities were $22.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared with $26.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2010.

In the three months ended March 31, 2011, capital expenditures totaled $5.0 million, of which $3.7 million was incurred by the Strategic Marketing Services segment, $1.1 million was incurred by the Performance Marketing Services segment, and $0.2 million was incurred by corporate.  These expenditures consisted primarily of computer equipment, furniture and fixtures, and leasehold improvements. Expenditures for capital assets in the three months ended March 31, 2010 were $2.8 million. Of this amount, $1.6 million was incurred by the Strategic Marketing Services segment and $1.0 million was incurred by the Performance Marketing services Segment and $0.1 million was incurred by corporate. These expenditures consisted primarily of computer equipment and leasehold improvements.

In the three months ended March 31, 2011, cash flow used for acquisitions and deferred acquisition payments was $20.1 million of which $11.1 million was net cash paid in the acquisition of equity interests in Anomaly, and $9.0 million was paid related to the settlement of deferred acquisition consideration. In addition, the Company paid $0.9 million for other investments.  These outflows were offset by $3.8 million of profit distributions from affiliates.  Cash flow used in acquisitions was $23.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2010 of which $14.1 million related to acquisitions of Team, Communifx and Plaid, and $7.1 million was paid related to the settlement of deferred acquisition consideration.

Financing Activities

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, cash flows provided by financing activities amounted to $55.2 million, and consisted primarily from proceeds of $59.7 million relating to the revolving credit facility and $1.1 million proceeds from bank overdrafts, offset by distributions to noncontrolling partners of $4.3 million, the purchase of treasury shares for income tax withholding requirements of $1.5 million, payment of deferred financing costs of $0.3 million and repayments of long-term debt of $0.3 million and. During the three months ended March 31, 2010, cash flows provided by financing activities amounted to $4.5 million, and primarily consisted of proceeds from the revolving credit facility of $10.3 million, offset by dividends paid and payable of $2.8 million, distributions to noncontrolling partners of $2.3 million, the purchase of treasury shares for income tax withholding requirements of $0.6 million, and repayments of long-term debt of $0.2 million, .

Total Debt

11% Senior Notes Due 2016

On October 23, 2009, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, as guarantors, issued and sold $225 million aggregate principal amount of 11% Senior 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. The Company received net proceeds before expenses of $209 million which included an original issue discount of approximately 4.7% or $10.5 million and underwriter fees of $5.6 million. The 11% Notes were sold in a private placement in reliance on exemptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company used the net proceeds of this offering to repay the outstanding balance and terminate its prior Fortress Financing Agreement consisting of repayments of $130 million of term loans, a $70 million delayed draw term loan, and $9.7 million outstanding on the $55 million revolving credit facility. The Company also used the net proceeds to redeem its outstanding 8% C$45 million convertible debentures.
 
 
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On May 14, 2010, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, as guarantors, issued and sold $65 million aggregate principal amount of 11% Senior 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 facility described elsewhere herein, and for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions.

The Company may, at its option, redeem the 11% Notes (including the additional notes) in whole at any time or in part from time to time, on and after November 1, 2013 at a redemption price of 105.5% of the principal amount thereof. If redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on November 1, 2014, the Company must pay a redemption price of 102.75% of the principal amount thereof. If redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on November 1, 2015, the Company must pay a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof. Prior to November 1, 2013, the Company may, at its option, redeem some or all of the 11% Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus a “make whole” premium and accrued and unpaid interest. The Company may also redeem, at its option, prior to November 1, 2012, up to 35% of the 11% Notes with the proceeds from one or more equity offerings at a redemption price of 111% of the principal amount thereof. If the Company experiences certain kinds of changes of control (as defined in the Indenture), holders of the 11% Notes may require the Company to repurchase any 11% Notes held by them at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the 11% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. The indenture governing the 11% Notes contains certain events of default and restrictive covenants which are customary with respect to non-investment grade debt securities, including limitations on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, dividends, sales of assets and transactions with affiliates.

Revolving Credit Agreement

On October 23, 2009, the Company and its subsidiaries entered into a $75 million five year senior secured revolving credit agreement (the “WF Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Foothill, LLC, as agent, and the lenders from time to time party thereto. On November 22, 2010, this agreement was amended to increase the availability under the facility to $100 million. The WF Credit Agreement replaced the Company’s existing $185 million senior secured financing agreement with Fortress Credit Corp., as collateral agent, Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc., as administrative agent. Advances under the WF Credit Agreement bear interest as follows: (a)(i) LIBOR Rate Loans bear interest at the LIBOR Rate (as defined) and (ii) Base Rate Loans bear interest at the Base Rate (as defined), plus (b) an applicable margin. The applicable margin for borrowings as of March 31, 2011 is 2.50% in the case of Base Rate Loans and 2.75% in the case of LIBOR Rate Loans. The applicable margin may be reduced subject to the Company achieving certain trailing twelve month earning levels, as defined. In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the WF Credit Agreement, the Company is required to pay an unused revolver fee to the lenders under the WF Credit Agreement in respect of unused commitments thereunder.

The WF Credit Agreement is guaranteed by all of the Company’s present and future subsidiaries, other than immaterial subsidiaries as defined and is secured by all the assets of the Company. The WF Credit Agreement includes covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company’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 the Company’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 the Company’s assets to, another person. These covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions. The WF Credit Agreement also contains financial covenants, including a senior leverage ratio, a total leverage ratio, a fixed charge coverage ratio, a minimum receivables level, and a minimum earnings level, as defined.
 
32

 
 
Debt as of March 31, 2011 was $346.2 million, an increase of $60.0 million compared with the $286.2 million outstanding at December 31, 2010, primarily as a result of the borrowings under the revolving credit agreement.  At March 31, 2011, $34.2 million was available under the WF Credit Agreement.

The Company is currently in compliance with all of the terms and conditions of the WF 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 WF 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 WF 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 and (v) minimum accounts receivable level, in each case as such term is specifically defined in the WF Credit Agreement. For the period ended March 31, 2011, the Company’s calculation of each of these covenants, and the specific requirements under the WF Credit Agreement, respectively, were as follows:
 
   
March 31, 2011
 
Total Senior Leverage Ratio
    0.69  
Maximum per covenant
    2.0  
         
Total Leverage Ratio
    3.7  
Maximum per covenant
    4.0  
         
Fixed Charges Ratio
    2.30  
Minimum per covenant
    1.25  
         
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
  $ 95.2 million  
Minimum per covenant
  $ 85.0 million  

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 WF Credit Agreement, as non-compliance with such covenants could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Deferred Acquisition 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 six-year period following the acquisition date, and are based on achievement of certain thresholds of future earnings and, in certain cases, also based on the rate of growth of those earnings. The contingent consideration is recorded as an obligation of the Company when the contingency is resolved and the amount is reasonably determinable, for acquisitions prior to January 1, 2009. Based on various assumptions, all deferred consideration estimates based on future operating results of the relevant entities are recorded on the Company’s balance sheet at March 31, 2011. The actual amount that the Company pays in connection with the obligations may differ materially from this estimate. The Accounting Standards Codification’s revised guidance on business combinations now requires that contingent purchase obligations are recorded as a liability and included in the original acquisition accounting. At March 31, 2011, there was $103.4 million of deferred consideration included in the Company’s balance sheet.

Other-Balance Sheet Commitments

Put Rights of Subsidiaries’ Noncontrolling Shareholders

Owners of interests in certain of the Marketing Communications Group subsidiaries have the right in certain circumstances to require the Company to acquire 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 of 2011 to 2018. It is not determinable, at this time, if or when the owners of these put option 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.
 
 
33

 

Management estimates, assuming that the subsidiaries owned by the Company at March 31, 2011, perform over the relevant future periods at their trailing twelve-month earnings level, that these rights, if all exercised, could require the Company, in future periods, to pay an aggregate amount of approximately $35.8 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 $3.5 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 $59.2 million only upon termination of such owner’s employment with such 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 $2.6 million of the estimated $35.8 million that the Company would be required to pay subsidiaries noncontrolling shareholders upon the exercise of outstanding put option 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 $9.4 million.

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)
 
2011
   
2012
   
2013
   
2014
   
2015 &
Thereafter
   
Total
 
   
($ Millions)
 
Cash
 
$
2.0
   
$
13.1
   
$
4.3
   
$
4.9
   
$
8.0
   
$
32.3
 
Shares
   
0.6
     
0.8
     
1.1
     
0.5
     
0.5
     
3.5
 
   
$
2.6
   
$
13.9
   
$
5.4
   
$
5.4
   
$
8.5
   
$
35.8
(1)
Operating income before depreciation and amortization to be received(2)
 
$
3.0
   
$
1.9
   
$
1.7
   
$
0.9
   
$
1.9
   
$
9.4
 
Cumulative operating income before depreciation and amortization(3)
 
$
3.0
   
$
4.9
   
$
6.6
   
$
7.5
   
 
$
9.4
       
(5)
 


(1)
This amount in addition to put options only exercisable upon termination not within the control of the Company, or death of $54.0 million, has been recognized in Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests on the Company’s 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 2010 and first quarter 2011 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.

(5)
Amounts are not presented as they would not be meaningful due to multiple periods included.

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

Estimates .   The preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, or “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 income tax assets, stock-based compensation, and the reporting of variable interest entities at the date of the financial statements. 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.
 
 
34

 
 
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 when 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 earns revenue from agency arrangements in the form of retainer fees or commissions; from short-term project arrangements in the form of fixed fees or per diem fees for services; and from incentives or bonuses.
Non-refundable retainer fees are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the specific customer 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 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 advance billings.
A small portion of the Company’s contractual arrangements with clients includes performance incentive provisions, which allow the Company to earn additional revenues as a result of its performance relative to both quantitative and qualitative goals. The Company recognizes the incentive portion of revenue under these arrangements when specific quantitative goals are achieved, or when the Company’s clients determine performance against qualitative goals has been achieved. In all circumstances, revenue is only recognized when collection is reasonably assured.
The Company follows Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. This topic provides a summary on when revenue should be recorded at the gross amount billed because revenue has been earned from the sale of goods or services, or the net amount retained because a fee or commission has been earned. The Company’s business at times acts as an agent and records revenue equal to the net amount retained, when the fee or commission is earned. The Company also follows the reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses. This topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification requires that reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses incurred should be characterized in the income statement as revenue. Accordingly, the Company has included in revenue such reimbursed expenses.
Acquisitions, Goodwill and Other Intangibles .  A fair value approach is used in testing goodwill for impairment to determine if an other than temporary impairment has occurred. One approach utilized to determine fair values is a discounted cash flow methodology. When available and as appropriate, comparative market multiples are used. Numerous estimates and assumptions necessarily have to be made when completing a discounted cash flow valuation, including estimates and assumptions regarding interest rates, appropriate discount rates and capital structure. Additionally, estimates must be made regarding revenue growth, operating margins, tax rates, working capital requirements and capital expenditures. Estimates and assumptions also need to be made when determining the appropriate comparative market multiples to be used. Actual results of operations, cash flows and other factors used in a discounted cash flow valuation will likely differ from the estimates used and it is possible that differences and changes could be material.
The Company has historically made and expects to continue to make selective acquisitions of marketing communications businesses. In making acquisitions, the price paid is determined by various factors, including service offerings, competitive position, reputation and geographic coverage, as well as prior experience and judgment. Due to the nature of advertising, marketing and corporate communications services companies; the companies acquired frequently have significant identifiable intangible assets, which primarily consist of 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. 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 in 2011, 2010 and 2009 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 three months ended March 31, 2011, $2,977 of income was recognized related to charges in estimated value.  For the three months ended March 31, 2010, $344 has been charged to operating income. 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 new guidance on acquisition accounting.  For the three ended March 31, 2011, $568 and $399, respectively, of acquisition related costs have been charged to operations.
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.
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.
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.
 
 
35

 
 
New Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2010, the FASB issues ASU 2010-17, “Revenue Recognition-Milestone Method.” ASU 20110-17 provides guidance on the criteria that should be met for determining whether the milestone method of revenue recognition is appropriate.  A vendor can recognize consideration that is contingent upon achievement of a milestone in its entirety as revenue in the period in which the milestone is achieved only if the milestone meets all criteria to be considered substantive.  The amendments in ASU 2010-17 are effective on a prospective basis for milestones achieved in fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after June 15, 2010.  The adoption did not have an impact on our financial statements.

In April 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-13, "Compensation - Stock Compensation  Effect of Denominating the Exercise Price of a Share-Based Payment Award in the Currency of the Market in Which the Underlying Equity Security Trades." ASU 2010-13 provides amendments to clarify that an employee share-based payment award with an exercise price denominated in the currency of a market in which a substantial portion of the entity's equity securities trades should not be considered to contain a condition that is not a market, performance, or service condition. Therefore, an entity would not classify such an award as a liability if it otherwise qualifies as equity. The amendments in ASU 2010-13 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2010. The adoption of this standard did not have an effect on our results of operation or our financial position.

In October 2009, the FASB issued revised guidance on the topic of Multiple — Deliverable Revenue Arrangements. The revised guidance amends certain accounting for revenue with multiple deliverables. In particular when vendor specific objective evidence or third party evidence for deliverables in an arrangement cannot be determined, the revised guidance allows use of a best estimate of the selling price to allocate the arrangement consideration among them. This guidance is effective for the first quarter of 2011, with early adoption permitted.  The adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
 
 
36

 

Risks and Uncertainties

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

Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

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

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

 
the financial success of the Company’s clients;

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

 
the Company’s ability to remain in compliance with its debt agreements and the Company’s ability to finance its contingent payment obligations when due and payable, including but not limited to those relating to “put” 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 current Financing Agreement and through incurrence of bridge or other debt financing, either of which may increase the Company’s leverage ratios, or by issuing equity, which may have a dilutive impact on existing shareholders proportionate ownership. At any given time, the Company may be engaged in a number of discussions that may result in one or more material acquisitions. These opportunities require confidentiality and may involve negotiations that require quick responses by the Company. Although there is uncertainty that any of these discussions will result in definitive agreements or the completion of any 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 risk factors outlined in more detail in the Company’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Risk Factors”, and in the Company’s other SEC filings.
 
 
37

 
 
Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

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

Debt Instruments:   At March 31, 2011, the Company’s debt obligations consisted of amounts outstanding under its WF Credit Agreement and Senior Notes.  The Senior Notes bear a fixed 11% interest rate. The WF Credit Agreement bears interest at variable rates based upon the Eurodollar rate; US bank prime rate and, US base rate, at the Company’s option. The Company’s ability to obtain the required bank syndication commitments depends in part on conditions in the bank market at the time of syndication. Given the existing level of debt of $59.7 million, as of March 31, 2011, a 1.0% increase or decrease in the weighted average interest rate, which was 5.8% at March 31, 2011, would have an $0.6 million interest impact.

Foreign Exchange:   The Company conducts business in five currencies, the US dollar, the Canadian dollar, Jamaican dollar, the Euro, and the British Pound. Our results of operations are subject to risk from the translation to the US dollar of the revenue and expenses of our non-US operations. The effects of currency exchange rate fluctuations on the translation of our results of operations are discussed in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Result of Operations”. For the most part, our revenues and expenses incurred related to our non-US operations are denominated in their functional currency. This minimizes the impact that fluctuations in exchange rates will have on profit margins. The Company 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 Company will not incur a material impact to its financial statements.

Item 4.   Controls and Procedures

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 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. However, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurances of achieving the Company’s 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 Company has concluded that its disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2011.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the foregoing evaluation that occurred during the first quarter of 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 
38

 
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.     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.

Item 1A.   Risk Factors

There are no material changes in the risk factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None

Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4.   Reserved

Item 5 .  Other Information
 
On April 29, 2011, the Company and each of its subsidiaries party thereto entered into an amendment (the “Amendment”) to the WF Credit Agreement.  The maximum revolver amount under the WF Credit Agreement was increased to $150 million, from $100 million, in connection with the Amendment and pursuant to separate assignment agreements in which Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC joined Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and Bank of Montreal as lenders under the facility. 
 
Also, the Amendment extends the maturity date of the WF Credit Agreement by an additional one year, to October 23, 2015, and lowers the Base LIBOR Rate floor (as defined) from 1.5% to 0.5%.  The Amendment further provides, among other things, that the Company’s Total Leverage Ratio (as defined), measured on a quarter-end basis, must be no greater than (i) 4.0x, for the twelve month period ending June 30, 2011, and (ii) 3.75x, for the twelve month period ending on the last day of each calendar quarter thereafter. 
 
The foregoing summary description of the Amendment is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Amendment, which is filed as an exhibit to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the WF Credit Agreement.
 
Item 6.  Exhibits

The exhibits required by this item are listed on the Exhibit Table.
 
 
39

 
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

MDC PARTNERS INC.
 
/s/ Michael Sabatino
Michael Sabatino
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
 
May 2, 2011

 
40

 
 
EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
3.1   Articles of Amalgamation, dated May 1, 2011.*
     
4.1
 
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 19, 2011, to the Indenture, dated as of October 23, 2009, among the Company, the Note 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 April 19, 2011).
     
10.1.1
 
Fifth Amendment, dated March 25, 2011, to Credit Agreement, dated as of October 23, 2009 by and among the Company, Maxxcom Inc., a Delaware corporation, each of their subsidiaries party thereto, Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC (formerly Wells Fargo Foothill, LLC), as agent, and the lenders party thereto.*
     
10.1.2
 
Sixth Amendment, dated April 29, 2011, to Credit Agreement, dated as of October 23, 2009 by and among the Company, Maxxcom Inc., a Delaware corporation, each of their subsidiaries party thereto, Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC (formerly Wells Fargo Foothill, LLC), as agent, and the lenders party thereto.*
     
 10.2
 
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.*
     
 10.3
 
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.*
     
 10.4
 
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.*
     
 10.5
 
Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 14, 2011, among the Company, the Note Guarantors and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as representative of the initial purchasers named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2011).
     
 10.6
 
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 19, 2011, among the Company, the Note Guarantors and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as representative of the initial purchasers named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2011).
     
12
 
Statement of computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges.*
     
31.1
 
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.*
     
31.2
 
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.*
     
32.1
 
Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 USC. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
     
32.2
 
Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 USC. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
     
99.1
 
Schedule of ownership by operating subsidiary.*

* Filed electronically herewith.
 
 
41

 

Exhibit 3.1
 
Form 9
Canada Business
Corporations
Act
ARTICLES OF AMALGAMATION
 
1. Name of the amalgamated corporation
 
MDC PARTNERS INC.

2. The province or territory in Canada where the registered office is to be situated (do not indicate the full address)
 
Province of Ontario
 
3. The classes and any maximum number of shares that the corporation is authorized to issue:
 
The annexed Schedule I is incorporated in this form.
 
4. Restrictions, if any, on share transfers
 
None
 
5. Minimum and maximum number of directors (for a fixed number of directors, please indicate the same number in both boxes)
 
minimum: 3          maximum: 20
 
 
 

 
 
6. Restrictions, if any, on business the corporation may carry on

There are no restrictions on the business the Corporation may carry on or the powers of the Corporation may exercise.
 
7. Other provisions, if any:
 
The annexed Schedule II is incorporated in this form.
 
8. The amalgamation has been approved pursuant to that section or subsection of the Act which is indicated as follows:
 
o 183      x   184(1)     o 184(2)
 
9. Declaration: I hereby certify that I am a director or an officer of the corporation.
 
Name of amalgamating corporations
 
Corporation No.
 
Signature
         
MDC PARTNERS INC.
 
757339-1
 
Glenn Gibson
         
COMPUTER COMPOSITION OF CANADA INC.
 
784556-1
 
Glenn Gibson
         
7845553 CANADA INC.     784555-3  
Glenn Gibson
         
KBS+P CANADA INC.   784557-0   Glenn Gibson
   
 
 

 
 
Schedule I
 
3. The classes and any maximum number of shares that the Corporation is authorized to issue
 
Description
Maximum Number of Shares
   
Class A Subordinate Voting shares
Unlimited    
   
Class B shares
Unlimited    
   
Preference shares, issuable in series
Unlimited    
   
Series 1 preference shares
5,000.00    
   
Series 2 preference shares
700,000.00    
   
Series 3 preference shares
Unlimited    
  
 
 

 
 
The preferences, rights, conditions, restrictions, limitations and prohibitions attaching to the Preference Shares, Class A Subordinate Voting Shares and the Class B Shares be and the same are hereby as follows:

1.00 THE PREFERENCE SHARES
 
1.01 The Preference Shares may at any time or from time to time be issued in one or more series, each series to consist of such number of shares as may, before the issue thereof, be determined by the board of directors of the Corporation. The directors shall by resolution fix, from time to time, before the issue of any series of Preference Shares, the designation, preferences, rights, restrictions, conditions, limitations, priorities as to payment of dividends and/or distribution on liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or prohibitions attaching thereto including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the provisions of a purchase fund, the right of the Corporation to purchase such shares for cancellation, the rate of preferential dividends, the dates of payment thereof, the date or dates from which any such preferential dividends shall accrue, redemption rights including purchase or redemption price, terms and conditions of redemption, conversion rights and any sinking fund or other provisions, and authorize the issuance thereof.

1.02 The directors before the issue of any Preference Shares of a series shall file with the Director (the "Director") appointed under the Canada Business Corporations Act or any successor statute of  Canada which is from time to time in force (the "Act"), Articles of Amendment designating such series and specifying the number, designation, preferences, rights, restrictions, conditions, limitations, priorities as to payment of dividends and/or distribution on liquidation, dissolution or winding up, and prohibitions attached thereto, and shall obtain a certificate from the Director with respect thereto.
 
1.03 Notwithstanding the foregoing, the board of directors shall be authorized to change the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to any unissued or (if otherwise permitted by law) any issued series of Preference Shares. In such case, the directors shall file with the Director, Articles of Amendment giving effect to such change and shall obtain a certificate from the Director with respect thereto.
 
1.04 The Preference Shares of each series shall be entitled to preference over the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares, the Class B Shares and any other shares ranking junior to the Preference Shares with respect to priority in payment of dividends and in the distribution of assets in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, or any other distribution of the assets of the Corporation among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, and may also be given such other preferences over the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares, the Class B Shares and any other shares ranking junior to the Preference Shares as may be determined with respect to the respective series authorized to be issued.
 
1.05 The holders of the Preference Shares shall not be entitled as such, except as required by law, to receive notice of or to attend any meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation or to vote at any such meeting, but shall be entitled to receive notice of meetings of shareholders of the Corporation called for the purpose of authorizing the dissolution of the Corporation or the sale of its undertaking or a substantial part thereof.

2.00 SERIES 1 PREFERENCE SHARES

The first series of the Preference Shares of the Corporation shall consist of Five Thousand (5,000) shares, designated as the "Series 1 Preference Shares" (the "Series 1 Shares"), with each such share having a stated value of $1,000. In addition to the rights, conditions, restrictions and prohibitions attaching to the Preference Shares of the Corporation as a class, the Series 1 Shares shall have attached thereto the rights, conditions, restrictions and prohibitions hereinafter set forth:

2.01 Definitions

In this Article 2.01, unless there is something in the subject matter or context inconsistent therewith:
 
(a) "Applicable Conversion Price" means the applicable conversion price per Class A Subordinate Voting Share for which Class A Subordinate Voting Shares may be issued upon the conversion of Series 1 Shares during each of the following periods:

Period
Applicable
 
Conversion Price
March  1, 1989 to February 28, 1990
$ 0.5405    
March  1, 1990 to February 28, 1991
$ 0.5405    
March  1, 1991 to February 29, 1992
$ 0.5896    
March  1, 1992 to February 28, 1993
$ 0.7142    

or such other dollar amount per Class A Subordinate Voting Share for which Class A Subordinate Voting Shares shall be issued upon the conversion of Series 1 Shares in accordance with Article 2.05 hereof.
 
(b) "Automatic Conversion Price" means $0.7142 per Class A Subordinate Voting Share which is the price for which Class A Subordinate Voting Shares shall be issued upon the conversion of Series 1 Shares in accordance with Section 2.04(b) hereof, or such other dollar amount per Class A Subordinate Voting Share for which Class A Subordinate Voting Shares shall be issued upon the automatic conversion of Series 1 Shares in accordance with Article 2.05 hereof;
 
 
 

 

(c) "business day" means a day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or any other day that is a statutory or civic holiday in the place where the Corporation's registered office is located, and in the event that any day on which any dividend on the Series 1 Shares is payable or by which any other action is required or permitted to be taken pursuant to these provisions is not a business day, then such dividend shall be payable or such other action shall be required or permitted to be taken on the next succeeding day that is a business day;

(d) "Class A Subordinate Voting Shares" means the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares in the capital of the Corporation;
 
(e) "Current Market Price" of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares at any date means the weighted average of the closing prices per share for board lot sales of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares for the 30 consecutive trading days immediately prior to the Dividend Payment Date or Automatic Conversion Date whichever is applicable, on The Toronto Stock Exchange (provided that if on any day in such 30 day period no closing price per share for the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares is reported on by such exchange for such day, the average of the reported closing bid and asking prices on such exchange on such day shall be deemed to be the closing price per share for the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares for such day), or if the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares are not then listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange, then, on such stock exchange on which the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares are listed as may be selected for such purpose by the directors or, if the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares are not listed on any stock exchange, then on such over-the counter market as may be selected for such purpose by the directors;

(f) "Dividend Payment Date" means the date of issue of the Series 1 Shares and each anniversary thereof;
 
(g) "Dividend Payment Period" means the period beginning on a Dividend Payment Date and ending on the day before the next subsequent Dividend Payment Date;

(h) "Redemption Amount" with respect to any Series 1 Share means the amount provided for in Section 2.06(b).
 
2.02 Dividends.
 
(a) The holders of the Series 1 Shares shall have the right to receive, and the Corporation shall pay thereon as and when declared by the directors, either cash dividends or stock dividends, at the option of the Corporation, as follows:

(i) if cash dividends, by the payment of fixed, cumulative, preferential, cash dividends at the rate (subject to Section 2.02(c) below) of $60 per share per annum payable in annual instalments on each Dividend Payment Date. Cash dividends on the Series 1 Shares shall not accrue. Cheques of the Corporation drawn on a Canadian chartered bank and payable at par at any branch in Canada of such bank shall be issued in respect of such dividends to the holders of the Series 1 Shares entitled thereto. The mailing of such cheques shall satisfy and discharge all liability of the Corporation for such dividends to the extent of the amount represented thereby (plus any tax required to be withheld therefrom) unless such cheques are not paid on due presentation; or

(ii) if stock dividends, by the issuance of fully paid and non-assessable Class A Subordinate Voting Shares of the Corporation valued (subject to Section 2.02(c) below) at $60 per share per annum, payable in annual instalments on each Dividend Payment Date. Stock dividends on the Series 1 Shares shall not accrue. The number of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares to be issued to any holder thereof shall be equal to the number obtained by multiplying $60 by the number of Series 1 Shares held by each registered holder of Series 1 Shares and by dividing the product by the greater of:

(a) the Applicable Conversion Price on the business day immediately prior to the Applicable Dividend Payment Date; and
 
(b) the Current Market Price.

Where a fraction of a Class A Subordinate Voting Share would otherwise be issuable, the Corporation shall in lieu thereof adjust such fractional interest by the payment by cheque (rounded to the nearest cent) of an amount equivalent to the value of such fractional interest computed on the basis of the greater of the Applicable Conversion Price on the business day immediately prior to the applicable Dividend Payment Date or the Current Market Price.
 
Any monies to be paid in cash pursuant to this Section 2.02(a) which is represented by a cheque which has not been presented for payment within six years after it was issued or that otherwise remains unclaimed for a period of six years from the date on which it was declared to be payable and set apart for payment shall be forfeited to the Corporation.

(b) The amount of the accrued dividend for any period which is less than a full Dividend Payment Period with respect to any Series 1 Share:
 
(i) which is redeemed pursuant to Article 2.06 hereof;
 
(ii) which is converted pursuant to Article 2.04 hereof; or
 
(iii) where assets of the Corporation are distributed to the holders of the Series 1 Shares pursuant to Article 2.08 hereof;

 
 

 

shall be equal to the amount (rounded to the nearest cent) calculated by multiplying $60 by a fraction of which the numerator is the number of days in such Dividend Payment Period that such Series 1 Share has been outstanding (including the Dividend Payment Date at the beginning of such Dividend Payment Period if such share was outstanding on that date and excluding the Dividend Payment Date at the end of such Dividend Payment Period if such share was outstanding on that date or the date on which such dividend becomes payable, as the case may be) and of which the denominator is 365 (or 366 days in the event of a leap year) and shall be payable on the next Dividend Payment Date.
 
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, on March 1, 1991 only, the cash or stock dividends, if any, paid by the Corporation hereunder shall be satisfied in the case of cash dividends, by the payment of fixed, cumulative, preferential, cash dividends at the rate of $70 per share per annum, or in the case of stock dividends, by the issuance of fully paid and non-assessable Class A Subordinate Voting Shares of the Corporation valued at $70 per share per annum. All of the calculations contained in this Article 2.02 shall be adjusted, mutatis mutandis, to reflect this increased dividend rate.

2.03 Conversion at the Option of the Holder

(a) A holder of Series 1 Shares shall have the right, at his option, to convert all or any lesser number of his Series 1 Shares into fully paid and non-assessable Class A Subordinate Voting Shares on the basis of one Series 1 Share for that number of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares obtained by dividing 1,000 by the Applicable Conversion Price.
 
(b) The conversion right herein provided for may be exercised by notice in writing given to the transfer agent for the Series 1 Shares at any office where a register of transfers for Series 1 Shares is maintained or to the Secretary of the Corporation at the registered office of the Corporation, if there is no registrar and transfer agent for the Series 1 Shares, accompanied by the certificate or certificates representing the Series 1 Shares in respect of which the holder thereof desires to exercise such right of conversion. The notice shall be signed by such holder and shall specify the number of Series 1 Shares which the holder desires to have converted and the name or names in which the shares resulting from such conversion are to be registered. If less than all of the Series 1 Shares represented by any certificate or certificates accompanying any such notice are to be converted, the holder shall be entitled to receive a new certificate without charge representing the Series 1 Shares comprised in the certificate or certificates surrendered as aforesaid which are not to be converted. Upon the conversion of any Series 1 Shares there shall be no payment or adjustment by the Corporation or by any holder of Series 1 Shares on account of any dividends either on the Series 1 Shares so converted or on the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares into which the Series 1 Shares are converted other than as provided for in Section 2.02(b) hereof. On any conversion of Series 1 Shares the share certificates representing shares resulting therefrom shall be issued in the name of the registered holder of the Series 1 Shares converted or, subject to payment by the registered holder of any stock transfer or other applicable taxes, in such name or names as such registered holder may direct in writing (either in the notice above referred to or otherwise).
 
(c) The right of a registered holder of Series 1 Shares to convert the same into Class A Subordinate Voting Shares shall be deemed to have been exercised, and the registered holder of the Series 1 Shares to be converted (or any person or persons in whose name or names such registered holder of Series 1 Shares shall have directed the shares to be issued) shall be deemed to have become a holder of record of shares of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares for all purposes on the date of surrender of the certificates representing the Series 1 Shares to be converted, together with the notice in writing referred to in Section 2.03(b), notwithstanding any delay in the delivery of the certificates representing the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares into which such Series 1 Shares have been converted.

2.04 Deemed Conversion

(a) For purposes of this Article 2.04:
 
(i) "person" means any person, firm, corporation, partnership, trust, association or any other business or legal entity whatsoever;
 
(ii) "Qualified Holder" means: (i) Greyvest Canada Inc. or an Affiliate thereof; and (ii) the Corporation, any Affiliate thereof or any employees, officers or directors of the Corporation or such Affiliate;
 
(iii) "Affiliate" means an "affiliated body corporate" as defined in the Canada Business Corporations Act as of the date hereof.
 
(b) (i) Notwithstanding anything contained in Article 2.3 hereof a holder of Series 1 Shares shall have the right to convert all, but not less than all of his Series 1 Shares into fully paid and non-assessable Class A Subordinate Voting Shares and such right shall be and is hereby deemed to have been exercised by such holder, in the event that on March 1, 1991 or at the end of each successive 6 month period thereafter (an "Automatic Conversion Date") the Current Market Price of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares is equal to $0.70 per share or more, on the basis of one Series 1 Share for that number of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares obtained by dividing 1,000 by the Automatic Conversion Price.

(ii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, a holder of Series 1 Shares shall have the right to convert all, but not less than all of his Series 1 Shares into fully paid and non-assessable Class A Subordinate Voting Shares and such right shall be and is hereby deemed to have been exercised by such holder on March 1, 1993, on the basis of one Series 1 Share for that number of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares obtained by dividing 1,000 by the Automatic Conversion Price.
 
(c) (i) In the event that any holder of Series 1 Shares transfers any of his Series 1 Shares to a person who is not a Qualified Holder, such person shall have the right to convert all, but not less than all of the Series 1 Shares so transferred into fully paid and non-assessable Class A Subordinate Voting Shares and such right shall be and is hereby deemed to have been exercised by such person, on the basis of one Series 1 Share for that number of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares obtained by dividing 1,000 by the Applicable Conversion Price.
 
 
 

 
 
(ii) If, at any time, any holder of Series 1 Shares ceases to be a Qualified Holder, such holder shall have the right to convert all, but not less than all of the Series 1 Shares so transferred into fully paid and non-assessable Class A Subordinate Voting Shares and such right shall be and is hereby deemed to have been exercised by such holder, on the basis of one Series 1 Share for that number of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares obtained by dividing 1,000 by the Applicable Conversion Price.
 
(d) In the event of the conversion of the Series 1 Shares into Class A Subordinate Voting Shares pursuant to the provisions of this Article 2.04, the certificates representing the Series 1 Shares so converted shall forthwith be surrendered by the holders thereof to the registrar and transfer agent for the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares at its principal office in Toronto or to the Secretary of the Corporation at the registered office of the Corporation, if there is no registrar and transfer agent for the Series 1 Shares, in exchange for certificates representing the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares into which such Series 1 Shares were converted. If less than all the Series 1 Shares represented by any certificate are converted, a new certificate for the balance shall be issued at the expense of the Corporation. In the event that the certificates representing the Series 1 Shares are not surrendered for conversion pursuant to this Section 2.04(d), such Series 1 Shares shall, as of the date of such conversion, not be considered to be outstanding and shall be deemed to have been cancelled and no further right shall accrue to the holder of such Series 1 Shares, save and except for the right to receive that number of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares properly issuable to such holder in accordance with this Article 2.04.
 
2.05 Adjustment of the Applicable Conversion Price and the Automatic Conversion Price in Certain Events

(a) In the event that the Corporation shall:
 
(i) subdivide or change its outstanding Class A Subordinate Voting Shares into a greater number of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares, or
 
(ii) reduce, combine or consolidate its outstanding Class A Subordinate Voting Shares into a smaller number of shares, or
 
(iii) declare a dividend or make a distribution of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares or securities convertible into Class A Subordinate Voting Shares to all or substantially all the holders of its outstanding Class A Subordinate Voting Shares by way of a stock dividend (other than an issue of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares or securities convertible into Class A Subordinate Voting Shares by way of a stock dividend or dividend reinvestment plan to shareholders pursuant to their exercise of options to receive dividends in the form of shares in lieu of cash dividends declared payable by the Corporation on its Class A Subordinate Voting Shares), (any of such events being hereinafter referred to as a "Class A Subordinate Voting Share Reorganization"), the Applicable Conversion Price and the Automatic Conversion Price (each of which in this Article 2.05 shall hereinafter be referred to as the "Conversion Price") in effect at the time of the record date for such Class A Subordinate Voting Share Reorganization shall be proportionately adjusted so that the holder of any Series 1 Share deposited for conversion after such time shall be entitled to receive the number of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares which he would have been entitled to receive had such Series 1 Shares been converted immediately prior to such time.
 
(b) If the Corporation shall fix a record date for the issuance of options, rights or warrants to all or substantially all the holders of its Class A Subordinate Voting Shares entitling them (for a period expiring within 45 days after such record date) to subscribe for or purchase Class A Subordinate Voting Shares (or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Class A Subordinate Voting Shares) at a price per Class A Subordinate Voting Share (or having a conversion or exchange price per Class A Subordinate Voting Share) less than 90% of the Current Market Price of a Class A Subordinate Voting Share on such record date, the Conversion Price shall be adjusted immediately thereafter so that it shall equal the price determined by multiplying the Conversion Price in effect on such record date by a fraction, of which the numerator shall be the total number of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares outstanding on such record date plus a number of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares equal to the number arrived at by dividing the aggregate price of the total number of additional Class A Subordinate Voting Shares so offered (or the aggregate price of the convertible or exchangeable securities so offered) by such Current Market Price per Class A Subordinate Voting Share and of which the denominator shall be the total number of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares outstanding on such record date plus the total number of additional Class A Subordinate Voting Shares offered for subscription or purchase (or into which the convertible or exchangeable securities so offered are convertible or exchangeable, as the case may be) . Class A Subordinate Voting Shares owned by or held for the account of the Corporation shall be deemed not to be outstanding for the purpose of any such computation. Such adjustment shall be made successively whenever such a record date is fixed. To the extent that such options, rights or warrants are not so issued or such options, rights or warrants are not exercised prior to the expiration thereof, the Conversion Price shall be readjusted to the Conversion Price which would then be in effect based upon the number of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares (or securities convertible or exchangeable into Class A Subordinate Voting Shares), if any, actually delivered upon the exercise of such options, rights or warrants.
 
(c) If the Corporation shall fix a record date for the making of a distribution to all or substantially all the holders of its Class A Subordinate Voting Shares:
 
(i) of any shares of any class not included in the definition of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares as contained in the constating documents of the Corporation; or
 
 
 

 
  
(ii) of evidences of indebtedness; or
 
(iii) of assets (excluding cash dividends paid in the ordinary course, distributions referred to in paragraph (iii) of Section 2.05(a) and stock dividends to holders of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares who exercise an option pursuant to a stock dividend plan to receive equivalent dividends in shares or under a dividend reinvestment plan in lieu of receiving cash dividends paid in the ordinary course); or
 
(iv) of options, rights or warrants (excluding those referred to in Section 2.05(b); the Conversion Price shall be adjusted immediately after such record date so that it shall equal the price determined by multiplying the Conversion Price in effect on such record date by a fraction, of which the numerator shall be the total number of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares outstanding on such record date multiplied by the Current Market Price of a Class A Subordinate Voting Share on such record date, less the fair market value (as determined by the directors, whose determination shall be conclusive) of said shares or evidences of indebtedness or assets or options, rights or warrants so distributed, and of which the denominator shall be the total number of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares outstanding on such record date multiplied by such Current Market Price of a Class A Subordinate Voting Share. Class A Subordinate Voting Shares owned by or held for the account of the Corporation shall be deemed not to be outstanding for the purpose of any such computation. Such adjustment shall be made successively whenever such a record date is fixed. To the extent that such distribution is not so made, the Conversion Price shall be readjusted to the Conversion Price which would then be in effect based upon the said shares or evidences of indebtedness or assets or options, rights or warrants actually distributed.

(d) No adjustments of the Conversion Price shall be made pursuant to paragraph (iii) of Section 2.05(a) or pursuant to Section 2.05(b) or 2.05 (c) if the holders of the Series 1 Shares are permitted to participate in such dividend or distribution on the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares or in the issue of such options, rights, warrants or such distribution as the case may be, as though and to the same effect as if they had converted their Series 1 Shares into Class A Subordinate Voting Shares prior to the record date for such dividend or distribution or the issue of such options, rights or warrants or such distribution, as the case may be.

(e) In any case in which this Article 2.05 shall require that an adjustment shall become effective immediately after a record date for an event referred to herein, the Corporation may defer until the occurrence of such event issuing to the holder of any Series 1 Shares converted after such record date and before the occurrence of such event the additional Class A Subordinate Voting Shares issuable upon such conversion by reason of the adjustment required by such event in addition to the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares issuable upon such conversion before giving effect to such adjustment; provided, however, that the Corporation shall deliver to such holder an appropriate instrument evidencing such holder's rights to receive such additional Class A Subordinate Voting Shares upon the occurrence of the event requiring such adjustment.
 
(f) In the case of any reclassification of, or other change in, the outstanding Class A Subordinate Voting Shares not otherwise mentioned herein, the Conversion Price shall be adjusted in such manner as the directors determine to be appropriate on a basis consistent with this Article 2.05.
 
(g) If any question shall at any time arise with respect to adjustments in the Conversion Price or with respect to the amount of any cash payment made in lieu of issuing a fractional Class A Subordinate Voting Share, such question shall be determined by the Treasurer of the Corporation, whose determination shall be confirmed by the auditors of the Corporation, and thereupon shall become conclusive.
 
(h) Forthwith after the occurrence of any adjustment in the Conversion Price pursuant to this Article 2.05, the Corporation shall file with the registrar and transfer agent of the Corporation for the Series 1 Shares a certificate certifying as to the amount of such adjustment and, in reasonable detail, the event requiring and the manner of computing such adjustment. The Corporation shall also at such time give written notice to the holders of the Series 1 Shares of the Conversion Price following such adjustment.

(i) No adjustment in the Conversion Price shall be required:
 
(i) in respect of the issue of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares or securities convertible into Class A Subordinate Voting Shares pursuant to any stock option or purchase plan for officers or employees of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries; or

(ii) unless such adjustment would require an increase or decrease of at least one percent in the Conversion Price; provided, however, that any adjustments which by reason of this paragraph (ii) of Section 2.05(i) are not required to be made shall be carried forward and taken into account in any subsequent adjustment.

2.06 Redemption at the Option of the Corporation

(a) Subject to the provisions of applicable law, the Corporation may, at its option, redeem at any time all or from time to time any lesser number of the Series 1 Shares then outstanding on payment of the Redemption Amount provided in Section 2.06(b) hereof. If less than all of the outstanding Series 1 Shares are to be redeemed, the Series 1 Shares to be redeemed shall be selected by lot, in single shares in such manner as the directors in their sole discretion shall determine.
 
(b) The price at which any Series 1 Share is redeemable from time to time shall be $1,000 per Series 1 Share. Upon the redemption of any Series 1 Shares there shall be no payment or adjustment by the Corporation on account of any dividends on the Series 1 Shares so redeemed other than as provided for in Section 2.02(b) hereof.

 
 

 

(c) (i) Notice of redemption of Series 1 Shares shall be given by the Corporation not less than 10 days prior to the day fixed for redemption to each registered holder of Series 1 Shares to be redeemed. Accidental failure or omission to give such notice to one or more of such holders shall not affect the validity of such redemption. Such notice shall set out the Redemption Amount, the date fixed for redemption, the place or places of redemption and, in the case of partial redemption, the number of the holder's shares to be redeemed.

(ii) On and after the date fixed for redemption, the Corporation shall pay or cause to be paid the Redemption Amount to or to the order of the holders of the Series 1 Shares redeemed on presentation and surrender at the place or one of the places of redemption of the respective certificates representing such shares, and the holders of the Series 1 Shares called for redemption shall cease to be entitled to dividends or to exercise any of the rights of holders in respect thereof unless payment of the Redemption Amount shall not be made in accordance with the foregoing provisions, in which case the rights of the holders shall remain unimpaired.

(iii) The Corporation shall have the right at any time after giving notice of redemption to deposit the Redemption Amount of the Series 1 Shares thereby called for redemption, or such part thereof as at the time of deposit has not been claimed by the shareholders entitled thereto, in any Canadian chartered bank or trust company in Canada specified in the notice of redemption or in a subsequent notice to the holders of the shares in respect of which the deposit is made, in a special account for the holders of such shares, and upon such deposit being made or upon the date fixed for redemption, whichever is the later, the Series 1 Shares in respect of which such deposit shall have been made shall be deemed to be redeemed and the rights of each holder thereof shall be limited to receiving, without interest, his proportionate part of the Redemption Amount so deposited upon presentation and surrender of the certificates representing his shares so redeemed. Any interest on such deposit shall belong to the Corporation.
 
(iv) If less than all the Series 1 Shares represented by any certificate shall be redeemed, a new certificate for the balance shall be issued without charge to the holder.
 
2.07 Cancellation of Series 1 Shares
 
Series 1 Shares purchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired by the Corporation shall be cancelled.

2.08 Dissolution

On the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, or other distribution of assets of the Corporation among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, the holders of the Series 1 Shares shall be entitled to receive in lawful money of Canada an amount equal to the Redemption Amount per share.

2.09 Notices, etc.

(a) Any notice or other communication from the Corporation herein provided for shall be sufficiently given if delivered or if sent by ordinary unregistered mail, postage prepaid, personal delivery or by telecopier, or, in the case of a notice of redemption, by prepaid registered mail, personal delivery or by telecopier, to the holders of the Series 1 Shares at their respective addresses and telecopy numbers appearing on the books of the Corporation or, in the event of the address of any such holders not so appearing, then at the last address or telecopy number of such holder known to the Corporation. Accidental failure to give any such notice or other communication to one or more holders of the Series 1 Shares shall not affect the validity of the notices or other communications properly given or any action taken pursuant to such notice or other communication but, upon such pursuant to such notice or other communication but, upon such failure being discovered, the notice or other communication, as the case may be, shall be sent forthwith to such holder or holders.
 
 
 

 

(b) If there exists any actual or apprehended disruption of mail services in any province in which there are holders of Series 1 Shares whose addresses appear on the books of the Corporation to be in such province, notice shall be given to the holders in such province by means of personal delivery or telecopier only.

(c) Notice given by mail, personal delivery or telecopier shall be deemed to be given on the day upon which it is mailed, delivered or telecopied as the case may be.

2.10 Modification

The rights, conditions, restrictions and prohibitions attaching to the Series 1 Shares may not be deleted, varied, altered or amended without the prior approval of at least 66 2/3% of the votes cast at a meeting of the holders of the Series 1 Shares, in addition to any other approval or authorization required by applicable law.

2.11 Approval by Holders of Series 1 Shares

The approval of the holders of the Series 1 Shares with respect to any and all matters referred to herein or any other matter requiring the consent of such holders may, subject to applicable law, be given in writing by the holders of all of the Series 1 Shares for the time being outstanding or by resolution duly passed and carried by not less than 2/3 of the votes cast on a ballot at a meeting of the holders of the Series 1 Shares duly called and held for the purpose of considering the subject matter of such resolution and at which meeting holders of not less than 20% of the Series 1 Shares then outstanding are present in person or represented by proxy; provided, however, that if at any such meeting, when originally held, the holders of at least 20% of the Series 1 Shares then outstanding are not present in person or represented by proxy within thirty minutes after the time fixed for the meeting, then the meeting shall be adjourned to such date, being not less than 15 days later, and at such time and place as may be fixed by the Chairman of such meeting and at such adjourned meeting the holders of the Series 1 Shares present in person or represented by proxy, whether or not they hold 20% of the Series 1 Shares then outstanding, may transact the business for which the meeting was originally called, and the resolution duly passed and carried by not less than 2/3 of the votes cast on a ballot at such adjourned meeting shall constitute the approval of the holders of the Series 1 Shares hereinbefore mentioned. Notice of any such original meeting of the holders of the Series 1 Shares shall be given not less than 21 days nor more than 50 days prior to the date fixed for such meeting and shall specify in general terms the purpose for which the meeting is called. No notice of any such adjourned meeting need be given unless such meeting is adjourned by one or more adjournments for an aggregate of 30 days or more from the date of such original meeting, in which later case notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given in a manner prescribed for the original meeting as aforesaid. The formalities to be observed with respect to the giving of notice of any such original or adjourned meeting and the conduct thereof shall be those from time to time prescribed in the constating documents of the Corporation with respect to meeting of shareholders.

2.12 Voting Rights

The holders of the Series 1 Shares shall not be entitled as such, except as required by law, to receive notice of or to attend any meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation or to vote at any such meeting but shall be entitled to receive notice of meetings of shareholders of the Corporation called for the purpose of authorizing the dissolution of the Corporation or the sale of its undertaking or a substantial part thereof.

3.00 SERIES 2 PREFERENCE SHARES

The second series of the Preference Shares of the Corporation shall consist of Seven Hundred Thousand (700,000) shares designated as the "Series 2 Preference Shares" (the "Series 2 Shares"), with each such share having a redemption value of One Dollar ($1.00). In addition to the rights, conditions, restrictions and prohibitions attaching to the Preference Shares of the Corporation as a class, the Series 2 Shares shall have attached thereto the rights, conditions, restrictions and prohibitions hereinafter set forth:

3.01 Definitions

(a) In this Article 3.01, unless there is something in the subject matter or context inconsistent therewith:
 
(i) "Affiliate" means an "affiliated body corporate" as defined in the Canada Business Corporations Act as of the date hereof.
 
(ii) "Annual Limit" means an amount equal to:
 
(a) 300,000 Series 2 Shares on the first Retraction Date; and
 
(b) 100,000 Series 2 Shares on each subsequent Retraction Date.
 
(iii) "Board of Directors" means the board of directors of the Corporation, as such is constituted, from time to time;
 
 
 

 

(iv) "business day" means a day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or any other day that is a statutory or civic holiday in the place where the Corporation's registered office is located, and in the event that any day on which any dividend on the Series 2 Shares is payable or by which any other action is required or permitted to be taken pursuant to these provisions is not a business day, then such dividend shall be payable or such other action shall be required or permitted to be taken on the next succeeding day that is a business day;

(v) "Dividend Payment Date" means May 31, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993 and 1994;
 
(vi) "Dividend Payment Period" means the period beginning on a Dividend Payment Date and ending on the day before the next subsequent Dividend Payment Date;

(vii) "Redemption Price" with respect to any Series 2 Share means the price set out in section 3.04(b) at which such share is redeemable at the option of the Corporation pursuant to Article 3.04 hereof ;

(viii) "Retraction Date" means May 31 of 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1994;
 
(ix) "Retraction Price" with respect to any Series 2 Share means the price set out in Section 3.03(a) at which such share is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof pursuant to Article 3.03 hereof.

3.02 Dividends

(a) (i) The holders of the Series 2 Shares shall have the right to receive, and the Corporation shall pay thereon as and when declared by the directors, fixed, cumulative, preferential, cash dividends at the rate of $0.095 per share per annum payable in annual instalments on each Dividend Payment Date. Dividends on the Series 2 Shares shall accrue from and including the date of issue thereof or from and including the last Dividend Payment Date in respect of which dividends have been paid or made available for payment, whichever is the later. Cheques of the Corporation drawn on a Canadian chartered bank and payable at par at any branch in Canada of such bank shall be issued in respect of such dividends to the holders of the Series 2 Shares entitled thereto. The mailing of such cheques shall satisfy and discharge all liability of the Corporation for such dividends to the extent of the amount represented thereby (plus any tax required to be withheld therefrom) unless such cheques are not paid on due presentation.
 
(ii) Any monies to be paid in cash pursuant to this Section 3.02 which is represented by a cheque which has not been presented for payment within six years after it was issued or that otherwise remains unclaimed for a period of six years from the date on which it was declared to be payable and set apart for payment shall be forfeited to the Corporation.

(b) The amount of the accrued dividend for any period which is less than a full Dividend Payment Period with respect to any Series 2 Share:
 
(i) which is redeemed at the option of the holder pursuant to Article 3.03 hereof;
 
(ii) which is redeemed at the option of the Corporation pursuant to Article 3.04 hereof; or
 
(iii) where assets of the Corporation are distributed to the holders of the Series 2 Shares pursuant to Article 3.06 hereof;

shall be equal to the amount (rounded to the nearest cent) calculated by multiplying $0.095 by a fraction of which the numerator is the number of days in such Dividend Payment Period that such Series 2 Share has been outstanding (including the Dividend Payment Date at the beginning of such Dividend Payment Period if such share was outstanding on that date and excluded the Dividend Payment Date at the end of such Dividend Payment Period if such share was outstanding on that date or the date on which such dividend becomes payable, as the case may be) and of which the denominator is 365 (or 366 days in the event of a leap year) and shall be payable in the event that such shares are redeemed pursuant to Articles 3.03 or 3.04 hereof, on the date of such redemption, or in the event that the assets of the Corporation are distributed to the holders of the Series 2 Shares pursuant to Article 3.06 hereof, on the date of such distribution.

3.03 Redemption at the Option of the Holder

(a) Subject to the provisions of, Section 3.03(e), Article 3.06 and the provisions of applicable law, a holder of Series 2 Shares may, at his option, require the Corporation to redeem such number of the Series 2 Shares (not to exceed the Annual Limit) owned by that holder on the Retraction Dates at a price per share of One Dollar ($1.00) plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon which for such purpose shall be treated as accruing from day to day up to but not including the applicable Retraction Date, the whole constituting the Retraction Price.
 
(b) A holder who elects to require the Corporation to redeem any Series 2 Shares of that holder shall, prior to the close of business on the business day which is 30 days prior to the applicable Retraction Date, deposit the certificate or certificates representing the Series 2 Shares which that holder requires to have redeemed with the Secretary of the Corporation at the Corporation's registered office and shall, at the time of such deposit, evidence his election by duly completing and depositing concurrently with the deposit of certificates referred to above a notice of election in the form to be provided for that purpose by the Corporation.
 
 
 

 

(c) To the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to the Annual Limit, the Corporation shall redeem on each Retraction Date the number of Series 2 Shares which have been deposited and with respect to which the holders have evidenced their election as aforesaid by paying the Retraction Price to or to the order of the holders of the Series 2 Shares redeemed. Such payment shall be made by cheque of the Corporation drawn on a Canadian chartered bank and payable at par at any branch in Canada of such bank, and the mailing of such cheque shall satisfy and discharge all liability of the Corporation for the Retraction Price to the extent of the amount represented thereby (plus any tax required to be and deducted or withheld therefrom) unless such cheque is not paid on due presentation. The Series 2 Shares in respect of which such payment is made shall be deemed to have been redeemed on the applicable Retraction Date and the holders thereof shall cease to be entitled to dividends or to exercise any of the rights of holders in respect thereof unless payment of the Retraction Price shall not be made in accordance with the foregoing provisions in which case the rights of the holders shall remain unimpaired.

(d) In addition to those rights of redemption conferred upon the holder of Series 2 Shares set out elsewhere in this Article 3.03, in the event that the Corporation:
 
(i) sells all or substantially all of the common shares owned in the capital of Jeffrey Elliott Communications Inc. to a person other than an Affiliate of the Corporation;
 
(ii) sells all or substantially all of the assets and undertaking of Jeffrey Elliott Communications Inc. to a person other than an Affiliate of the Corporation, the holder of Series 2 Shares may, at its option but subject to Section 3.03(f) hereof, require the Corporation to redeem such number of the Series 2 Shares owned by that holder on the date of such event at a price per share of One Dollar ($1.00) plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon which for such purpose shall be treated as accruing from day to day up to, but not including, the date of such event, the whole constituting the Retraction Price.
 
(e) If the redemption by the Corporation of all Series 2 Preference Shares required to be redeemed on a Retraction Date pursuant to this Article 3.03 would, in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors, be contrary to applicable law, the Corporation shall redeem only the maximum number of Series 2 Shares (rounded to the next lower multiple of 1,000 shares) which the Board of Directors determine the Corporation is then permitted to redeem. Such redemptions will be made pro rata (disregarding fractions or shares) according to the number of Series 2 Shares deposited for redemption by each such holder and the Corporation shall issue new share certificates representing the Series 2 Shares not redeemed by the Corporation. If the directors have acted in good faith in making any such determination, neither the Corporation nor the Board of Directors thereof shall have any liability in respect thereof in the event that any such determination is inaccurate.

(f) If, pursuant to Section 3.03(e), the Corporation fails to redeem on a Retraction Date all Series 2 Shares otherwise required to be redeemed by it on such date the holders of any Series 2 Shares which the Corporation has so failed to redeem may elect to leave the certificates representing such shares on deposit with the Secretary of the Corporation at the Corporation's registered office and the Corporation shall redeem in accordance with Article 3.04 but at the Retraction Price on each Dividend Payment Date thereafter the number of such Series 2 Shares so left on deposit (rounded, except for the final redemption of any number of shares less than 1,000, to the next lower multiple of 1,000 shares) which the Board of Directors determine, in their sole discretion, that the Corporation is then permitted to redeem (subject to the Annual Limit) until all such Series 2 Shares so left on deposit have been redeemed.
 
(g) The inability of the Corporation to effect a redemption in accordance with the provisions hereof on a Retraction Date or subsequent Dividend Payment Date shall not affect or limit the obligation of the Corporation to pay any dividends accrued or accruing on the Series 2 Shares from time to time not redeemed and remaining outstanding.
 
(h) If less than all the Series 2 Shares represented by any certificate shall be redeemed, a new certificate for the balance shall be issued without charge to the holder.
 
(i) The election of any holder to require the Corporation to redeem any Series 2 Shares shall be irrevocable upon receipt by the Secretary of the Corporation of the certificates for the shares to be redeemed, unless payment of the Retraction Price shall not be made in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.03(c), in which case the rights of the holders shall remain unimpaired.

3.04 Redemption at the Option of the Corporation

(a) Subject to the provisions of applicable law, the Corporation may, at its option, redeem at any time all or from time to time any lesser number of the Series 2 Shares then outstanding on payment of the Redemption Price provided in Section 3.04(b) hereof. If less than all of the outstanding Series 2 Shares are to be redeemed, the Series 2 Shares to be redeemed shall be selected by lot, in single shares in such manner as the Board of Directors, in their sole discretion, shall determine.
 
(b) The price at which any Series 2 Share is redeemable from time to time shall be One Dollar ($1.00) per Series 2 Share plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon which, for such purpose, shall be treated as accruing from day to day up to but not including the applicable date of redemption. Upon the redemption of any Series 2 Shares there shall be no payment or adjustment by the Corporation on account of any dividends on the Series 2 Shares so redeemed other than as provided for in Section 3.02(b) hereof.
 
 
 

 
 
(c) (i) Notice of redemption of Series 2 Shares shall be given by the Corporation not less than 10 days prior to the day fixed for redemption to each registered holder of Series 2 Shares to be redeemed. Accidental failure or omission to give such notice to one or more of such holders shall not affect the validity of such redemption. Such notice shall set out the Redemption Price, the date fixed for redemption, the place or places of redemption and, in the case of partial redemption, the number of the holder's shares to be redeemed.

(ii) On and after the date fixed for redemption, the Corporation shall pay or cause to be paid the Redemption Price to or to the order of the holders of the Series 2 Shares redeemed on presentation and surrender at the place or one of the places of redemption of the respective certificates representing such shares, and the holders of the Series 2 Shares called for redemption shall cease to be entitled to dividends or to exercise any of the rights of holders in respect thereof unless payment of the Redemption Price shall not be made in accordance with the foregoing provisions, in which case the rights of the holders shall remain unimpaired.

(iii) The Corporation shall have the right at any time after giving notice of redemption to deposit the Redemption Price of the Series 2 Shares thereby called for redemption, or such part thereof as at the time of deposit has not been claimed by the shareholders entitled thereto, in any Canadian chartered bank or trust company in Canada specified in the notice of redemption or in a subsequent notice to the holders of the shares in respect of which the deposit is made, in a special account for the holders of such shares, and upon such deposit being made or upon the date fixed for redemption, whichever is the later, the Series 2 Shares in respect of which such deposit shall have been made shall be deemed to be redeemed and the rights of each holder thereof shall be limited to receiving, without interest, his proportionate part of the Redemption Price so deposited upon presentation and surrender of the certificates representing his shares so redeemed. Any interest on such deposit shall belong to the Corporation.
 
(iv) If less than all the Series 2 Shares represented by any certificate shall be redeemed, a new certificate for the balance shall be issued without charge to the holder.
 
3.05 Cancellation of Series 2 Shares
 
Series 2 Shares purchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired by the Corporation shall be cancelled.

3.06 Dissolution

On the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, or other distribution of assets of the Corporation among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, the holders of the Series 2 Shares shall be entitled to receive in lawful money of Canada an amount equal to the Redemption Price per share.

3.07 Notices, etc.

(a) Any notice or other communication from the Corporation herein provided for shall be sufficiently given if delivered or if sent by ordinary mail, postage prepaid, personal delivery or by telecopier, or, in the case of a notice of redemption or exchange, by prepaid registered mail, personal delivery or by telecopier, to the holders of the Series 2 Shares at their respective addresses and telecopy numbers appearing on the books of the Corporation or, in the event of the address of any such holders not so appearing, then at the last address or telecopy number of such holder known to the Corporation. Accidental failure to give any such notice or other communication to one or more holders of the Series 2 Shares shall not affect the validity of the notices or other communications properly given or any action taken pursuant to such notice or other communication but, upon such failure being discovered, the notice or other communication, as the case may be, shall be sent forthwith to such holder or holders.
 
(b) If there exists any actual or apprehended disruption of mail services in any province in which there are holders of Series 2 Shares whose addresses appear on the books of the Corporation to be in such province, notice shall be given to the holders in such province by means of personal delivery or telecopier only.
 
 
 

 
 
(c) Notice given by mail, personal delivery or telecopier shall be deemed to have been received when delivered or telecopied or, if mailed, seventy-two (72) hours after 12:01 a.m. on the day following the day of mailing thereof.

3.08 Modification

The rights, conditions, restrictions and prohibitions attaching to the Series 2 Shares may not be deleted, varied, altered or amended without the prior approval of at least 66 2/3% of the votes cast at a meeting of the holders of the Series 2 Shares, in addition to any other approval or authorization required by applicable law.

3.09 Approval by Holders of Series 2 Shares

The approval of the holders of the Series 2 Shares with respect to any and all matters referred to herein or any other matter requiring the consent of such holders may, subject to applicable law, be given in writing by the holders of all of the Series 2 Shares for the time being outstanding or by resolution duly passed and carried by not less than 2/3 of the votes cast on a ballot at a meeting of the holders of the Series 2 Shares duly called and held for the purpose of considering the subject matter of such resolution and at which meeting holders of not less than 20% of the Series 2 Shares then outstanding are .present in person or represented by proxy; provided, however, that if at any such meeting, when originally held, the holders of at least 20% of the Series 2 Shares then outstanding are not present in person or represented by proxy within thirty minutes after the time fixed for the meeting, then the meeting shall be adjourned to such date, being not less than 15 days later, and at such time and place as may be fixed by the Chairman of such meeting and at such adjourned meeting the holders of the Series 2 Shares present in person or represented by proxy, whether or not they hold 20% of the Series 2 Shares then outstanding, may transact the business for which the meeting was originally called, and the resolution duly passed and carried by not less than 2/3 of the votes cast on a ballot at such adjourned meeting shall constitute the approval of the holders of the Series 2 Shares hereinbefore mentioned. Notice of any such original meeting of the holders of the Series 2 Shares shall be given not less than 21 days nor more than 50 days prior to the date fixed for such meeting and shall specify in general terms the purpose for which the meeting is called. No notice of any such adjourned meeting need be given unless such meeting is adjourned by one or more adjournments for an aggregate of 30 days or more from the date of such original meeting, in which later case notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given in a manner prescribed for the original meeting as aforesaid. The formalities to be observed with respect to the giving of notice of any such original or adjourned meeting and the conduct thereof shall be those from time to time prescribed in the constating documents of the Corporation with respect to meetings of shareholders.

3.10 Voting Rights.

The holders of the Series 2 Shares shall not be entitled as such, except as required by law, to receive notice of or to attend any meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation or to vote at any such meeting but shall be entitled to receive notice of meetings of shareholders of the Corporation called for the purpose of authorizing the dissolution of the Corporation or the sale of its undertaking or a substantial part thereof.

4.00 CLASS A SUBORDINATE VOTING SHARES
 
4.01 The holders of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares shall be entitled to receive notice of, to attend and speak at and to vote at, any meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation, other than a meeting of the holders of another class as such or the holders of series of shares of another class as such, and at such meeting shall have one (1) vote for each Class A Subordinate Voting Share held.

4.02 Subject to any provisions of the Act and to applicable securities laws and the by-laws, regulations or policies of any stock exchange upon which the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares may then be listed, all or any part of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares which are then outstanding shall be purchaseable for cancellation by the Corporation at any time, in the open market, by private contract or otherwise, at the lowest price at which, in the opinion of the directors, such shares are obtainable.

4.03 The Class A Subordinate Voting Shares shall not be redeemable by the Corporation.
 
4.04 If the Act would in effect require in the absence of this clause 4.04 that an amendment to the Articles of the Corporation to delete or vary any preference, right, condition, restriction, limitation or prohibition attaching to any of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares, or to create special shares ranking in priority to or on a parity with the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares, be confirmed in writing by the holders of 100% or any lesser percentage of the then outstanding Class A Subordinate Voting Shares, then in lieu of such confirmation in writing such confirmation may be given by at least two-thirds of the votes cast at a meeting of the holders of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares duly called for that purpose, and at such meeting each holder of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares shall be entitled to one vote for each Class A Subordinate Voting Share held.

4.05 The holders of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares shall not have any right to vote separately upon any proposal to amend the Articles of the Corporation to:
 
(a) increase any maximum number of authorized shares of and class or series having rights or privileges equal or superior to the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares; or
 
 
 

 
 
(b) create a new class of shares equal or superior to the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares; except to such extent as may from time to time be required by the Act.
 
4.06 (a) For the purposes of this clause 4.06:

(i) "affiliate" has the meaning assigned by the Securities Act (Ontario) as amended from time to time;
 
(ii) "associate" has the meaning assigned by the Securities Act (Ontario) as amended from time to time;
 
(iii) "Conversion Period" means the period of time commencing on the eighth day after the Offer Date and terminating on the Expiry Date;
 
(iv) "Converted Shares" means Class B Shares resulting from the conversion of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares into Class B Shares pursuant to paragraph (2) of this clause 4.06;

(v) "Exclusionary Offer" means an offer to purchase Class B Shares that:
 
(a) must, by reason of applicable securities legislation or the requirements of a stock exchange on which the Class B Shares are listed, be made to all or substantially all holders of Class B Shares who are in a province of Canada to which the requirement applies; and

(b) is not made concurrently with an offer to purchase Class A Subordinate Voting Shares that is identical to the offer to purchase Class B Shares in terms of price per share and percentage of outstanding shares to be taken up exclusive of shares owned immediately prior to the offer by the Offeror, and in all other material respects, and that has no condition attached other than the right not to take up and pay for shares tendered if no shares are tendered pursuant to the offer for Class B Shares, and for the purposes of this definition, if an offer to purchase Class B Shares is not an Exclusionary Offer as defined above but would be an Exclusionary Offer if it were not for sub-clause (b), the varying of any term of such offer shall be deemed to constitute the making of a new offer unless an identical variation concurrently is made to the corresponding offer to purchase Class A Subordinate Voting Shares;

(vi) "Expiry Date" means the last date upon which holders of Class B Shares may accept an Exclusionary Offer;
 
(vii) "Offer Date" means the date on which an Exclusionary Offer is made;
 
(viii) "Offeror" means a person or company that makes an offer to purchase Class B Shares (the "bidder"), and includes any associate or affiliate of the bidder or any person or company that is disclosed in the offering document to be acting jointly or in concert with the bidder; and

(ix) "transfer agent" means the transfer agent for the time being of the Class B Shares.
 
(b) Subject to subparagraph (e) of this clause 4.06, if an Exclusionary Offer is made, each outstanding Class A Subordinate Voting Share shall be convertible into one Class B Share at the option of the holder during the Conversion Period. The conversion right may be exercised by notice in writing given to the transfer agent accompanied by the share certificate or certificates representing the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares which the holder desires to convert, and such notice shall be executed by such holder, or by his attorney duly authorized in writing, and shall specify the number of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares which the holder desires to have converted. The holder shall pay any governmental or other tax imposed on or in respect of such conversion. Upon receipt by the transfer agent of such notice and share certificate or certificates, the Corporation shall issue a share certificate representing fully paid Class B Shares as above prescribed and in accordance with paragraph (d) of this clause 4.06. If less than all of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares represented by any share certificate are to be converted, the holder shall be entitled to receive a new share certificate representing in the aggregate the number of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares represented by the original share certificate which are not to be converted.
 
(c) An election by a holder of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares to exercise the conversion right provided for in paragraph (b) of this clause 4.06 shall be deemed to also constitute an irrevocable election by such holder to deposit the Converted Shares pursuant to the Exclusionary Offer (subject to such holder's right to subsequently withdraw the shares from the offer) and to exercise the right to convert into Class A Subordinate Voting Shares all Converted Shares in respect of which such holder exercises his right of withdrawal from the Exclusionary Offer or which are not otherwise ultimately taken up under the Exclusionary Offer. Any conversion into Class A Subordinate Voting Shares, pursuant to such deemed election, of Converted Shares in respect of which the holder exercises his right of withdrawal from the Exclusionary Offer shall become effective at the time such right of withdrawal is exercised. If the right of withdrawal is not exercised, any conversion into Class A Subordinate Voting Shares pursuant to such deemed election shall become effective,
 
(i) in respect of an Exclusionary Offer which is completed, immediately following the time by which the Offeror is required by applicable securities legislation to take up and pay for all shares to be acquired by the Offeror under the Exclusionary Offer; and
 
(ii) in respect of an Exclusionary Offer which is abandoned or withdrawn, at the time at which the Exclusionary Offer is abandoned or withdrawn.

 
 

 
 
(d) No share certificates representing Converted Shares shall be delivered to the holders of the shares before such shares are deposited pursuant to the Exclusionary Offer; the transfer agent, on behalf of the holders of the Converted Shares, shall deposit pursuant to the Exclusionary Offer a certificate or certificates representing the Converted Shares. Upon completion of the offer, the transfer agent shall deliver to the holders entitled thereto all consideration paid by the Offeror pursuant to the offer. If Converted Shares are converted into Class A Subordinate Voting Shares pursuant to paragraph (c) of this clause 4.06, the transfer agent shall deliver to the holders entitled thereto share certificates representing the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares resulting from the conversion. The Corporation shall make all arrangements with the transfer agent necessary or desirable to give effect to this subparagraph.
 
(e) Subject to paragraph (f) of this clause 4.06, the conversion right provided for in sub-paragraph (b) of this clause 4.06 shall not come into effect if:
 
(i) prior to the time at which the Exclusionary Offer is made there is delivered to the transfer agent and to the Secretary of the Corporation a certificate or certificates signed by or on behalf of one or more shareholders of the Corporation owning in the aggregate, as at the time the Exclusionary Offer is made, more than 50% of the then outstanding Class B Shares, exclusive of shares owned immediately prior to the Exclusionary Offer by the Offeror, which certificate or certificates shall confirm, in the case of each such shareholder, that such shareholder shall not:
 
(a) accept any Exclusionary Offer without giving the transfer agent and the Secretary of the Corporation written notice of such acceptance or intended acceptance at least seven days prior to the Expiry Date;

(b) make any Exclusionary Offer;
 
(c) act jointly or in concert with any person or company that makes any Exclusionary Offer; or
 
(d) transfer any Class B Shares, directly or indirectly, during the time at which any Exclusionary Offer is outstanding without giving the transfer agent and the Secretary of the Corporation written notice of such transfer or intended transfer at least seven days prior to the Expiry Date, which notice shall state, if known to the transferor, the names of the transferees and the number of Class B Shares transferred or to be transferred to each transferee; or

(ii) within seven days after the Offer Date there is delivered to the transfer agent and to the Secretary of the Corporation a certificate or certificates signed by or on behalf of one or more shareholders of the Corporation owning in the aggregate more than 50% of the then outstanding Class B Shares, exclusive of shares owned immediately prior to the Exclusionary Offer by the Offeror, which certificate or certificates shall confirm, in the case of each such shareholder:

(a) the number of Class B Shares owned by the shareholder;
 
(b) that such shareholder is not making the offer and is not an associate or affiliate of, or acting jointly or in concert with, the person or company making the offer;

(c) that such shareholder shall not accept the offer, including any varied form of the offer, without giving the transfer agent and the Secretary of the Corporation written notice of such acceptance or intended acceptance at least seven days prior to the Expiry Date; and
 
(d) that such shareholder shall not transfer any Class B Shares, directly or indirectly, prior to the Expiry Date without giving the transfer agent and the Secretary of the Corporation written notice of such transfer or intended transfer at least seven days prior to the Expiry Date, which notice shall state, if known to the transferor, the names of the transferees and the number of Class B Shares transferred or to be transferred to each transferee if this information is known to the transferor.
 
(f) If a notice referred to in sub-clause e (i)(a), e (i)(d), (e)(ii)(c) or e (ii)(d) of this clause 4.06 is given and the conversion right provided for in paragraph (b) of this clause 4.06 has not come into effect, the transfer agent shall either forthwith upon receipt of the notice or forthwith after the seventh day following the Offer Date, whichever is later, make a determination as to whether there are subsisting certifications that comply with either sub-clause e (i) or e (ii) of this clause 4.06 from shareholders of the Corporation who own in the aggregate more than 50% of the then outstanding Class B Shares, exclusive of shares owned immediately prior to the offer by the Offeror. For the purposes of this determination the transaction that is the subject of such notice shall be deemed to have taken place at the time of the determination, and the shares that are the subject of such notice shall be deemed to have been transferred to a person or company from whom the transfer agent had not received such a certification unless the transfer agent is otherwise advised either by such notice or by the transferee in writing. If the transfer agent determines that there are not such subsisting certifications, paragraph (e) of this clause 4.06 shall cease to apply and the conversion right provided for in paragraph (b) of this clause 4.06 shall be in effect for the remainder of the Conversion Period.
 
(g) As soon as reasonably possible after the seventh, day after the Offer Date, the Corporation shall send to each holder of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares a notice advising the holders as to whether they are entitled to convert their Class A Subordinate Voting Shares into Class B Shares and the reasons therefor. If such notice disclosed that they are not so entitled but if subsequently determined that they are so entitled by virtue of paragraph (f) of this clause 4.06 or otherwise, the Corporation shall forthwith send another notice to them advising them of that fact and the reasons therefor.

 
 

 
 
(h) If a notice referred to in paragraph (g) of this clause 4.06 discloses that the conversion right has come into effect, the notice shall:
 
(i) include a description of the procedure to be followed to effect the conversion and to have the Converted Shares tendered under the offer;
 
(ii) include the information set out in paragraph (c) of this clause 4.06; and
 
(iii) be accompanied by a copy of the offer and all other material sent to holders of Class B Shares in respect of the offer, and as soon as reasonably possible after any additional material, including a notice of variation, is sent to the holders of Class B Shares in respect of the offer, the Corporation shall send a copy of such additional material to each holder of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares.

(i) Prior to or forthwith after sending any notice referred to in paragraph (g) of this clause 4.06, the Corporation shall cause a press release to be issued to a Canadian national news ticker service, describing the contents of the notice.

5.00 CLASS B SHARES
 
5.01 The holders of the Class B Shares shall be entitled to receive notice of, and to attend and speak at and vote at, any meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation, other than a meeting of the holders of shares of another class as such or of the holders of a series of shares of another class as such, and at such meeting shall have twenty (20) votes for each Class B Share held.

5.02 Subject to any provisions of the Act and to applicable securities laws and the by-laws, regulations or policies of the stock exchange upon which the Class B Shares may then be listed, all or any part of the Class B Shares which are then outstanding shall be purchaseable for cancellation by the Corporation at any time, in the open market, by private contract or otherwise, at the lowest price at which, in the opinion of the directors, such shares are obtainable.

5.03 The Class B Shares shall not be redeemable by the Corporation.
 
5.04 If the Act would in effect require in the absence of this clause 5.04 that an amendment to the Articles of the Corporation to delete or vary any preference, right, condition, restriction, limitation or prohibition attaching to any of the Class B Shares, or to create special shares ranking in priority to or on a parity with the Class B Shares, be confirmed in writing by the holders of 100% or any lesser percentage of the then outstanding Class B Shares, then in lieu of such confirmation in writing such confirmation may be given by at least two-thirds of the votes cast at a meeting of the holders of the Class B Shares duly called for that purpose, and at such meeting each holder of Class B Shares shall be entitled to one vote for each Class B Share held.

5.05 The holders of the Class B Shares shall not have any right to vote separately upon any proposal to amend the Articles of the Corporation to:
 
(a) increase any maximum number of authorized shares of a class or series having rights or privileges equal or superior to the Class B Shares; or

(b) create a new class of shares equal or superior to the Class B Shares;
 
except to such extent as may from time to time be required by the Act.
 
5.06 Each Class B Share shall be convertible at any time, at the option of the holder thereof, into a Class A Subordinate Voting Share, on the basis of one Class A Subordinate Voting Share for each Class B Share so converted. The holder of Class B Shares desiring to convert such Class B Shares into Class A Subordinate Voting Shares on the basis aforesaid shall deliver to the transfer agent for the time being of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares the share certificate or share certificates representing the Class B Shares which the holder desires to so convert accompanied by a written notice duly executed by such holder or his attorney duly authorized in writing, which notice shall state that such holder elects to convert the Class B Shares represented by such share certificate or share certificates into Class A Subordinate Voting Shares in accordance with the provisions hereof and which notice shall further state the name or names (with addresses) in which the share certificate or certificates for Class A Subordinate Voting Shares issuable on such conversion shall be issued, and if any of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares into which such Class B Shares are to be converted are to be issued to a person or persons other than the holder of such Class B Shares, there shall be paid to such transfer agent, for the account of the Corporation, any transfer taxes which may properly be payable. If any share certificate or share certificates representing any of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares issuable on conversion are directed to be issued to any person other than the holder of such Class B Shares, the signature of such holder shall be guaranteed by a Canadian chartered bank or such other financial institution as such transfer agent may require. Such holder shall, in addition, comply with such other reasonable requirements as such transfer agent may prescribe. As promptly as practicable after the receipt of such notice of election to convert, the payment of such transfer tax (if any), the delivery of such share certificate or share certificates and compliance with all reasonable requirements of the transfer agent as aforesaid, the Corporation shall cause the transfer agent for the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares to issue and deliver in accordance with such notice of election to convert a share certificate or share certificates representing the number of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares into which such Class B Shares have been converted in accordance with the provisions of this clause 5.06. Such conversion shall be deemed to have been made immediately prior to the close of business on the date on which all conditions precedent to the conversion of such Class B Shares have been fulfilled and the person or persons in whose name or names any share certificate or share certificates for Class A Subordinate Voting Shares shall be issuable shall be deemed to have become on the said date the holder or holders of record of the Class B Shares represented thereby; provided, however, that if the transfer books of the Corporation for Class B Shares shall be closed on the said date, the Corporation shall not be required to issue Class A Subordinate Voting Shares upon such conversion until the date on which such transfer books shall be re-opened and such person or persons shall not be deemed to have become the holder or holders of record of such Class A Subordinate Voting Shares until the said date on which such transfer books shall be re-opened. There shall be no payment or adjustment on account of any unpaid dividends on the Class B Shares converted or on account of any dividends on the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares resulting from such conversion. In the event that part only of the Class B Shares represented by any share certificate shall be converted, a share certificate for the remainder of the Class B Shares represented by the said share certificate shall be delivered to the holder converting without charge.

 
 

 
 
6.00 DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS OF THE CLASS A SUBORDINATE VOTING SHARES AND CLASS B SHARES

6.01 (a) All dividends which are declared in any year in the discretion of the directors on all of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares shall be declared and paid at the same time in an equal or, in the discretion of the directors, a greater amount per share than those dividends declared in respect of all of the Class B Shares at the time outstanding. All dividends which are declared in any year, in the discretion of the directors, on all of the Class B Shares shall be declared and paid at the same time in an equal or, in the discretion of the directors, a lesser amount per share than those declared in respect of all of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares outstanding.

(b) If any stock dividend is declared on Class A Subordinate Voting Shares, such dividend may be paid in Class A Subordinate Voting Shares or in Class B Shares, or partly in one class and partly in the other, if stock dividends in equal or, in the discretion of the directors, lesser amounts per share are declared at the same time on the Class B Shares and are payable in either Class A Subordinate Voting Shares or in Class B Shares, or partly in one class and partly in the other, regardless of which class the stock dividend was paid on Class A Subordinate Voting Shares. If any stock dividend is declared on Class B Shares, such dividend may be paid in Class A Subordinate Voting Shares or in Class B Shares, or partly in one class and partly in the other, if stock dividends in equal or, in the discretion of the directors, greater amounts per share are paid at the same time on the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares and are payable in either Class A Subordinate Voting Shares or in Class B Shares, or partly in one class and partly in the other, regardless of which class the stock dividend was paid on Class B Shares.

(c) All distributions other than dividends (including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any distribution of rights, warrants or options to purchase securities of the Corporation), and all such distributions which may at any time or from time to time be authorized or made:

(i) in respect of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares, shall be authorized and made at the same time in equal, or in the discretion of the directors, greater quantities or amounts per share than on all Class B Shares then outstanding without preference or distinction; and

(ii) in respect of the Class B Shares, shall be authorized and made at the same time in equal or in the discretion of the directors, lesser quantities or amounts per share than on all Class A Subordinate Voting Shares then outstanding without preference or distinction.

7.00 SUBDIVISIONS, CONSOLIDATIONS, RECLASSIFICATIONS WINDING UP AND LIQUIDATION, ETC.

7.01 No subdivision, consolidation, reclassification or other change of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares or the Class B Shares shall be made unless at the time an equivalent or comparable subdivision, consolidation, reclassification or change is made with respect to all of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares and Class B Shares which are then outstanding.
 
7.02 In any case where a fraction of a Class A Subordinate Voting Share or a Class B Share would otherwise be issuable on a subdivision, consolidation, reclassification or change of one or more Class A Subordinate Voting Shares or Class B Shares, the Corporation shall in lieu thereof adjust such fractional interest by the payment by cheque (to the nearest cent) of an amount related or equivalent to the then current market value of such fractional interest computed on the basis of the last board lot sale price (or the last bid price, if there has been no board lot sale) for the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares on The Toronto Stock Exchange (or if the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares are not listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange, on such stock exchange in Canada on which the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares are listed or traded as may be selected for such purpose by the directors of the Corporation) on the business day on which such stock exchange was open next preceding the date of such subdivision, consolidation, reclassification or change.
 
 
 

 
 
7.03 In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation or other distribution of the assets of the Corporation amongst its shareholders for the purposes of winding up its affairs, all of the property and assets of the Corporation available for distribution to the shareholders of the Corporation shall, after providing for preferential payment of the amounts required to be paid under and in respect of any Preference Shares or series thereof ranking in priority, shall be paid or distributed in equal amounts per share on all Class A Subordinate Voting Shares and Class B Shares at the time outstanding without preference or distinction and the holders thereof shall as such participate on a share for share basis equally therein.

8.00 PROVISIONS RELATING TO CLASS A SUBORDINATE VOTING SHARES AND CLASS B SHARES

8.01 The articles of the Corporation hereby provide that, for the purposes of the take-over bid and issuer bid provisions of the Securities Act (Ontario) and the regulations thereunder), both as amended from time to time,
 
(a) the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares and Class B Shares shall be treated as and are hereby deemed to constitute, one class of voting securities, and
 
(b) the published market for such one class of voting securities shall be deemed to be the published market of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares. For greater certainty, the provisions of this Section 8.01 shall have no application in the event of a purchase of Class B Shares at a price per share not in excess of the aggregate of (i) the "market price" per share (at the time of such purchase) determined in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act (Ontario) (and the regulations thereunder) (both as amended or replaced from time to time) plus (ii) reasonable brokerage fees or other commissions calculated on a per share basis. For greater certainty, "market price" as at the date of these articles is defined in Section 163(3) of the Regulation to the Securities Act (Ontario).
 
8.02 In any case where a fraction of a Class A Subordinate voting Share or a Class B Share would otherwise be issuable on consolidation, subdivision and change of one or more common shares, the Corporation shall in lieu thereof adjust such fractional interest by the payment by cheque (to the nearest cent) of any amount equivalent to the value of such fractional interest computed on the basis of $0.025 per common share.
 
 
 

 

PROVISIONS ATTACHING TO THE
SERIES 3 PREFERENCE SHARES
 
CYBERSIGHT- MDC EXCHANGEABLE PREFERENCE SHARES
 
The third series of Preference Shares of the Corporation shall consist of an unlimited number of Series 3 Preference Shares designated as the "Cybersight-MDC Exchangeable Preference Shares" (the "Exchangeable Shares"). The Exchangeable Shares shall have the following rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions:

1. INTERPRETATION

1.1 For the purposes of these share provisions:

"Affiliate" of any Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with, that Person. For the purposes of this definition, "control" (including, with correlative meanings, the terms "controlled by" and "under common control with") as applied to any Person, means the possession by another Person, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of that first mentioned Person whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

"Board of Directors" means the board of directors of the Corporation.
 
"Business Day" means any day on which commercial banks are open for business in New York, New York and Toronto, Ontario other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day observed as a holiday in Toronto, Ontario under the laws of the Province of Ontario or the federal laws of Canada or in New York, New York under the laws of the State of New York or the federal laws of the United States of America.
 
"CAC" means CyberSight Acquisition Co., Inc., a corporation existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and any successor corporation thereto.
 
"CAC Dividend Declaration Date" means the date on which the board of directors of CAC declares any dividend on the CAC Shares.
 
"CAC Shares" mean the shares of common stock, par value U.S. $0.01 per share, in the capital of CAC, and any other securities into which such shares may be changed, including shares into which CAC Shares may be changed consequent upon an amalgamation, merger, reorganization or other transaction affecting the CAC Shares and "CAC Share" means any of the CAC Shares.
 
"Canadian Dollar Equivalent" means in respect of an amount expressed in a foreign currency (the "Foreign Currency Amount") at any date the product obtained by multiplying:

(a) the Foreign Currency Amount by,
 
(b) the noon spot exchange rate on such date for such foreign currency expressed in Canadian dollars as reported by the Bank of Canada or, in the event such spot exchange rate is not available, such spot exchange rate on such date to such foreign currency expressed in Canadian dollars as may be deemed by the Board of Directors to be appropriate for such purpose.
 
"Common Shares" means, collectively, the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares and the Class B Multiple Voting Shares in the capital of the Corporation.
 
"Corporation" means MDC Partners Inc., a corporation governed by the Canada Business Corporations Act.
 
"Current Market Price" means, in respect of a CAC Share on any date, the Canadian Dollar Equivalent of the average of the closing bid and ask prices of CAC Shares during a period of 20 consecutive trading days ending not more than three trading days before such date on the principal stock exchange or automated quotation system in Canada or the United States on which the CAC Shares are then listed, or, if the CAC Shares are not then listed on any stock exchange or automated quotation system, then the Current Market Price of a CAC Share shall be determined by a qualified third party independent valuator as selected by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion provided that any such selection, opinion or determination by the Board of Directors shall be conclusive and binding.
 
"Exchange Date" means the date on which a holder of Exchangeable Shares exchanges his or her Exchangeable Shares for CAC Shares in accordance with the requirements of Article 6 of these share provisions.
 
"Exchange Notice" has the meaning ascribed thereto in section 6.1 of these share provisions.

"Exchange Right" has the meaning ascribed thereto in section 6.1 of these share provisions.

 
 

 
 
"Exchangeable Shares" mean the Series 3 non-voting exchangeable preference shares in the capital of the Corporation designated as the "CyberSight-MDC Exchangeable Preference Shares" having the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions set forth herein.
 
"Liquidation Amount" has the meaning ascribed thereto in section 5.1 of these share provisions.
 
"Liquidation Date" has the meaning ascribed thereto in section 5.1 of these share provisions.
 
"Person" includes any individual, firm, partnership, joint venture, venture capital fund, association, trust, trustee, executor, administrator, legal personal representative, estate, group, body corporate, corporation, unincorporated association or organization, government body, syndicate or other entity, whether or not having legal status.
 
"Preference Shares" means the issued and outstanding preference shares in the capital of the Corporation.
 
"Support Agreement" means that certain Exchangeable Share support and voting trust agreement between the Corporation, CAC and Griffiths McBurney & Partners to be entered into in connection with a private placement of the Exchangeable Shares in Canada.
 
"Transfer Agent" means CIBC Mellon Trust Company or such other Person as may from time to time be appointed by the Corporation as the registrar and transfer agent for the Exchangeable Shares.

2. RANKING OF EXCHANGEABLE SHARES
 
2.1 Other than the rights specifically provided for in Article 3 and Article 5 of these share provisions and as required under applicable law, the Exchangeable Shares shall have no rights to receive any payment of dividends which may be declared payable by the Corporation from time to time or to participate in the distribution of assets of the Corporation in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, or any other distribution of the assets of Corporation, among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs.

3. DIVIDENDS
 
3.1 Subject to section 3.2 below, a holder of an Exchangeable Share shall be entitled to receive and the Board of Directors shall, subject to applicable law, on each CAC Dividend Declaration Date, declare a dividend on each Exchangeable Share:
 
(a) in the case of a cash dividend declared on the CAC Shares, in an amount in cash for each Exchangeable Share in U.S. dollars, or the Canadian Dollar Equivalent thereof on the CAC Dividend Declaration Date, in each case, equal to the cash dividend declared on each CAC Share;
 
(b) in the case of a stock dividend declared on the CAC Shares to be paid in CAC Shares, in such number of Exchangeable Shares for each Exchangeable Share as is equal to the number of CAC Shares to be issued as a dividend on each CAC Share: or
 
(c) in the case of a dividend declared on the CAC Shares in property other than cash or CAC Shares, in such type and amount of property for each Exchangeable Share as is the same as or economically equivalent to (to be determined by the Board of Directors as contemplated by section 3.5 hereof) the type and amount of property declared as a dividend on each CAC Share.
 
Such dividends shall be paid out of money, assets or property of the Corporation properly applicable to the payment of dividends, or out of authorized but unissued shares of the Corporation, as applicable.
 
3.2 In the case of a stock dividend declared on the CAC Shares to be paid in CAC Shares, in lieu of declaring the stock dividend contemplated by section 3.1(b) on the Exchangeable Shares, the Board of Directors may, in its discretion and subject to applicable law, subdivide, redivide or change (the "subdivision") each issued and unissued Exchangeable Share on the basis that each Exchangeable Share before the subdivision becomes a number of Exchangeable Shares as is equal to the sum of (i) one (1) CAC Share and (ii) the number of CAC Shares to be paid as a stock dividend on each CAC Share. In such instance, and notwithstanding any other provision hereof, such subdivision shall become effective on the effective date specified in section 3.4 hereof without any further act or formality on the part of the Board of Directors or of the holders of Exchangeable Shares. For greater certainty, no approval of the holders of Exchangeable Shares to an amendment to the articles of the Corporation shall be required to give effect to such subdivision.
 
3.3 Cheques of the Corporation payable at par at any branch of the bankers of the Corporation shall be issued in respect of any cash dividends contemplated by section 3.1 (a) hereof and the sending of such a cheque to each holder of an Exchangeable Share shall satisfy the cash dividend represented thereby unless the cheque is not paid on presentation. Subject to applicable law, certificates registered in the name of the registered holder of Exchangeable Shares shall be issued or transferred in respect of any stock dividends contemplated by section 3.1(b) hereof or any subdivision of shares contemplated by section 3.2 hereof and the sending of such a certificate to each holder of an Exchangeable Share shall satisfy the stock dividend or share subdivision represented thereby. Such other type and amount of property in respect of any dividends contemplated by section 3.1(c) hereof shall be issued, distributed or transferred by the Corporation in such manner as it shall determine and the issuance, distribution or transfer thereof by the Corporation to each holder of an Exchangeable Share shall satisfy the dividend represented thereby. No holder of an Exchangeable Share shall be entitled to recover by action or other legal process against the Corporation any dividend that is represented by a cheque that has not been duly presented to the Corporation's bankers for payment or that otherwise remains unclaimed for a period of six years from the date on which such dividend was payable.
 
 
 

 
 
3.4 The record date for the determination of the holders of Exchangeable Shares entitled to receive payment of, and the payment date for, any dividend declared on the Exchangeable Shares under section 3.1 hereof shall be the same dates as the record date and payment date, respectively, for the corresponding dividend declared on the CAC Shares. The record date for the determination of the holders of Exchangeable Shares entitled to receive Exchangeable Shares in connection with any subdivision of Exchangeable Shares under section 3.2 hereof and the effective date of such subdivision shall be the same dates as the record date and payment date, respectively, for the corresponding stock dividend declared on CAC Shares.
 
3.5 The Board of Directors shall determine, in good faith, the economic equivalent for the purposes of the share provisions, and each such determination shall be conclusive and binding on the Corporation and its shareholders. In making each such determination, the following factors shall, without excluding other factors determined by the Board of Directors to be relevant, be considered by the Board of Directors:
 
(a) in the case of any stock dividend or other distribution payable in CAC Shares, the number of such shares issued in proportion to the number of CAC Shares previously outstanding;
 
(b) in the case of the issuance or distribution of any rights, options or warrants to subscribe for or purchase CAC Shares (or securities exchangeable for or convertible into or carrying rights to acquire CAC Shares), the relationship between the exercise price of each such right, option or warrant and the Current Market Price of a CAC Share;
 
(c) in the case of the issuance or distribution of any other form of property (including without limitation any shares or securities of CAC of any class other than CAC Shares, any rights, options or warrants other than those referred to in section 3.5(b) above, any evidences of indebtedness of CAC or any assets of CAC), the relationship between the fair market value (as determined by the Board of Directors) of such property to be issued or distributed with respect to each outstanding CAC Share and the Current Market Price of a CAC Share; and

(d) in all such cases, the general taxation consequences of the relevant event to holders of Exchangeable Shares to the extent that such consequences may differ from the taxation consequences to holders of CAC Shares as a result of differences between taxation laws of Canada and the United States (except for any differing consequences arising as a result of differing marginal taxation rates and without regard to the individual circumstances of holders of Exchangeable Shares).

4. CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS
 
4.1 Subject to Section 4.2 below, so long as any of the Exchangeable Shares are outstanding, the Corporation shall not at any time without the approval of the holders of the Exchangeable Shares given as specified in section 10.2 of these share provisions:

(a) pay any dividends on the Common Shares or any other shares ranking junior to the Exchangeable Shares, other than stock dividends payable in Common Shares or any such other shares ranking junior to the Exchangeable Shares, as the case may be;
 
(b) redeem or purchase or make any capital distribution in respect of the Common Shares or any other shares ranking junior to the Exchangeable Shares;
 
(c) issue any Exchangeable Shares other than (i) pursuant to any shareholder rights plan adopted by the Corporation, (ii) by way of stock dividend to the holders of such Exchangeable Shares contemplated by section 3 hereof, or (iii) by way of any subdivision of Exchangeable Shares; or
 
(d) issue any shares of the Corporation ranking superior to the Exchangeable Shares other than by way of stock dividends to the holders of such Exchangeable Shares.
 
4.2 The restrictions in subparagraphs 4.1(a) to 4.1(c) above shall not apply if all declared dividends on the outstanding Exchangeable Shares have been paid.

 
 

 
 
5. DISTRIBUTION ON LIQUIDATION
 
5.1 In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Corporation or any other distribution of the assets of the Corporation among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, each Exchangeable Share, subject to applicable law, shall be automatically exchanged with CAC on the effective date (the "Liquidation Date") of such liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, but before any distribution of any part of the assets of the Corporation among the holders of the Common Shares or any other shares ranking junior to the Exchangeable Shares, for one CAC Share, together with any declared and unpaid dividends on each such Exchangeable Share held by such holder on any dividend record date which occurred prior to the Liquidation Date (the "Liquidation Amount").
 
5.2 On or promptly after the Liquidation Date, the Corporation shall cause CAC to deliver to the holders of the Exchangeable Shares the Liquidation Amount for each such Exchangeable Share upon presentation and surrender of the certificates representing such Exchangeable Shares, together with such other documents and instruments as may be required to effect a transfer and cancellation of Exchangeable Shares under the Canada Business Corporations Act and the by-laws of the Corporation and such additional documents and instruments as the Transfer Agent, CAC or the Corporation may reasonably require, at the registered office of the Corporation or at any office of the Transfer Agent as may be specified by the Corporation by notice to the holders of the Exchangeable Shares.
 
5.3 Payment of the total Liquidation Amount for such Exchangeable Shares shall be made by delivery to each holder, at the address of the holder recorded in the securities register of the Corporation for the Exchangeable Shares or by holding for pick-up by the holder at the registered office of the Corporation or at any office of the Transfer Agent as may be specified by the Corporation by notice to the holders of Exchangeable Shares, on behalf of the Corporation of certificates representing CAC Shares (which shares shall be duly issued as fully paid and non-assessable and shall be free and clear of any lien, claim or encumbrance) and a cheque of the Corporation payable at par at any branch of the bankers of the Corporation in respect of the remaining portion, if any, of the total Liquidation Amount (in each case less any amounts withheld on account of tax required to be deducted and withheld therefrom) (without interest).
 
5.4 On and after the Liquidation Date, the holders of the Exchangeable Shares shall cease to be holders of such Exchangeable Shares and shall not be entitled to exercise any of the rights of holders in respect thereof, other than the right to receive their proportionate part of the total Liquidation Amount, unless payment of the total Liquidation Amount for such Exchangeable Shares shall not be made upon presentation and surrender of share certificates in accordance with the foregoing provisions, in which case the rights of the holders shall remain unaffected until the total Liquidation Amount has been paid in the manner hereinbefore provided.
 
5.5 The Corporation shall have the right at any time after the Liquidation Date to deposit or cause to be deposited the total Liquidation Amount in respect of the Exchangeable Shares represented by certificates that have not at the Liquidation Date been surrendered by the holders thereof in a custodial account with any chartered bank or trust company in Canada. Upon such deposit being made, the rights of the holders of Exchangeable Shares after such deposit shall be limited to receiving their proportionate part of the total Liquidation Amount (in each case less any amounts withheld on account of tax required to be deducted and withheld therefrom) (without interest) for such Exchangeable Shares so deposited, against presentation and surrender of the said certificates held by them, respectively, in accordance with the foregoing provisions. Upon such payment or deposit of the total Liquidation Amount, the holders of the Exchangeable Shares shall thereafter be considered and deemed for all purposes to be holders of the CAC Shares delivered to them or the custodian on their behalf.
 
5.6 After the Corporation has satisfied its obligations to pay or cause to be paid to the holders of the Exchangeable Shares the Liquidation Amount per Exchangeable Share pursuant to section 5.1 of these share provisions, such holders shall not be entitled to share in any further distribution of the assets of the Corporation.

6. EXCHANGE RIGHTS
 
6.1 A holder of Exchangeable Shares shall be entitled at any time and otherwise upon compliance with the provisions of this Article 6 (the "Exchange Right"), to exchange all or any portion of the Exchangeable Shares registered in the name of such holder for: (i) one CAC Share for each Exchangeable Share presented and surrendered by the holder; together with (ii) the full amount of all declared and unpaid dividends on any such Exchangeable Share in respect of any dividend record date which occurred prior to the Exchange Date, which dividends shall be paid by the Corporation. To exercise its Exchange Right, a holder of Exchangeable Shares shall present and surrender at the registered office of the Corporation or at any office of the Transfer Agent as may be specified by the Corporation by notice to the holders of Exchangeable Shares the certificate or certificates representing the Exchangeable Shares which the holder desires to exchange for CAC Shares, together with such other documents and instruments as may be required to effect a transfer of Exchangeable Shares under the respective by-laws of the Corporation and CAC and the provisions of applicable laws and such additional documents and instruments as the Transfer Agent, CAC or the Corporation may reasonably require, together with a duly executed statement (the "Exchange Notice") in the form of Schedule "A" hereto or in such other form as may be acceptable to the Corporation:
 
(a) specifying that the holder desires to exchange all or any number of the Exchangeable Shares specified therein represented by such certificate or certificates (the "Exchanged Shares"); and
 
(b) stating the date on which the holder desires that the Exchange Date occur, provided that such date shall be not less than 10 Business Days nor more than 15 Business Days after the date on which the Exchange Notice is received by the Corporation and further provided that, in the event that no such Business Day is specified by the holder in the Exchange Notice, the Exchange Date shall be deemed to be the 15th Business Day after the date on which the Exchange Notice is received by the Corporation.
 
6.2 Upon receipt by the Corporation or the Transfer Agent in the manner specified in section 6.1 hereof of a certificate or certificates representing the number of Exchangeable Shares which the holder desires to exchange, together with an Exchange Notice and provided that the Exchange Notice is not revoked by the holder in the manner specified in section 6.6, the Corporation shall cause CAC to issue and deliver to the holder the CAC Shares issuable in exchange for the Exchanged Shares effective at the close of business on the Exchange Date, provided that all declared and unpaid dividends for which the record date has occurred prior to the Exchange Date shall be paid by the Corporation to the holder on the scheduled payment date for such dividends. If only a part of the Exchangeable Shares represented by any certificate is exchanged by a holder thereof, a new certificate for the balance of such Exchangeable Shares shall be issued to the holder at the expense of the Corporation.
 
 
 

 
 
6.3 The Corporation shall cause CAC to deliver or shall cause the Transfer Agent to deliver to the relevant holder, at the address of the holder recorded in the securities register of the Corporation for the Exchangeable Shares or at the address specified in the holder's Exchange Notice or by holding for pick-up by the holder at the registered office of the Corporation or at any office of the Transfer Agent as may be specified by the Corporation by notice to the holders of Exchangeable Shares, certificates representing the CAC Shares (which shares shall be duly issued as fully paid and non-assessable and shall be free and clear of any lien, claim or encumbrance) registered in the name of the holder or in such other name as the holder may request and, if applicable, on or before the payment date therefor, the Corporation shall deliver to the holder a cheque payable at par at any branch of the bankers of the Corporation representing the aggregate of any declared and unpaid dividend in respect of the Exchanged Shares, less any amounts withheld on account of tax required to be deducted and withheld therefrom (without interest), and such delivery of such certificate and cheque by or on behalf of the Corporation, by CAC or by the Transfer Agent (as applicable), shall be deemed to be payment of and shall satisfy and discharge all liability in respect of the exercise of the Exchange Right, to the extent that the same is represented by such share certificates and cheque (plus any tax deducted and withheld therefrom and remitted to the proper tax authority).
 
6.4 On and after the close of business on the Exchange Date, the holder of the Exchanged Shares shall cease to be a holder of such Exchanged Shares and shall not be entitled to exercise any of the rights of a holder in respect thereof, unless upon presentation and surrender of certificates in accordance with the foregoing provisions, registration and delivery of the CAC Share certificate and the Corporation's cheque (if any) shall not be made as provided in section 6.3, in which case the rights of such holder shall remain unaffected until such registrations and deliveries have been made in the manner hereinbefore provided. On and after the close of business on the Exchange Date, provided that presentation and surrender of certificates and delivery of the CAC Share certificates and the Corporation's cheque (if any) has been made in accordance with the foregoing provisions, the holder of the Exchanged Shares shall thereafter be considered and deemed for all purposes to be a holder of the CAC Shares delivered to it.
 
6.5 Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article 6, the Corporation shall not be obligated to cause CAC to issue and deliver a CAC Share in exchange for any Exchanged Shares specified by a holder in an Exchange Notice to the extent that the issuance and delivery by CAC of such CAC Shares in exchange for Exchanged Shares would be contrary to solvency requirements or other provisions of applicable laws. In any such event, the Corporation shall cause CAC to issue CAC Shares in exchange for the maximum number of Exchanged Shares which the Board of Directors (or the board of directors of CAC, as applicable) determine that CAC is, on the Exchange Date, permitted under applicable laws to issue, which shall be selected as nearly as may be pro rata (disregarding fractions) in proportion to the total number of Exchanged Shares tendered for exchange by each holder thereof and the Corporation shall issue to each holder of Exchanged Shares a new certificate, at the expense of the Corporation, representing the Exchanged Shares which are not exchanged pursuant to section 6.2 hereof. The Corporation shall notify the holder at least two Business Days prior to the Exchange Date as to the number of Exchanged Shares which will not be exchanged.
 
6.6 A holder of Exchanged Shares may, by notice in writing given to the Corporation before the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Exchange Date, withdraw its Exchange Notice, in which event such Exchange Notice shall be null and void.

7. AUTOMATIC REDEMPTION BY CORPORATION FOLLOWING EXCHANGE
 
7.1 Immediately upon completion of any exchange of the Exchangeable Shares pursuant to the provisions of Article 6 of these share provisions, the Exchanged Shares so acquired by CAC shall be automatically redeemed by the Corporation for an amount of cash equal to the paid-up capital thereon.

8. PURCHASE FOR CANCELLATION
 
8.1 Subject to applicable law and the articles of the Corporation, the Corporation may at any time and from time to time purchase for cancellation all or any part of the outstanding Exchangeable Shares at a price not exceeding the amount paid-up thereon by tender to all the holders of record of Exchangeable Shares then outstanding or through the facilities of any stock exchange on which the Exchangeable Shares are listed or quoted at a price per share not exceeding the amount paid up thereon, together with an amount equal to all declared and unpaid dividends thereon for which the record date has occurred prior to the date of purchase. If in response to an invitation for tenders under the provisions of this section 8.1, more Exchangeable Shares are tendered at a price or prices acceptable to the Corporation than the Corporation is prepared to purchase, the Exchangeable Shares to be purchased by the Corporation shall be purchased as nearly as may be pro rata according to the number of shares tendered by each holder who submits a tender to the Corporation, provided that when shares are tendered at different prices, the pro rating shall be effected (disregarding fractions) only with respect to the shares tendered at the price at which more shares were tendered than the Corporation is prepared to purchase after the Corporation has purchased all the shares tendered at lower prices. If part only of the Exchangeable Shares represented by any certificate shall be purchased, a new certificate for the balance of such shares shall be issued at the expense of the Corporation.

9. VOTING RIGHTS
 
9.1 Except as required by applicable law and by Article 10, section 11.1 and section 11.2 hereof, the holders of the Exchangeable Shares shall not be entitled as such to receive notice of or to attend any meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation or to vote at any such meeting.

 
 

 
 
10. AMENDMENT AND APPROVAL
 
10.1 The rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to the Exchangeable Shares may be added to, changed or removed but only with the approval of the holders of the Exchangeable Shares given as hereinafter specified.
 
10.2 Any approval given by the holders of the Exchangeable Shares to add to, change or remove any right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Exchangeable Shares or any other matter requiring the approval or consent of the holders of the Exchangeable Shares shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given if it shall have been given in accordance with applicable law subject to a minimum requirement that such approval be evidenced by resolution passed by not less than two-thirds of the votes cast on such resolution at a meeting of holders of Exchangeable Shares (disregarding the votes attaching to any Exchangeable Shares held or beneficially owned by the Corporation and its Affiliates) duly called and held at which the holders of at least 25% of the outstanding Exchangeable Shares at that time are present or represented by proxy; provided that if at any such meeting the holders of at least 25% of the outstanding Exchangeable Shares at that time are not present or represented by proxy within one-half hour after the time appointed for such meeting, then the meeting shall be adjourned to such date not less than five (5) days thereafter and to such time and place as may be designated by the Chairman of such meeting. At such adjourned meeting the holders of Exchangeable Shares present or represented by proxy thereat whether or not representing at least 25% of the outstanding Exchangeable Shares at that time may transact the business for which the meeting was originally called and a resolution passed thereat by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the votes cast on such resolution (disregarding the votes attaching to any Exchangeable Shares held or beneficially owned by the Corporation and its Affiliates) at such meeting shall constitute the approval or consent of the holders of the Exchangeable Shares.

11. RECIPROCAL CHANGES, ETC. IN RESPECT OF CAC Shares.
 
11.1 Each holder of an Exchangeable Share acknowledges that the Support Agreement provides, in part, that CAC will not without the prior approval of the Corporation and the prior approval of the holders of the Exchangeable Shares given in accordance with section 10.2 of these share provisions:
 
(a) issue or distribute CAC Shares (or securities exchangeable for or convertible into or carrying rights to acquire CAC Shares) to the holders of all or substantially all of the then outstanding CAC Shares by way of stock dividend or other distribution, other than an issue of CAC Shares (or securities exchangeable for or convertible into or carrying rights to acquire CAC Shares) to holders of CAC Shares who exercise an option to receive dividends in CAC Shares (or securities exchangeable for or convertible into or carrying rights to acquire CAC Shares) in lieu of receiving cash dividends;
 
(b) issue or distribute rights, options or warrants to the holders of all or substantially all of the then outstanding CAC Shares entitling them to subscribe for or to purchase CAC Shares (or securities exchangeable for or convertible into or carrying rights to acquire CAC Shares); or

(c) issue or distribute to the holders of all or substantially all of the then outstanding CAC Shares:
 
(i) shares or securities of CAC of any class other than CAC Shares (other than shares convertible into or exchangeable for or carrying rights to acquire CAC Shares);
 
(ii) rights, options or warrants other than those referred to in subsection 11.1(b) above;
 
(iii) evidences of indebtedness of CAC: or
 
(iv) assets of CAC, unless the economic equivalent on a per share basis of such rights, options, warrants, securities, shares, evidences of indebtedness or other assets is issued or distributed by the Corporation simultaneously to holders of the Exchangeable Shares.
 
11.2 Each holder of an Exchangeable Share acknowledges that the Support Agreement further provides, in part, that CAC will not without the prior approval of the Corporation and the prior approval of the holders of the Exchangeable Shares given in accordance with section 10.2 of these share provisions:

(a) subdivide, redivide or change the then outstanding CAC Shares into a greater number of CAC Shares:
 
(b) reduce, combine, consolidate or change the then outstanding CAC Shares into a lesser number of CAC Shares: or
 
(c) reclassify or otherwise change the CAC Shares or effect an amalgamation, merger, reorganization or other transaction affecting the CAC Shares, unless the same or an economically equivalent change shall simultaneously be made to, or in the rights of the holders of, the Exchangeable Shares. The Support Agreement further provides, in part, that the aforesaid provisions of the Support Agreement shall not be changed without the approval of the holders of the Exchangeable Shares given in accordance with section 10.2 of these share provisions.

 
 

 
 
12. ACTIONS BY THE CORPORATION UNDER SUPPORT AGREEMENT
 
12.1 The Corporation will take all such actions and do all such things as shall be necessary or advisable to perform and comply with and to ensure performance and compliance by CAC and the Corporation with all provisions of the Support Agreement applicable to CAC and the Corporation, respectively, in accordance with the terms thereof including, without limitation, taking all such actions and doing all such things as shall be necessary or advisable to enforce to the fullest extent possible for the direct benefit of the Corporation all rights and benefits in favour of the Corporation under or pursuant to such agreement.
 
12.2 The Corporation shall not propose, agree to or otherwise give effect to any amendment to, or waiver or forgiveness of its rights or obligations under, the Support Agreement without the approval of the holders of the Exchangeable Shares given in accordance with section 10.2 of these share provisions other than such amendments, waivers and/or forgiveness as may be necessary or advisable for the purposes of:
 
(a) adding to the covenants of the other parties to such agreement for the protection of the Corporation or the holders of the Exchangeable Shares thereunder;
 
(b) making such provisions or modifications not inconsistent with such agreement as may be necessary or desirable with respect to matters or questions arising thereunder which, in the good faith opinion of the Board of Directors, it may be expedient to make, provided that the Board of Directors shall be of the good faith opinion, after consultation with counsel, that such provisions and modifications will not be prejudicial to the interests of the holders of the Exchangeable Shares; or

(c) making such changes in or corrections to such agreement which, on the advice of counsel to the Corporation, are required for the purpose of curing or correcting any ambiguity or defect or inconsistent provision or clerical omission or mistake or manifest error contained therein, provided that the Board of Directors shall be of the good faith opinion, after consultation with counsel, that such changes or corrections will not be prejudicial to the interests of the holders of the Exchangeable Shares.

13. LEGEND; CALL RIGHTS
 
13.1  The certificates evidencing the Exchangeable Shares shall contain or have affixed thereto a legend in form and on terms approved by the Board of Directors, with respect to the Support Agreement (including the provisions with respect to the voting rights, exchange right and automatic redemption thereunder).

14. NOTICES
 
14.1 Any notice, request or other communication to be given to the Corporation by a holder of Exchangeable Shares shall be in writing and shall be valid and effective if given by mail (postage prepaid) or by telecopy or by delivery to the registered office of the Corporation and addressed to the attention of the Executive Vice President, Corporate Development. Any such notice, request or other communication, if given by mail, telecopy or delivery, shall only be deemed to have been given and received upon actual receipt thereof by the Corporation.
 
14.2 Any presentation and surrender by a holder of Exchangeable Shares to the Corporation or the Transfer Agent of certificates representing Exchangeable Shares in connection with the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Corporation or the exchange of Exchangeable Shares shall be made by ordinary mail (postage prepaid) or by delivery to the registered office of the Corporation or to such office of the Transfer Agent as may be specified by the Corporation, in each case, addressed to the attention of the Executive Vice President, Corporate Development of the Corporation. Any such presentation and surrender of certificates shall only be deemed to have been made and to be effective upon actual receipt thereof by the Corporation or the Transfer Agent, as the case may be. Any such presentation and surrender of certificates made by ordinary mail shall be at the sole risk of the holder mailing the same.
 
14.3 Any notice, request or other communication to be given to a holder of Exchangeable Shares by or on behalf of the Corporation shall be in writing and shall be valid and effective if given by mail (postage prepaid) or by delivery to the address of the holder recorded in the securities register of the Corporation or, in the event of the address of any such holder not being so recorded, then at the last known address of such holder. Any such notice, request or other communication, if given by mail, shall be deemed to have been given and received on the third Business Day following the date of mailing and, if given by delivery, shall be deemed to have been given and received on the date of delivery. Accidental failure or omission to give any notice, request or other communication to one or more holders of Exchangeable Shares shall not invalidate or otherwise alter or affect any action or proceeding to be taken by the Corporation pursuant thereto.
 
14.4 If the Corporation determines that mail service is or is threatened to be interrupted at the time when the Corporation is required or elects to give any notice to the holders of Exchangeable Shares hereunder, the Corporation shall, notwithstanding the provisions hereof, give such notice by means of publication in The Globe and Mail, national edition, or any other English language daily newspaper or newspapers of general circulation in Canada and in a French language daily newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Quebec, once in each of two successive weeks, and notice so published shall be deemed to have been given on the latest date on which the first publication has taken place. If, by reason of any actual or threatened interruption of mail service due to strike, lock-out or otherwise, any notice to be given to the Corporation would be unlikely to reach its destination in a timely manner, such notice shall be valid and effective only if delivered personally to the Corporation in accordance with section 14.1 or 14.2, as the case may be.
 
 
 

 

SCHEDULE "A"
EXCHANGE NOTICE

To: MDC Partners Inc. (the "Corporation")
 
This notice is given pursuant to Article 6 of the provisions (the "Share Provisions") attaching to the Exchangeable Shares of the Corporation represented by this certificate and all capitalized words and expressions used in this notice that are defined in the Share Provisions have the meanings ascribed to such words and expressions in such Share Provisions.
 
The undersigned hereby notifies the Corporation that the undersigned desires to exchange, in accordance with Article 6 of the Share Provisions:

[ ] all share(s) represented by this certificate; or
 
[ ] ____________________________share(s) only.
(Insert Number of Exchanged Shares)
 
The undersigned hereby notifies the Corporation that the Exchange Date shall be ____________________, 20__.
 
NOTE: The Exchange Date must be a Business Day and must not be less than 10 Business Days nor more than 15 Business Days after the date upon which this notice is received by the Corporation. If no such Business Day is specified above, the Exchange Date shall be deemed to be the 15th Business Day after the date on which this notice is received by the Corporation.
 
This exchange notice may be revoked and withdrawn by the undersigned only by notice in writing given to the Corporation at any time before the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Exchange Date.
 
The undersigned hereby represents and warrants to the Corporation that the undersigned:

[ ] is
(select one)
[ ] is not
 
a non-resident of Canada for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada). The undersigned acknowledges that in the absence of an indication that the undersigned is not a non-resident of Canada, withholding on account of Canadian tax may be made from amounts payable to the undersigned on the exchange of the Exchanged Shares. The undersigned also agrees to complete IRS Form W-8BEN in respect of the exchange in the form provided by the Corporation prior to the Exchange Date
 
The undersigned hereby represents and warrants to the Corporation that the undersigned has good title to, and owns, the share(s) represented by this certificate to be acquired by the Corporation, free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances.
 

(Date) (Signature of Shareholder) (Guarantee of Shareholder)
 
[ ] Please check box if the securities and any cheque(s) resulting from the exchange of the Exchanged Shares are to be held for pick-up by the shareholder from the Transfer Agent, failing which the securities and any cheque(s) will be mailed to the last address of the shareholder as it appears on the share register.
 
NOTE: This panel must be completed and this certificate, together with such additional documents as the Transfer Agent may require, must be deposited with the Transfer Agent. The securities and any cheque(s) resulting from the exchange of the Exchanged Shares will be issued and registered in, and made payable to, respectively, the name of the shareholder as it appears on the register of the Corporation and the securities and any cheque(s) resulting from such exchange will be delivered to such shareholder as indicated above, unless the form appearing immediately below is duly completed.

Date: _______________________
 
 
 

 
 
Name of Person in Whose Name Securities or Cheque(s) Are to be Registered, Issued or Delivered (please print): _________________________
 
Street Address or P.O. Box: __________________________________________________

Signature of Shareholder: ____________________________________________________
 
City, Province and Postal Code: ______________________________________________
 
Signature Guaranteed by: _____________________________________________________
 
NOTE: If this exchange notice is for less than all of the shares represented by this certificate, a certificate representing the remaining Exchangeable Share(s) of the Corporation represented by this certificate will be issued and registered in the name of the shareholder as it appears on the shareholders register of the Corporation, unless the Share Transfer Power on the share certificate is duly completed in respect of such share(s).
 
 
 

 
 
Schedule II
   
7 – Other provisions, if any
Autres dispositions, s’il ya lieu

1. The directors may from time to time, in such amounts and on such terms as they deem expedient:
 
(a) borrow money on the credit of the Corporation;
 
(b) issue, sell or pledge debt obligations (including bonds, debentures, notes or other similar obligations, secured or unsecured) of the Corporation;
 
(c) charge, mortgage, hypothecate or pledge all or any of the currently owned or subsequently acquired real or personal, movable or immovable, property of the Corporation, including book debts, rights, powers, franchises and undertaking, to secure any debt obligations or money borrowed, or other debt or liability of the Corporation.
 
The directors may from time to time delegate to such one or more of the directors and officers of the Corporation as may be designated by the directors all or any of the powers conferred on the directors above to such extent and in such manner as the directors shall determine with respect to each such delegation.
 
2. The actual number of directors within the minimum and maximum number set out in paragraph 5 may be determined from time to time by resolution of the directors. Any vacancy among the directors as so determined may be filled by resolution of the directors.
 
3. Shareholder meetings may be held at any place within Canada or the United States with a population of not less than 500,000.
 
4. The directors may appoint one or more directors, who shall hold office for a term expiring not later than the close of the next annual meeting of the shareholders, but the total number of directors so appointed may not exceed one third of the number of directors elected at the previous annual meeting of Shareholders.
 
5. Except in the case of any class or series of shares of the Corporation listed on a stock exchange the Corporation shall have a lien on the shares registered in the name of a shareholder or the shareholder s personal representative for a debt of that shareholder to the Corporation, including any amount unpaid on the date on which the Corporation was continued under the Canada Business Corporations Act, in respect of a share issued by the Corporation.
 
 
 

 
Exhibit 10.1.1

FIFTH AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
 
THIS FIFTH AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT (this " Amendment "), with an effective date as of March 25, 2011, is entered into by and among the Lenders party hereto, WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC, formerly known as Wells Fargo Foothill, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as the agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, " Agent "), MDC PARTNERS INC., a Canadian corporation (" Parent "), MAXXCOM INC . , a Delaware corporation (" Borrower "), and each of the Subsidiaries of Parent identified on the signature pages hereof (together with Parent and Borrower, the " Loan Parties ").
 
WHEREAS, Parent, Borrower, the other Loan Parties, Agent, and Lenders are parties to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of October 23, 2009 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the " Credit Agreement ");
 
WHEREAS, Borrower, Agent and the Lenders have agreed to amend and modify the Credit Agreement as provided herein, in each case subject to the terms and provisions hereof.
 
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
 
1.            Defined Terms .  Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Credit Agreement.
 
2.            Amendment to Credit Agreement .  Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 4 below and in reliance upon the representations and warranties of the Loan Parties set forth in Section 5 below, Subsection (a) of Section 7 the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety, as follows:
 
(a)           Minimum EBITDA .  Achieve EBITDA, measured on a quarter-end basis, of at least the required amount set forth in the following table for the applicable period set forth opposite thereto:
 
Applicable Amount
 
Applicable Period
$ 85,000,000  
For the 12 month period ending
March 31, 2011 and for the 12 month period
ending on the last day of each calendar quarter thereafter

; provided , that, concurrently with the closing of each Permitted Acquisition consummated after March 31, 2011, the EBITDA level set forth above shall be increased by an amount equal to 100% of Pro Forma EBITDA attributable to any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of Parent acquired in such Permitted Acquisition for the 12 months preceding the date of consummation of such Permitted Acquisition; provided further , that, in no event shall the EBITDA level for the purposes set forth in this subsection be increased to an amount in excess of $115,000,000.
 
 
 

 
 
3.            Ratification; Other Acknowledgments .  This Amendment, subject to satisfaction of the conditions provided below, shall constitute an amendment to the Credit Agreement and all of the Loan Documents as appropriate to express the agreements contained herein.  The Credit Agreement and the Loan Documents shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect in accordance with their original terms.
 
4.            Conditions to Effectiveness .  This Amendment shall become effective as of the date hereof and upon the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:
 
(a)          Agent shall have received a fully executed copy of this Amendment; and
 
(b)          No Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date hereof or as of the date of the effectiveness of this Amendment.
 
5.            Representations and Warranties .  In order to induce Agent and Lenders to enter into this Amendment, each Loan Party hereby represents and warrants to Agent and Lenders, after giving effect to this Amendment:
 
(a)          All representations and warranties contained in the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents are true and correct on and as of the date of this Amendment, in each case as if then made, other than representations and warranties that expressly relate solely to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties were true and correct on and as of such earlier date);
 
(b)          No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; and
 
(c)          the execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment has been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action on the part of such Loan Party.
 
6.            Miscellaneous .
 
(a)           Expenses .  Borrower agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses of Agent (including the reasonable fees and expenses of outside counsel for Agent) in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Amendment and all other instruments or documents provided for herein or delivered or to be delivered hereunder or in connection herewith.  All obligations provided herein shall survive any termination of this Amendment and the Credit Agreement as amended hereby.
 
(b)          Governing Law .  This Amendment shall be a contract made under and governed by the internal laws of the State of New York.
 
(c)           Counterparts .  This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, and by the parties hereto on the same or separate counterparts, and each such counterpart, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same Amendment.
 
 
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7.            Release .
 
(a)          In consideration of the agreements of Agent and Lenders contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, each Loan Party, on behalf of itself and its successors, assigns, and other legal representatives, hereby absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably releases, remises and forever discharges Agent and Lenders, and their successors and assigns, and their present and former shareholders, affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, predecessors, directors, officers, attorneys, employees, agents and other representatives (Agent, each Lender and all such other Persons being hereinafter referred to collectively as the " Releasees " and individually as a " Releasee "), of and from all demands, actions, causes of action, suits, covenants, contracts, controversies, agreements, promises, sums of money, accounts, bills, reckonings, damages and any and all other claims, counterclaims, defenses, rights of set-off, demands and liabilities whatsoever (individually, a " Claim " and collectively, " Claims ") of every name and nature, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, both at law and in equity, which such Loan Party or any of its respective successors, assigns, or other legal representatives may now or hereafter own, hold, have or claim to have against the Releasees or any of them for, upon, or by reason of any circumstance, action, cause or thing whatsoever which arises at any time on or prior to the day and date of this Amendment, including, without limitation, for or on account of, or in relation to, or in any way in connection with any of the Credit Agreement, or any of the other Loan Documents or transactions thereunder or related thereto.
 
(b)          Each Loan Party understands, acknowledges and agrees that the release set forth above may be pleaded as a full and complete defense and may be used as a basis for an injunction against any action, suit or other proceeding which may be instituted, prosecuted or attempted in breach of the provisions of such release.
 
(c)          Each Loan Party agrees that no fact, event, circumstance, evidence or transaction which could now be asserted or which may hereafter be discovered shall affect in any manner the final, absolute and unconditional nature of the release set forth above.
 
[Signature Page Follows]
 
 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized and delivered as of the date first above written.
 
MDC PARTNERS INC., a federal company
organized under the laws of Canada
 
By:
/s/ Mitchell Gendel
Name: 
Mitchell Gendel
Title:
Authorized Signatory
   
By:
/s/ Michael Sabatino
Name:
Michael Sabatino
Title:
Authorized Signatory

MAXXCOM INC.,
a Delaware corporation
 
By:
/s/ Mitchell Gendel
Name: 
Mitchell Gendel
Title:
Authorized Signatory
   
By:
/s/ Michael Sabatino
Name:
Michael Sabatino
Title:
Authorized Signatory
 
Signature Page to Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement
 
 
 

 
 
72ANDSUNNY PARTNERS, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
ACCENT MARKETING SERVICES, L.L.C.,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
ADRENALINA LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
ALLISON & PARTNERS LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
ATTENTION PARTNERS LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
ANOMALY PARTNERS LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
BRUCE MAU DESIGN (USA) LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
COLLE & MCVOY LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
COLLE & MCVOY, INC.,
a Minnesota corporation
 
COMMUNIFX PARTNERS LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
COMPANY C COMMUNICATIONS, INC.,
a Delaware corporation
 
COMPANY C COMMUNICATIONS LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
CRISPIN PORTER & BOGUSKY LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
DOTGLU LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
EXPECTING PRODUCTIONS, LLC,
a California limited liability company
By: Hudson and Sunset Media, LLC, its sole member
 
GUARDIANT WARRANTY, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
Signature Page to Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement
 
 
 

 
 
HELLO ACQUISITION INC.,
a Delaware corporation
 
HELLO DESIGN, LLC,
a California limited liability company
 
HL GROUP PARTNERS LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
HUDSON AND SUNSET MEDIA, LLC (formerly known as Shout Media LLC),
a California limited liability company
 
HW ACQUISITION LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
INTEGRATED MEDIA SOLUTIONS PARTNERS LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
 
KBP HOLDINGS LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
KBS+P ATLANTA LLC (formerly known as FLETCHER MARTIN LLC),
a Delaware limited liability company
 
KIRSHENBAUM BOND SENECAL & PARTNERS LLC (formerly known as Kirshenbaum Bond & Partners LLC), a Delaware limited liability company
 
KIRSHENBAUM BOND & PARTNERS WEST LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
 
KWITTKEN PR LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
MARGEOTES FERTITTA POWELL LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
MAXXCOM (USA) FINANCE COMPANY,
a Delaware corporation
 
MAXXCOM (USA) HOLDINGS INC.,
a Delaware corporation
 
MDC ACQUISITION INC.,
a Delaware Corporation
 
Signature Page to Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement
 
 
 

 
 
MDC CORPORATE (US) INC.,
a Delaware corporation
 
MDC INNOVATION PARTNERS LLC
(d/b/a Spies & Assassins),
a Delaware limited liability company
 
MDC TRAVEL, INC.,
a Delaware corporation
 
MDC/CPB HOLDINGS INC.
(formerly known as CPB Acquisition Inc.),
a Delaware corporation
 
MDC/KBP ACQUISITION INC.,
a Delaware corporation
 
MF+P ACQUISITION CO.,
a Delaware corporation
 
MONO ADVERTISING, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
NEW TEAM LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
NORTHSTAR RESEARCH GP LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
NORTHSTAR RESEARCH HOLDINGS USA LP,
a Delaware limited partnership
 
NORTHSTAR RESEARCH PARTNERS (USA) LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
 
OUTERACTIVE, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
PULSE MARKETING, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
REDSCOUT LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
RELEVENT PARTNERS LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
SKINNY NYC LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
Signature Page to Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement
 
 
 

 
 
SLOANE & COMPANY LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
SOURCE MARKETING LLC,
a New York limited liability company
 
TARGETCOM LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
TC ACQUISITION INC.,
a Delaware corporation
 
THE ARSENAL LLC
(formerly known as Team Holdings LLC),
a Delaware limited liability company
 
TRACK 21 LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
TRAFFIC GENERATORS, LLC,
a Georgia limited liability company
 
VARICK MEDIA MANAGEMENT LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
VITROROBERTSON LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
YAMAMOTO MOSS MACKENZIE, INC.,
a Delaware corporation
 
ZG ACQUISITION INC.,
a Delaware corporation
 
ZIG (USA) LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
ZYMAN GROUP, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
By:
/s/ Mitchell Gendel
Name: 
Mitchell Gendel
Title:
Authorized Signatory
   
By:
/s/ Michael Sabatino
Name:
Michael Sabatino
Title:
Authorized Signatory
Signature Page to Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement
 
 
 

 

ASHTON POTTER CANADA INC.,
an Ontario corporation
 
HENDERSON BAS, an Ontario general partnership, by the members of its management committee
 
COMPUTER COMPOSITION OF CANADA INC.,
an Ontario corporation
 
BRUCE MAU DESIGN INC.,
an Ontario corporation
 
BRUCE MAU HOLDINGS LTD.,
an Ontario corporation
 
KBS+P CANADA INC. (formerly known as Allard Johnson Communications Inc.),
an Ontario corporation
 
TREE CITY INC.,
an Ontario corporation
 
VERITAS COMMUNICATIONS INC.,
an Ontario corporation
 
656712 ONTARIO LIMITED,
an Ontario corporation
 
NORTHSTAR RESEARCH HOLDINGS CANADA INC., an Ontario corporation
 
NORTHSTAR RESEARCH PARTNERS INC.,
an Ontario corporation
 
X CONNECTIONS INC., an Ontario corporation
 
STUDIO PICA INC., a federal company organized under the laws of Canada
 
CRISPIN PORTER + BOGUSKY CANADA INC. (formerly known as Zig Inc.), an Ontario corporation
 
6 DEGREES INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS INC. (formerly known as Accumark Communications Inc.), an Ontario corporation
 
Signature Page to Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement
 
 
 

 

MAXXCOM (NOVA SCOTIA) CORP.,
a Nova Scotia corporation
 
BRYAN MILLS IRADESSO CORP.,
an Ontario corporation
 
KENNA COMMUNICATIONS LP,
an Ontario limited partnership
By: Kenna Communications GP Inc.
   Its general partner
 
CAPITAL C PARTNERS LP,
an Ontario limited partnership
By: Capital C Partners GP Inc.
   Its general partner
 
KENNA COMMUNICATIONS GP INC.,
an Ontario corporation
 
CAPITAL C PARTNERS GP INC.,
an Ontario corporation
 
By:
/s/ Mitchell Gendel
Name: 
Mitchell Gendel
Title:
Authorized Signatory
   
By:
/s/ Michael Sabatino
Name:
Michael Sabatino
Title:
Authorized Signatory
 
Signature Page to Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement
 
 
 

 

CRISPIN PORTER & BOGUSKY EUROPE AB
 
By:
/s/ Mitchell Gendel
Name: 
Mitchell Gendel
Title:
Authorized Signatory
   
By:
/s/ Michael Sabatino
Name:
Michael Sabatino
Title:
Authorized Signatory
 
Signature Page to Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement
 
 
 

 

WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC, formerly known as Wells Fargo Foothill, LLC, as Agent and as a Lender
 
By:
/s/ Paul G. Chao
Name: 
Paul G. Chao
Title:
SVP

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as a Lender
 
By:
/s/ Michelle Cipriani
Name: 
Michelle Cipriani
Title:
Vice President

BANK OF MONTREAL, as a Lender
 
By:
/s/ Naghmeh Hashemifard
Name: 
Naghmeh Hashemifard
Title:
Director

Signature Page to Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement

 
 

 
Exhibit 10.1.2
 
SIXTH AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
 
THIS SIXTH AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT (this " Amendment ") is entered into as of April 29, 2011, by and among the Lenders party hereto, WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC, formerly known as Wells Fargo Foothill, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as the agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, " Agent "), MDC PARTNERS INC., a Canadian corporation (" Parent "), MAXXCOM INC . , a Delaware corporation (" Borrower "), and each of the Subsidiaries of Parent identified on the signature pages hereof (together with Parent and Borrower, the " Loan Parties ").
 
WHEREAS, Parent, Borrower, the other Loan Parties, Agent, and Lenders are parties to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of October 23, 2009 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the " Credit Agreement ");
 
WHEREAS, Borrower, Agent and the Lenders have agreed to amend and modify the Credit Agreement as provided herein, in each case subject to the terms and provisions hereof.
 
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
 
1.            Defined Terms .  Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Credit Agreement.
 
2.            Amendment to Credit Agreement .  Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 4 below and in reliance upon the representations and warranties of the Loan Parties set forth in Section 5 below, the Credit Agreement is hereby amended as follows:
 
(a)         The first sentence of Section 2.2 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
 
Borrower may, at any time prior to the Maturity Date, by written notice to Agent (whereupon Agent shall promptly deliver a copy to each of the Lenders), request increases (in minimum increments of $5,000,000) to the amount of the Maximum Revolver Amount to increase the Maximum Revolver Amount to an amount not to exceed $150,000,000 at any time (any such increase, a " Revolver Increase "); provided , that any such Revolver Increase shall only be made if (i) after giving effect to such Revolver Increase, the Pro Rata Share of Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC is greater than or equal to 50%, (ii) such Revolver Increase would not be prohibited by the terms of the Senior Unsecured Debt Documents, (iii) at the time that such Revolver Increase is to be made (and after giving effect thereto) no Default or Event of Default shall exist and (iv) Agent shall have received commitments (satisfactory to Agent) from Lenders (or their Affiliates) or other Persons acceptable to Agent to provide Revolver Commitments which, in the aggregate, equal the amount of the requested Revolver Increase.
 
 
 

 
 
(b)         Clause (iii) of Section 2.12(b) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the reference to "5" contained therein and inserting "7" in lieu thereof.
 
(c)         The first sentence of Section 3.3 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
 
This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect for a term ending on October 23, 2015 (the " Maturity Date ").
 
(d)         Subsection (a) of Section 7 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the reference to "$115,000,000" contained therein and inserting "$150,000,000" in lieu thereof.
 
(e)         Subsection (e) of Section 7 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
 
(e)          Total Leverage Ratio .  Have a Total Leverage Ratio, measured on a quarter-end basis, of not greater than the applicable ratio set forth in the following table for the applicable date set forth opposite thereto:
 
Applicable Ratio
Applicable Date
3.50:1.0
For the 12 month period ending
December 31, 2010
4.00:1.0
For the 12 month period ending
March 31, 2011
4.00:1.0
For the 12 month period ending
June 30, 2011
3.75:1.0
For the 12 month period ending
September 30, 2011 and for the 12 month period
ending on the last day of each calendar quarter thereafter
 
(f)          Subsection (f) of Section 7 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
 
(f)           Minimum Accounts .  At all times, the aggregate amount of Loan Parties' Accounts shall be an amount equal to or in excess of the lesser of (i) 110% of the Maximum Revolver Amount and (ii) 125% of Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Senior Unsecured Trust Indenture or, after the consummation of any Permitted Senior Unsecured Debt Refinancing, the Permitted Refinancing Senior Unsecured Trust Indenture) for the most recently ended four fiscal quarter period of Parent for which financial statements is available to Parent.
 
 
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(g)         The definition of "Applicable Excess Availability Amount" set forth in Schedule 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
 
" Applicable Excess Availability Amount " means $20,000,000.
 
(h)         The definition of "Base LIBOR Rate" set forth in Schedule 1.1   of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the reference to "1.50 percent per annum" contained therein and inserting "0.50 percent per annum" in lieu thereof.
 
(i)          The definition of "Maximum Revolver Amount" set forth in Schedule 1.1   of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the reference to "$75,000,000" contained therein and inserting "$100,000,000" in lieu thereof.
 
(j)          A new Section 10.4 is hereby added to the Credit Agreement as follows:
 
10.4.          Waiver of Damages .
 
Without limiting any other indemnification provision contained in this Section 10, to the extent permitted by applicable law, Borrower hereby agrees that no Loan Party shall assert, and Borrower hereby waives, and shall cause each other Loan Party to waive, any claim against each Indemnified Person on any theory of liability, for special, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to actual damages) (whether or not the claim therefore is based on contract, tort or duty imposed by any applicable legal requirement) arising out of, in connection with, as a result of, or in any way related to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby or referred to herein or therein, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Advances or the use of the proceeds thereof or any act or omission or event occurring in connection therewith, and each Loan Party hereby waives, releases and agrees not to sue upon any such claim or any such damages, whether or not accrued and whether or not known or suspected to exist in its favor.
 
(k)           Schedule C-1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby replaced with Schedule C-1 attached hereto.
 
3.            Ratification; Other Acknowledgments .  This Amendment, subject to satisfaction of the conditions provided below, shall constitute an amendment to the Credit Agreement and all of the Loan Documents as appropriate to express the agreements contained herein.  The Credit Agreement and the Loan Documents shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect in accordance with their original terms.
 
4.            Conditions to Effectiveness .  This Amendment shall become effective as of the date hereof and upon the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:
 
(a)         Agent shall have received a fully executed copy of this Amendment;
 
(b)          Agent shall have received that certain First Amendment to Fee Letter, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, duly authorized, executed and delivered by the parties thereto;
 
 
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(c)          Agent shall have received that certain Assignment and Acceptance Agreement entered into between Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as assignor, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as assignee, with respect to an assignment of the Revolver Commitment in an amount equal to $10,000,000, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, duly authorized, executed and delivered by the parties thereto;
 
(d)          Agent shall have received that certain Assignment and Acceptance Agreement entered into between Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as assignor, and Bank of Montreal, as assignee, with respect to an assignment of the Revolver Commitment in an amount equal to $15,000,000, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, duly authorized, executed and delivered by the parties thereto;
 
(e)          Agent shall have received that certain Assignment and Acceptance Agreement entered into between Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as assignor, and Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC, as assignee, with respect to an assignment of the Revolver Commitment in an amount equal to $15,000,000, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, duly authorized, executed and delivered by the parties thereto; and
 
(f)          No Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date hereof or as of the date of the effectiveness of this Amendment.
 
5.            Representations and Warranties .  In order to induce Agent and Lenders to enter into this Amendment, each Loan Party hereby represents and warrants to Agent and Lenders, after giving effect to this Amendment:
 
(a)         All representations and warranties contained in the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents are true and correct on and as of the date of this Amendment, in each case as if then made, other than representations and warranties that expressly relate solely to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties were true and correct on and as of such earlier date);
 
(b)         No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; and
 
(c)         the execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment has been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action on the part of such Loan Party.
 
6.            Miscellaneous .
 
(a)          Expenses .  Borrower agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses of Agent (including the reasonable fees and expenses of outside counsel for Agent) in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Amendment and all other instruments or documents provided for herein or delivered or to be delivered hereunder or in connection herewith.  All obligations provided herein shall survive any termination of this Amendment and the Credit Agreement as amended hereby.
 
(b)          Governing Law .  This Amendment shall be a contract made under and governed by the internal laws of the State of New York.
 
 
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(c)          Counterparts .  This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, and by the parties hereto on the same or separate counterparts, and each such counterpart, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same Amendment.
 
7.            Release .
 
(a)         In consideration of the agreements of Agent and Lenders contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, each Loan Party, on behalf of itself and its successors, assigns, and other legal representatives, hereby absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably releases, remises and forever discharges Agent and Lenders, and their successors and assigns, and their present and former shareholders, affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, predecessors, directors, officers, attorneys, employees, agents and other representatives (Agent, each Lender and all such other Persons being hereinafter referred to collectively as the " Releasees " and individually as a " Releasee "), of and from all demands, actions, causes of action, suits, covenants, contracts, controversies, agreements, promises, sums of money, accounts, bills, reckonings, damages and any and all other claims, counterclaims, defenses, rights of set-off, demands and liabilities whatsoever (individually, a " Claim " and collectively, " Claims ") of every name and nature, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, both at law and in equity, which such Loan Party or any of its respective successors, assigns, or other legal representatives may now or hereafter own, hold, have or claim to have against the Releasees or any of them for, upon, or by reason of any circumstance, action, cause or thing whatsoever which arises at any time on or prior to the day and date of this Amendment, including, without limitation, for or on account of, or in relation to, or in any way in connection with any of the Credit Agreement, or any of the other Loan Documents or transactions thereunder or related thereto.
 
(b)         Each Loan Party understands, acknowledges and agrees that the release set forth above may be pleaded as a full and complete defense and may be used as a basis for an injunction against any action, suit or other proceeding which may be instituted, prosecuted or attempted in breach of the provisions of such release.
 
(c)         Each Loan Party agrees that no fact, event, circumstance, evidence or transaction which could now be asserted or which may hereafter be discovered shall affect in any manner the final, absolute and unconditional nature of the release set forth above.
 
[Signature Page Follows]
 
 
-5-

 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized and delivered as of the date first above written.
 
 
MDC PARTNERS INC., a federal company
organized under the laws of Canada
     
     
 
By:
/s/ Mitchell Gendel
 
Name:
Mitchell Gendel
 
Title:
Authorized Signatory
     
     
 
By:
/s/ Michael Sabatino
 
Name:
Michael Sabatino
 
Title:
Authorized Signatory

 
 
MAXXCOM INC.,
a Delaware corporation
   
     
 
By:
/s/ Mitchell Gendel
 
Name:
Mitchell Gendel
 
Title:
Authorized Signatory
     
     
 
By:
/s/ Michael Sabatino
 
Name:
Michael Sabatino
 
Title:
Authorized Signatory
   
 
 
 
Signature Pages to Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement
 
 

 
 
 
72ANDSUNNY PARTNERS, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
ACCENT MARKETING SERVICES, L.L.C.,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
ADRENALINA LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
ALLISON & PARTNERS LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
ATTENTION PARTNERS LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
ANOMALY PARTNERS LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
BRUCE MAU DESIGN (USA) LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
COLLE & MCVOY LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
COLLE & MCVOY, INC.,
a Minnesota corporation
   
 
COMMUNIFX PARTNERS LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
COMPANY C COMMUNICATIONS, INC.,
a Delaware corporation
   
 
COMPANY C COMMUNICATIONS LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
CRISPIN PORTER & BOGUSKY LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
DOTGLU LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
EXPECTING PRODUCTIONS, LLC,
a California limited liability company
By: Hudson and Sunset Media, LLC, its sole member
   
 
GUARDIANT WARRANTY, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
 
 
Signature Pages to Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement
 
 

 
 
 
   
 
HELLO ACQUISITION INC.,
a Delaware corporation
   
 
HELLO DESIGN, LLC,
a California limited liability company
   
 
HL GROUP PARTNERS LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
HUDSON AND SUNSET MEDIA, LLC (formerly known as Shout Media LLC),
a California limited liability company
   
 
HW ACQUISITION LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
INTEGRATED MEDIA SOLUTIONS PARTNERS LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
KBP HOLDINGS LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
KBS+P ATLANTA LLC (formerly known as FLETCHER MARTIN LLC),
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
KIRSHENBAUM BOND SENECAL & PARTNERS LLC (formerly known as Kirshenbaum Bond & Partners LLC), a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
KIRSHENBAUM BOND & PARTNERS WEST LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
KWITTKEN PR LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
MARGEOTES FERTITTA POWELL LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
MAXXCOM (USA) FINANCE COMPANY,
a Delaware corporation
   
 
MAXXCOM (USA) HOLDINGS INC.,
a Delaware corporation
   
 
MDC ACQUISITION INC.,
a Delaware Corporation
   
 
 
 
Signature Pages to Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement
 
 

 
 
 
 
MDC CORPORATE (US) INC.,
a Delaware corporation
   
 
MDC INNOVATION PARTNERS LLC
(d/b/a Spies & Assassins),
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
MDC TRAVEL, INC.,
a Delaware corporation
   
 
MDC/CPB HOLDINGS INC.
(formerly known as CPB Acquisition Inc.),
a Delaware corporation
   
 
MDC/KBP ACQUISITION INC.,
a Delaware corporation
   
 
MF+P ACQUISITION CO.,
a Delaware corporation
   
 
MONO ADVERTISING, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
NEW TEAM LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
NORTHSTAR RESEARCH GP LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
NORTHSTAR RESEARCH HOLDINGS USA LP,
a Delaware limited partnership
   
 
NORTHSTAR RESEARCH PARTNERS (USA) LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
OUTERACTIVE, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
PULSE MARKETING, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
REDSCOUT LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
RELEVENT PARTNERS LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
SKINNY NYC LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
 
 
Signature Pages to Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement
 
 

 
 
 
   
 
SLOANE & COMPANY LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
SOURCE MARKETING LLC,
a New York limited liability company
   
 
TARGETCOM LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
TC ACQUISITION INC.,
a Delaware corporation
   
 
THE ARSENAL LLC
(formerly known as Team Holdings LLC),
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
TRACK 21 LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
TRAFFIC GENERATORS, LLC,
a Georgia limited liability company
   
 
VARICK MEDIA MANAGEMENT LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
VITROROBERTSON LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
YAMAMOTO MOSS MACKENZIE, INC.,
a Delaware corporation
   
 
ZG ACQUISITION INC.,
a Delaware corporation
   
 
ZIG (USA) LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
   
 
ZYMAN GROUP, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
 
By:
/s/ Mitchell Gendel
 
Name:
Mitchell Gendel
 
Title:
Authorized Signatory
     
     
 
By:
/s/ Michael Sabatino
 
Name:
Michael Sabatino
 
Title:
Authorized Signatory
   
 
 
Signature Pages to Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement
 
 

 
 
 
ASHTON POTTER CANADA INC.,
an Ontario corporation
   
 
HENDERSON BAS, an Ontario general partnership, by the members of its management committee
   
 
COMPUTER COMPOSITION OF CANADA INC.,
an Ontario corporation
   
 
BRUCE MAU DESIGN INC.,
an Ontario corporation
   
 
BRUCE MAU HOLDINGS LTD.,
an Ontario corporation
   
 
KBS+P CANADA INC. (formerly known as Allard Johnson Communications Inc.),
an Ontario corporation
   
 
TREE CITY INC.,
an Ontario corporation
   
 
VERITAS COMMUNICATIONS INC.,
an Ontario corporation
   
 
656712 ONTARIO LIMITED,
an Ontario corporation
   
 
NORTHSTAR RESEARCH HOLDINGS CANADA INC., an Ontario corporation
   
 
NORTHSTAR RESEARCH PARTNERS INC.,
an Ontario corporation
   
 
X CONNECTIONS INC., an Ontario corporation
   
 
STUDIO PICA INC., a federal company organized under the laws of Canada
   
 
CRISPIN PORTER + BOGUSKY CANADA INC. (formerly known as Zig Inc.), an Ontario corporation
   
 
6 DEGREES INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS INC. (formerly known as Accumark Communications Inc.), an Ontario corporation
   
 
 
Signature Pages to Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement
 
 

 
 
 
 
MAXXCOM (NOVA SCOTIA) CORP.,
a Nova Scotia corporation
   
 
BRYAN MILLS IRADESSO CORP.,
an Ontario corporation
   
 
KENNA COMMUNICATIONS LP,
 
an Ontario limited partnership
By: Kenna Communications GP Inc.
       Its general partner
   
 
CAPITAL C PARTNERS LP,
an Ontario limited partnership
By: Capital C Partners GP Inc.
       Its general partner
   
 
KENNA COMMUNICATIONS GP INC.,
an Ontario corporation
   
 
CAPITAL C PARTNERS GP INC.,
an Ontario corporation
 
 
By:
/s/ Mitchell Gendel
 
Name:
Mitchell Gendel
 
Title:
Authorized Signatory
     
     
 
By:
/s/ Michael Sabatino
 
Name:
Michael Sabatino
 
Title:
Authorized Signatory
   
 
 
 
 
Signature Pages to Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement
 
 

 


 
CRISPIN PORTER & BOGUSKY EUROPE AB
     
     
 
By:
/s/ Mitchell Gendel
 
Name:
Mitchell Gendel
 
Title:
Authorized Signatory
     
     
 
By:
/s/ Michael Sabatino
 
Name:
Michael Sabatino
 
Title:
Authorized Signatory
   
 
 
 
Signature Pages to Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement
 
 

 
 
 
WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC, formerly known as Wells Fargo Foothill, LLC, as Agent and as a Lender
     
     
 
By:
/s/ Paul G. Chao
 
Name:
Paul G. Chao
 
Title:
SVP

 
 
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as a Lender
     
     
 
By:
/s/ Helene P. Sprung
 
Name:
Helene P. Sprung
 
Title:
Senior Vice President

 
 
BANK OF MONTREAL, as a Lender
     
     
 
By:
/s/ Naghmeh Hashemifard
 
Name:
Naghmeh Hashemifard
 
Title:
Director
 
 
 
 
Signature Pages to Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement
 
 
 

 

 
SCHEDULE C-1
TO
FOURTH AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
 

See Attached
 
 
 
 

 
 
Schedule C-1
 

 
Commitments
 

Lender
Revolver Commitment
Total Commitment
Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, formerly known as Wells Fargo Foothill, LLC
$75,000,000
$75,000,000
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
$35,000,000
$35,000,000
Bank of Montreal
$25,000,000
$25,000,000
Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC
$15,000,000
$15,000,000
     
All Lenders
$150,000,000
$150,000,000


 

 
 
 

 
 
Exhibit 10.2
AMENDMENT TO
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

AMENDMENT NO. 1 dated as of March 7, 2011 (“ Amendment ”), to the AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT made as of July 19, 2007 (the “ Employment Agreement ”), by and between MDC PARTNERS INC ., a Canadian corporation (the “ Company ”), and DAVID DOFT (the “ Executive ”).
 
WHEREAS , the parties hereto desire to amend the Employment Agreement to provide for the amended terms and conditions set forth herein;
 
NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth in this Amendment, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties do hereby agree as follows:
 
1.           Capitalized terms used in this Amendment and not otherwise defined shall have the meaning given to such terms in the Employment Agreement.
 
2.           Section 4(a) of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended such that Executive’s “Base Salary” shall be increased to $375,000 (effective April 1, 2011).
 
3.           Section 7(c)(i) of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following clause to the end of the first sentence therein: “, provided that such multiple shall be increased to 2.0, effective as of the Executive’s seven-year anniversary date of employment with the Company (July 19, 2014).”
 
4.           As used herein and in the Employment Agreement, the term “ Agreement ” shall mean the Employment Agreement, as from time to time amended (including, without limitation, this Amendment).  Except as set forth above, the Employment Agreement, as amended herein, shall remain in full force and effect without further modification.  This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, and each such counterpart shall be deemed an original instrument, but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute but one agreement.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have executed this Amendment No. 1 to the Employment Agreement, on the day and year first above written.
 
MDC PARTNERS INC.
   
By:
/s/ Barbara Creagh
 
Name:  Barbara Creagh
 
Title:    Executive Vice President
 
/s/ David Doft
David Doft

 
 

 
Exhibit 10.3
AMENDMENT TO
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

AMENDMENT NO. 1 dated as of March 7, 2011 (“ Amendment ”), to the AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT made as of July 6, 2007 (the “ Employment Agreement ”), by and between MDC PARTNERS INC ., a Canadian corporation (the “ Company ”), and MITCHELL GENDEL (the “ Executive ”).
 
WHEREAS , the parties hereto desire to amend the Employment Agreement to provide for the amended terms and conditions set forth herein;
 
NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth in this Amendment, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties do hereby agree as follows:
 
1.           Capitalized terms used in this Amendment and not otherwise defined shall have the meaning given to such terms in the Employment Agreement.
 
2.           Section 4(a) of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended such that Executive’s “Base Salary” shall be increased to $375,000 (effective April 1, 2011).  In addition, the following sentence shall be added to the end of Section 4(a):  “Effective January 31, 2008, the Company will provide the Executive with an annual perquisite allowance in an aggregate amount equal to $20,000 per annum (the “Perquisite Allowance”), to be paid in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices.  The Perquisite Allowance amount shall be increased to $25,000 per annum effective January 1, 2011.”
 
3.           Section 4(b) of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended by revising the reference to “75%” to “100%” in the first sentence of such section.
 
4.           Section 7(b)(i) of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended by revising the definition of “Total Remuneration”, adding the following clause at the end of the second sentence of Section 7(b)(i) as follows:  “, plus an amount equal to the Perquisite Allowance.”
 
5.           Section 7(c)(i) of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following clause to the end of the first sentence therein: “, provided that such multiple shall be increased to 2.0, effective as of the Executive’s seven-year anniversary date of employment with the Company (November 9, 2011).”
 
6.           As used herein and in the Employment Agreement, the term “ Agreement ” shall mean the Employment Agreement, as from time to time amended (including, without limitation, this Amendment).  Except as set forth above, the Employment Agreement, as amended herein, shall remain in full force and effect without further modification.  This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, and each such counterpart shall be deemed an original instrument, but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute but one agreement.
 
 
 

 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have executed this Amendment No. 1 to the Employment Agreement, on the day and year first above written.

MDC PARTNERS INC.
   
By:
/s/ Barbara Creagh
 
Name:  Barbara Creagh
 
Title:     Executive Vice President
   
/s/ Mitchell Gendel
Mitchell Gendel

 
2

 
 
Exhibit 10.4
AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

AMENDMENT NO. 1 dated as of March 7, 2011 (“ Amendment ”), to the AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT made as of July 6, 2007 (the “ Employment Agreement ”), by and between MDC PARTNERS INC ., a Canadian corporation (the “ Company ”), and MICHAEL SABATINO (the “ Executive ”).
 
WHEREAS , the parties hereto desire to amend the Employment Agreement to provide for the amended terms and conditions set forth herein;
 
NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth in this Amendment, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties do hereby agree as follows:
 
1.           Capitalized terms used in this Amendment and not otherwise defined shall have the meaning given to such terms in the Employment Agreement.
 
2.           Section 4(a) of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended such that Executive’s “Base Salary” shall be increased to $375,000 (effective April 1, 2011).  In addition, the following sentence shall be added to the end of Section 4(a):  “Effective January 31, 2008, the Company will provide the Executive with an annual perquisite allowance in an aggregate amount equal to $20,000 per annum (the “Perquisite Allowance”), to be paid in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices.  The Perquisite Allowance amount shall be increased to $25,000 per annum effective January 1, 2011.”
 
3.           Section 4(b) of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended by revising the reference to “75%” to “100%” in the first sentence of such section.
 
4.           Section 7(b)(i) of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended by adding the definition of “Total Remuneration” as follows:  “For purposes of this Agreement, “ Total Remuneration ” shall mean the sum of the Executive’s current Base Salary plus Perquisite Allowance, plus the highest annual discretionary bonus earned by the Executive in the three (3) years ending December 31 of the year immediately preceding the Date of Termination.”
 
5.           Section 7(c)(i) of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following clause to the end of the first sentence therein: “, provided that such multiple shall be increased to 2.0, effective as of the Executive’s seven-year anniversary date of employment with the Company (April 1, 2012).”
 
6.           As used herein and in the Employment Agreement, the term “ Agreement ” shall mean the Employment Agreement, as from time to time amended (including, without limitation, this Amendment).  Except as set forth above, the Employment Agreement, as amended herein, shall remain in full force and effect without further modification.  This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, and each such counterpart shall be deemed an original instrument, but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute but one agreement.
 
 
 

 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have executed this Amendment No. 1 to the Employment Agreement, on the day and year first above written.

MDC PARTNERS INC.
   
By:
/s/ Barbara Creagh
 
Name:  Barbara Creagh
 
Title:     Executive Vice President
   
/s/ Michael Sabatino
Michael Sabatino

 
2

 

Exhibit 12

Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(000’s)
   
(000’s)
 
Earnings:
               
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to MDC Partners Inc.
 
$
(8,685
 
$
(9,710
Additions:
               
Income tax expense
   
358
     
249
 
Noncontrolling interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries
   
1,605
     
1,023
 
Fixed charges, as shown below
   
11,696
     
8,288
 
Distributions received from equity-method investees
   
3,783
     
7
 
     
17,442
     
9,567
 
Subtractions:
               
Equity in income (loss) of investees
   
255
     
(104
Noncontrolling interest in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries that have not incurred fixed charges
   
     
 
     
255
     
(104
                 
Earnings as adjusted
 
$
8,502
   
$
(39
Fixed charges:
               
Interest on indebtedness, expensed or capitalized
   
8,927
     
6,377
 
Amortization of debt discount and expense and premium on indebtedness, expensed or capitalized
   
637
     
651
 
Interest within rent expense
   
2,132
     
1,260
 
Total fixed charges
 
$
11,696
   
$
8,288
 
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
   
N/A
     
N/A
 
Fixed charge deficiency
  $
3,194
    $
8,327
 

 
 

 

Exhibit 31.1

Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) as Adopted Pursuant to Section
302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Miles S. Nadal, certify that:
 
 
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 of MDC Partners Inc.;

 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 
a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 
b.
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

 
c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 
d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 
a.
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 
b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 2, 2011
/s/ MILES S. NADAL
 
By:
Miles S. Nadal
 
Title:
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President

 
 

 

Exhibit 31.2

Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) as Adopted Pursuant to Section
302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, David B. Doft, certify that:
 
 
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 of MDC Partners Inc.;

 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 
a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 
b.
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

 
c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 
d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 
a.
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 
b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 2, 2011
/s/ DAVID B. DOFT
 
By:
David B. Doft
 
Title:
Chief Financial Officer

 
 

 

Exhibit 32.1

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the quarterly report of MDC Partners Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Miles S. Nadal, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to my knowledge, that:
 
 
(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

 
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated as of May 2, 2011
 
/s/ MILES S. NADAL
By:
Miles S. Nadal
Title:
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President

 
 

 

Exhibit 32.2

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the quarterly report of MDC Partners Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, David B. Doft, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to my knowledge, that:
 
 
(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

 
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated as of May 2, 2011
 
/s/ DAVID B. DOFT
By:
David B. Doft
Title:
Chief Financial Officer

 
 

 
Exhibit 99.1

MDC PARTNERS INC.

SCHEDULE OF CURRENT AND POTENTIAL MARKETING
COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY OWNERSHIP
         
Year of
             
   
% Owned at
   
Initial
             
Company
 
3/31/11
   
Investment
   
Put/Call Options
 
               
2011
   
Thereafter
 
               
(See Notes)
 
Consolidated:
                       
Strategic Marketing Services
                       
                         
72andSunny Partners LLC
    51.0 %   2010          
Note 1
 
Allison & Partners LLC
    51.0 %   2010          
Note 2
 
Anomaly Partners LLC
    60.0 %   2011          
Note 3
 
Attention Partners LLC
    51.0 %   2009          
Note 4
 
Bruce Mau Design Inc.
    75.0 %   2004              
Capital C Partners LP
    80.0 %   2010          
Note 5
 
Colle & McVoy, LLC
    95.0 %   1999          
Note 6
 
Crispin Porter & Bogusky, LLC
    100.0 %   2001              
Company C Communications LLC
    100.0 %   2000          
Note 7
 
Hello Design, LLC
    49.0 %   2004              
henderson bas partnership
    65.0 %   2004       100.0 %      
HL Group Partners, LLC
    65.9 %   2007          
Note 8
 
kirshenbaum bond senecal & partners, LLC
    100.0 %   2004              
Kbs+p Atlanta (f.k.a. Fletcher Martin, LLC)
    100.0 %   1999              
Kwittken PR LLC
    60.0 %   2010          
Note 9
 
Mono Advertising, LLC
    49.9 %   2004       60.0 %  
Note 10
 
Redscout, LLC
    60.0 %   2007          
Note 11
 
Sloane & Company LLC
    70.0 %   2010            
Note 12
 
Skinny NYC, LLC
    50.1 %   2008          
Note 13
 
Veritas Communications Inc.
    64.1 %   1993       81.5 %  
Note 14
 
Vitro Robertson, LLC
    77.0 %   2004       95.0 %  
Note 15
 
Yamamoto Moss Mackenzie, Inc.
    100.0 %   2000              
Zyman Group, LLC
    96.0 %   2005          
Note 16
 
Performance Marketing Services
                           
Accent Marketing Services, LLC
    100.0 %   1999              
6degrees Integrated Communications Inc. (f.k.a. Accumark Communications Inc.)
    55.0 %   1993       68.3 %  
Note 17
 
Bryan Mills Iradesso Corp.
    62.8 %   1989       88.2 %  
Note 18
 
Communifx Partners, LLC
    83.3 %   2010          
Note 19
 
Computer Composition of Canada Inc.
    100.0 %   1988              
Integrated Media Solutions Partners LLC
    75.0 %   2010          
Note 20
 
Kenna Communications LP
    80.0 %   2010            
Note 21
 
Northstar Research Partners Inc.
    70.0 %   1998          
Note 22
 
656712 Ontario Limited (d.b.a. Onbrand)
    89.0 %   1992              
Relevent Partners LLC
    60.0 %   2010              
Hudson and Sunset Media LLC
    51.0 %   2010              
Source Marketing, LLC
    83.0 %   1998       87.1 %  
Note 23
 
TargetCom, LLC
    100.0 %   2000          
Note 24
 
The Arsenal LLC (f.k.a.Team Holdings LLC)
    60.0 %   2010          
Note 25
 
Equity Accounted:
                           
Adrenalina, LLC
    49.9 %   2007          
Note 26
 
 
 

 
Notes
 

 
(1)
MDC has the right to increase its ownership interest in 72 and Sunny through acquisition of an incremental interest of up to 100
% in 2016.
(2)
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.
(3)
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.
(4)
Attention Partners LLC is owned by HL Group Partners, LLC. HL Group Partners, LLC has the right to increase its ownership in Attention Partners, LLC through acquisitions of incremental interests, and the other interest holders has the right to put to HL Group Partners, LLC the same incremental interests up to 100% only upon termination.
(5)
MDC has the right to increase its ownership interest in Capital C Partners LP through acquisition of an incremental interest, up to 90% in 2015, and up to 100% in 2017.
(6)
MDC has the right to increase its economic ownership in Colle & McVoy, LLC through acquisition of an incremental interest, and the other interest holder has the right to put to MDC the same incremental interest, up to 100% of this entity in 2012.
(7)
During 2010, MDC increased its economic ownership in Company C Communications, LLC through acquisition of an incremental interest. Effective October 1, 2008, Company C is operated as a division of kirshenbaum bond senecal & partners, LLC.
(8)
MDC has the right to increase its ownership in HL Group 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 72.4% of this entity in 2012, up to 82.62% in 2013 and up to 93.73% in 2014. Effective January 25, 2010, MDC acquired an additional 1% membership interest in HL Group Partners, LLC.
(9)
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.
(10)
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 54.9% of this entity in 2010, up to 60.0% in 2011, up to 65.0% in 2012, up to 70.0% in 2013 and up to 75.0% in 2014.
(11)
MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Redscout, LLC through acquisition of an incremental interest, and the other interest holder has the right to put to MDC the same incremental interest, up to 80% of this entity in 2012.
(12)
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.
(13)
MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Skinny NYC, LLC through acquisition of incremental interests, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental interest, up to 60.1% of this entity in 2014, up to 70.1% of this entity in 2015 and up to 80.1% of this entity in 2016.
(14)
MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Veritas Communications Inc. through acquisitions of incremental interests, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental interests, up to 81.5% of this entity in 2011, up to 95.1% in 2012 and up to 100% in 2013.
(15)
MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Vitro Robertson, 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 95% of this entity in 2011, up to 97.5% in 2012 and up to 100% in 2013.
(16)
In January 2009, Zyman Group, LLC has become an operating division of kirshenbaum bond senecal & partners, LLC.
(17)
MDC has the right to increase its ownership in 6degrees Integrated Communications Inc. through acquisitions of incremental interests, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental interests up to 68.3% of this entity in 2011 and up to 75.0% in 2012. MDC’s current economic interest is 42%.
(18)
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 2012.
(19)
MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Communifx 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% of this entity in 2013.
(20)
MDC has the right to increase its ownership interest in Integrated Media Solutions Partners LLC through acquisitions of incremental interests, up to 100% of this entity in 2015.
(21)
MDC has the right to increase its ownership interest in Kenna Communications LP through acquisition of an incremental interest, up to 100% in 2015.
(22)
MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Northstar Research Partners Inc. through acquisitions of incremental interests, and the other holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental interests, up to 100% of this entity in 2013.
(23)
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 87.1% of this entity in 2011 and 91.3% in 2012 and 100% in 2013.
(24)
Effective January 1, 2009, Targetcom LLC is operating as a division of Accent Marketing Services, LLC.
(25)
MDC has the right to increase its ownership in The Arsenal, LLC, through acquisition of an incremental interest,  up to 100% of this entity in 2013.
(26)
Effective September 1, 2010,  MDC has written off the value of its investment in Adrenalina, LLC.