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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2006

Registration No. 333-[•]

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

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FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

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

Canada (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		7311 (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)		98-0364441 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
45 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5R2E3 (416) 960-9000 (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
950 Third Avenue, New York, NY, 10022 (646) 429-1809 (Name and address, including zip code, of agent for service)

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Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the public:
As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.

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        If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box.    ý

        If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering:    o  

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        If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering:    o  

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        If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering:    o  

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CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered		Amount to be Registered(1)		Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Security(1)		Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price(1)(2)		Amount of Registration Fee(4)
8.00% Convertible Unsecured Subordinated debentures due June 30, 2010		$36,723,000 (C$45,000,000)(2)		100%		$36,723,000 (C$45,000,000)		$4,133.08(1)
Class A subordinate voting shares, no par value		3,214,287(3)		—		—

(1)

This estimate is made pursuant to Rule 457(c) of the Securities Act solely for the purpose of determining the registration fee.

(2)

U.S. dollars amounts have been translated into Canadian dollars at C$1.225 per $1.00, which was the exchange rate on June 28, 2005 and represents the proceeds received by the Company.

(3)

The number of shares of common stock registered hereunder is based upon the maximum number of shares of common stock that are issuable upon conversion of the debentures. This registration statement is registering the resale of the debentures and the underlying Class A subordinate voting shares into which the debentures are convertible. Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act, the number of shares of common stock registered hereby shall include an indeterminate number of additional shares of common stock that may be issuable as a result of antidilution adjustments. Any shares of common stock issued upon conversion of the debentures will be issued for no additional consideration.

(4)

Pursuant to Rule 457(i), there is no additional filing fee with respect to the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the debentures because no additional consideration will be received in connection with the exercise of the conversion privilege.

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        The registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to such Section 8(a), may determine.

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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. The selling security holders may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not is an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

Subject to Completion, Dated [    •    ], 2006

PROSPECTUS

$36,723,000 (C$45,000,000)

MDC PARTNERS INC.

8.00% Convertible Unsecured Subordinate Debentures due June 30, 2010
and
Class A Subordinate Voting Shares Issuable upon Conversion of the Debentures

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        This prospectus relates to $36,723,000 (C$45,000,000) aggregate principal amount of 8.00% convertible unsecured subordinated debentures (denominated in Canadian $'s) due June 30, 2010, which MDC Partners Inc. previously issued and sold in reliance on an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

        The debentures and the Class A subordinate voting shares into which the debentures are convertible may be offered and sold from time to time pursuant to this prospectus by the holders of those securities or by their transferees, pledgees, donees, or successors, all of which are referred to in this prospectus as selling security holders. The selling security holders may sell the securities directly to purchasers or through underwriters, broker-dealers or agents. If required at the time of a particular offering of securities by a selling security holder, a supplement to this prospectus will be circulated setting forth the name or names of any underwriters, broker-dealers or agents, any discounts, commissions or other terms constituting compensation for underwriters and any discounts, commissions or concessions that will be allowed or reallowed or paid to agents or broker-dealers.

        The debentures bear interest at the rate of 8.00% per year, subject to the payment of additional amounts in certain circumstances described herein under "Description of Debentures—Registration Rights." For the period from January 1, 2006 to June 30, 2006, additional amounts equal to a 0.5% increase in the annual interest rate in the debentures will be payable to holders as described therein. Interest on the debentures is payable on June 30 and December 31 of each year, beginning December 31, 2005. The debentures will mature on June 30, 2010.

        MDC's outstanding Class A subordinate voting shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MDZ.SV.A" and on the Nasdaq Stock Market ("Nasdaq") under the symbol "MDCA". As of March 15, 2006, the last reported sale price of the Class A subordinate voting shares was $8.18 on NASDAQ and C$9.40 on the Toronto Stock Exchange. No public market has existed in the United States for the debentures prior to the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The debentures are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MDZ.DB."

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        Investing in the debentures and the Class A subordinate voting shares involves risks. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 8.

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        We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the debentures or the Class A subordinate voting shares by any of the selling security holders. The debentures and the Class A subordinate voting shares may be offered and sold from time to time directly by the selling security holder or alternatively through underwriters or broker-dealers or agents. The debentures and the Class A subordinate voting shares may be sold in one or more transactions at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. See "Plan of Distribution."

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        Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission, any state securities commission nor any other United States regulatory authority has approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

        The date of this prospectus is [    •    ], 2006

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prospectus Summary		3
Summary Consolidated Financial Data		7
Risk Factors		8
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Industry Data		14
Use of Proceeds		15
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges		15
Price Range of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares		16
Dividend Policy		17
Selected Consolidated Financial Data		17
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		20
Business		56
Management		66
Security Ownership of Management and Certain Beneficial Owners		80
Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions		81
Description of the Debentures		82
Description of Share Capital		93
Taxation		95
Selling Shareholders		100
Plan of Distribution		103
Legal Matters		104
Experts		104
Where You Can Find More Information		104
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements		F-1

        We are not, and the selling security holders are not, making an offer to sell these debentures or the common stock where such an offer or sale is not permitted.

        You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different from that contained in this prospectus. The information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of when this prospectus is delivered or when any sale of the debentures or our Class A subordinate voting shares occurs.

        Except as the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus to "MDC," the "Company," "we," "our" or "us" are to MDC Partners Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, or their predecessors, as the context requires. References to "C$" are to Canadian dollars.

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

        This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. It does not contain all of the information that may be important to you. You should read the entire prospectus carefully, including the section describing the risks of investing in the debentures or our Class A subordinate voting shares entitled "Risk Factors" and our financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus, before deciding to buy the debentures.

        MDC Partners Inc. was formed in 1986 pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (Ontario). In December 1986, MDC amalgamated with Branbury Explorations Limited, and became a public company. Today, MDC is a leading provider of marketing communications services and secure transaction products and services to customers in more than 10 countries. MDC has operating units in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and Mexico, and conducts its businesses through two operating groups: the Marketing Communications Group and the Secure Products International Group.

        MDC's principal executive office is located at 45 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 2E3, and its telephone number at that address is (416) 960-9000. MDC's web site is located at www.mdc-partners.com. The information on MDC's web site is not part of this prospectus.

The Securities

Debentures Offered		$36,723,000 (C$45,000,000) aggregate principal amount of 8.00% convertible unsecured subordinate debentures due June 30, 2010. Each debenture was issued at a price of $816 (C$1,000) per debenture and has a principal amount of $816 (C$1,000).
Stated Maturity		June 30, 2010
Interest and Payment Date		8.00% per annum, which is payable semi-annually, in arrears, on June 30 and December 31 in each year, commencing with December 31, 2005 to holder of record at the close of business on the business day immediately preceding such interest payment date. Interest will be payable based on a 365-day year. Effective January 1, 2006 until the end of the six-month period in which a registration statement for the resale of the debentures is declared effective by the SEC, the debentures will bear interest at an annual rate of 8.50%, subject to an additional 0.5% increase in certain circumstances.
Conversion Privilege		The debentures will be convertible at the holder's option into fully-paid, non-assessable and freely tradeable Class A subordinate voting shares, subject to the restrictions on transfer, at a conversion price of C$14.00 per Class A subordinate voting share being a ratio of approximately 71.4286 Class A subordinate voting shares per C$1,000 principal amount of debentures. Holders converting their Debentures shall be entitled to receive accrued and unpaid interest in respect thereof for the period up to, but excluding, the date of conversion from the latest interest payment date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no debentures may be converted during the ten business days preceding June 30 and December 31 in each year, commencing December 31, 2005, as the registers of the debenture trustee will be closed during such periods.

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Payment on Redemption or Maturity		On redemption or at the maturity date, MDC will repay the indebtedness represented by the debentures by paying to the debenture trustee an amount equal to the principal amount of the outstanding debentures, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon. MDC may, at its option, on not more than 60 days' and not less than 30 days' prior notice and subject to any required regulatory approvals, unless an event of default (as hereinafter defined) has occurred and is continuing, elect to satisfy its obligation to repay, in whole or in part, the principal amount of the debentures which are to be redeemed or which have matured by issuing Class A subordinate voting shares, in whole or in part, to the holders of the debentures.
Interest Payment Election		Unless an event of default has occurred and is continuing, MDC may elect, from time to time, subject to applicable regulatory approval, to issue and deliver Class A subordinate voting shares to the debenture trustee in order to raise funds to satisfy all or any part of our obligations to pay interest on the debentures in accordance with the indenture, in which event holders of the debentures will be entitled to receive a cash payment equal to the interest payable from the proceeds of the sale of such Class A subordinate voting shares by the debenture trustee.
Redemption and Purchases		The debentures may not be redeemed by MDC on or before June 30, 2008. Thereafter, but prior to June 30, 2009, the debentures may be redeemed, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at a price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, on not more than 60 days' and not less than 30 days' prior written notice, provided that the volume weighted average trading price of the Class A subordinate voting shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange for at least 20 trading days in any consecutive 30 day period ending on the fifth trading day prior to the date on which notice of redemption is given is not less than 125% of the conversion price. From July 1, 2009 until the maturity of the debentures, the debentures may be redeemed by MDC at a price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on not more than 60 days' and not less than 30 days' prior written notice.
Subordination		The payment of the principal of, and interest on, the debentures will be subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full in cash of all of MDC's senior indebtedness. The debentures are also effectively subordinated to all of MDC's existing and future obligations (other than subordinated indebtedness ranking pari passu to the debentures).

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		The indenture does not limit the ability of MDC or of its subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness, including indebtedness that ranks senior to the debentures, or from mortgaging, pledging or charging its real or personal property or properties to secure any indebtedness.
Change of Control		Upon the occurrence of a change of control (as defined in the indenture governing the debentures) of MDC involving the acquisition of voting control or direction over 50% or more of the outstanding Class A subordinate voting shares by any person or group of persons acting jointly or in concert prior to June 30, 2008, MDC shall be required to make an offer to purchase all of the then outstanding debentures on a date which is not later than 30 days following the date upon which the debenture trustee delivers a change of control notice to holders of debentures, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus an amount equal to the interest payments not yet received on the debentures calculated from the date of the change of control to June 30, 2008, discounted at the Government of Canada yield (as defined herein). Upon the occurrence of a change of control on or after June 30, 2008, we shall be required to make an offer to purchase all of the then outstanding debentures on the change of control date at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest to the purchase date.
CDS Eligibility		The debentures were issued in fully registered book-entry form and are represented by one or more permanent global certificates deposited with a custodian for and registered in the name of a nominee of The Canadian Depository for Securities Limited ("CDS"). Beneficial interests in any such securities are shown on, and transfers will be effected only through, records maintained by CDS and its direct and indirect participants. Any such interest may not be exchanged for certificated securities, except in limited circumstances. See "Description of Debentures—Book Entry System."
Registration Rights		MDC has, for the benefit of holders, filed with the SEC a resale registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, covering resales of the debentures and the Class A subordinate voting shares issuable upon conversion of the debentures. MDC will use its reasonable best efforts to cause the resale registration statement to become effective as promptly as practicable and keep such shelf registration statement effective until the earliest of (i) the sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or a shelf registration statement of all the debentures and the Class A subordinate voting shares issuable upon conversion of the debentures and (ii) the expiration of the holding period applicable to such securities held by entities that are not affiliates of MDC under Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act, or any successor provision, subject to certain permitted exceptions. In the event that MDC does not maintain such an effective registration statement, additional amounts shall be payable on the debentures. See "Description of Debentures—Registration Rights."

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Trading		Upon the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, MDC does not expect the debentures to be listed on any U.S. national securities exchange or in any automated quotation system. The debentures are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MDZ.DB."
Class A subordinate voting shares		MDC's outstanding Class A subordinate voting shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MDZ.SV.A" and on the Nasdaq under the symbol "MDCA."
Use of Proceeds		MDC will not receive any of the proceeds of the sale by the selling security holders of the debentures or the common stock into which the debentures may be converted. MDC used all of the net proceeds of the initial placement to repay outstanding indebtedness under its credit facility.
Governing Law		Each of the indenture and the debentures are governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Province of Ontario applicable to contracts executed and to be performed entirely in such Province, save as regards matters provided for in such provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the "TIA") as are required under the TIA to be part of and to govern indentures qualified under the TIA, which matters shall be performed in accordance with and be governed by U.S. federal laws governing the TIA.
Risk Factors		You should carefully consider the information under "Risk Factors" beginning on page 8 before making an investment in the debentures or the Class A subordinate voting shares issuable upon conversion of the debentures.

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SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

        The following table sets forth MDC's summary financial data and other operating information. The summary financial data in the table are derived from MDC's audited year-end consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, included elsewhere in this prospectus.

		Year Ended December 31,
		2005			2004			2003			2002			2001
		(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
OPERATING DATA
Revenues		$	443,462		$	316,812		$	278,777		$	363,719		$	477,727
Operating profit (loss)		$	22,588		$	5,152		$	(5,982	)	$	31,352		$	(61,828	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	(8,522	)	$	4,991		$	13,702		$	97,823		($	71,533	)
Stock-based compensation included in income (loss) from continuing operations		$	3,272		$	8,388		$	6,182			—			—
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
Basic
Continuing operations		$	(0.37	)	$	0.23		$	0.77		$	5.78		$	(4.24	)
Diluted
Continuing operations		$	(0.37	)	$	0.22		$	0.70		$	3.87		$	(4.24	)
FINANCIAL POSITION
Total assets		$	507,315		$	437,341		$	321,539		$	349,677		$	545,512
Total long-term debt		$	123,240		$	53,538		$	150,142		$	179,694		$	374,509

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RISK FACTORS

        An investment in the debentures and our Class A subordinate voting shares involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following information about these risks, together with the other information contained in this prospectus, before deciding to buy the debentures. Any of the risks described below could adversely affect MDC's business, financial condition or operating results. The market price of the debentures or the Class A subordinate voting shares could decline if one or more of these risks and uncertainties develop into actual events. You could lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Related to MDC's Business

        The following factors could adversely affect MDC's revenues, results of operations or financial condition. See also "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Disclosure."

MDC competes for clients in highly competitive industries.

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

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

        MDC's Secure Products International Group competes primarily on the basis of quality, customer service, design capability and price. A number of MDC's competitors have greater resources than those available to us, which resources may enable them to aggressively pursue and compete for the business of our Secure Products International Group.

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

        As of December 31, 2005, MDC had approximately $81.7 million outstanding under its revolving credit facility in the form of borrowings and letters of credit (the "Credit Facility"). MDC uses amounts available under the Credit Facility, together with cash flow from operations, to fund its working capital needs, to fund the exercise of put option obligations and to fund our strategy of making selective acquisitions of ownership interests in entities in the marketing communications services industry.

        MDC amended its Credit Facility five times in 2005, and again on January 17, 2006. Certain of these amendments to the Credit Facility were necessary in order to avoid an event of default under the Credit Facility and to permit the Company to continue to borrow under the Credit Facility. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation—Liquidity and Capital Resources," for a more detailed discussion of these amendments to the Credit Facility.

        The Company is currently in compliance with all of the terms and conditions of its amended Credit Facility, and management believes that the Company will be in compliance with covenants over the next twelve months. If, however, events were to occur which result in MDC losing all or a substantial portion of its lines of credit under the Credit Facility, MDC would be required to seek other

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sources of liquidity. If MDC was unable to replace this source of liquidity, its ability to fund its working capital needs and any contingent obligations with respect to put options would be adversely affected.

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

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

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

MDC's business could be adversely affected if it loses key clients or executives.

        MDC's strategy has been to acquire ownership stakes in diverse marketing communications businesses to minimize the effects that might arise from the loss of any one client or executive. The loss of one or more clients could materially affect the results of individual companies within the Marketing Communication Group. Management succession is very important to the ongoing results of MDC's Marketing Communications Group because, as in any service business, the success of a particular agency is dependent upon the leadership of key executives and management personnel. If key executives were to leave, the relationships that MDC has with its clients could be lost. Within the Secure Products International Group, the postage stamp business derives a significant portion of its revenue from government contracts, which are generally awarded in a competitive bidding process. The loss of any of these contracts could have a material adverse effect on the sales and earnings of Ashton-Potter, MDC's postage stamp production subsidiary.

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

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

MDC's revenues are susceptible to declines as a result of general adverse economic developments.

        The marketing communications services industry is cyclical and is subject to the negative effects of economic downturns. MDC's advertising and marketing services subsidiaries and affiliates, and its

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Secure Products International Group, are also exposed to the risk of clients changing their business plans and/or reducing their marketing budgets. As a result, if the U.S. and Canadian economies weaken, our businesses, financial condition and operating results are likely to be adversely affected.

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

        Employees, including creative, research, media, account and practice group specialists, and their skills and relationships with clients, are among MDC's most important assets. An important aspect of MDC's competitiveness is its ability to retain key employee and management personnel. Compensation for these key employees is an essential factor in attracting and retaining them, and MDC may not offer a level of compensation sufficient to attract and retain these key employees. If MDC fails to hire and retain a sufficient number of these key employees, it may not be able to compete effectively.

MDC is exposed to the risk of client media account defaults.

        MDC's Marketing Communications Group often incurs expenses on behalf of its clients in order to secure a variety of media time and space, in exchange for which it receives a fee. The difference between the gross cost of the media and the net revenue earned by us can be significant. While MDC takes precautions against default on payment for these services (such as advance billing of clients) and has historically had a very low incidence of default, MDC is still exposed to the risk of significant uncollectible receivables from its clients.

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

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

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

        Advertising and marketing communications businesses are subject to government regulation, both domestic and foreign. There has been an increasing tendency in the United States on the part of advertisers to resort to litigation and self-regulatory bodies to challenge comparative advertising on the grounds that the advertising is false and deceptive. Moreover, there has recently been an expansion of specific rules, prohibitions, media restrictions, labeling disclosures and warning requirements with respect to advertising for certain products. Representatives within government bodies, both domestic and foreign, continue to initiate proposals to ban the advertising of specific products and to impose taxes on or deny deductions for advertising which, if successful, may have an adverse effect on advertising expenditures and consequently MDC's revenues.

MDC is still implementing its plan to eliminate material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting.

        MDC is required to review and assess its disclosure controls and procedures and its internal controls over financial reporting, pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. As disclosed more fully in Item 9A on MDC's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, management's assessment has identified the existence of material weaknesses in disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting. MDC is still remediating its material weaknesses in its disclosure controls and procedures and its internal control over financial reporting. These weaknesses may adversely affect MDC's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and, by themselves or in combination, result in a more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement in or omission from its financial statements and other financial reporting will not be prevented or

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detected by MDC's employees in the normal course of performing their assigned functions. Despite the ongoing dedication of significant resources to remediate these material weaknesses, MDC has determined that additional work will be required to remediate these material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting and cannot assure that these material weaknesses will be fully remediated in the near term.

        Material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting require MDC to perform additional analyses and pre- and post-closing procedures that, if not performed effectively, may prevent MDC from reporting its financial results in an accurate and timely manner. As a result of such material weaknesses, MDC's internal control over financial reporting might not prevent or detect all misstatements, including immaterial misstatements and misstatements created by collusion or fraud.

        In light of these material weaknesses and the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, management has concluded that MDC's disclosure controls and procedures are not effective. Therefore, MDC is performing additional analyses and other pre and post-closing procedures to ensure that MDC's consolidated financial statements are presented fairly in all material respects in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. These procedures include monthly analytic reviews of subsidiaries' financial results, and quarterly certifications by senior management of subsidiaries regarding the accuracy of reported financial information. MDC also vigorously enforces its policies and the Code of Conduct applicable to its employees. If the additional analyses and pre- and post-closing procedures are not performed effectively, if actions to remediate these material weaknesses are not successfully implemented or if other material weaknesses are identified in the future, MDC's ability to report its quarterly and annual financial results on a timely and accurate basis could be adversely affected.

Risks Relating to the Debentures

There are no restrictive covenants in the indenture relating to MDC's ability to incur future indebtedness or complete other financial transactions.

        The indenture governing the debentures does not contain any financial or operating covenants or restrictions on the payment of dividends, the incurrence of indebtedness, transactions with affiliates, incurrence of liens or the issuance or repurchase of securities by MDC or any of its subsidiaries. MDC therefore may incur additional debt, including secured indebtedness senior to the debentures, or indebtedness at the subsidiary level to which the debentures would be structurally subordinated. A higher level of indebtedness would increase the risk that MDC may default on its debt obligations. MDC cannot assure you that it will be able to generate sufficient cash flow to pay the interest on MDC's debt or that future working capital, borrowings or equity financing will be available to pay or refinance such debt. The indenture contains no covenants or other provisions to afford protection to holders of the debentures upon the occurrence of a designated event except to the extent described under "Description of Debentures—Change of Control."

MDC may be unable to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy its debt service obligations.

        MDC's ability to generate cash flow from operations to make interest payments on the debentures will depend on its future performance, which will be affected by a range of economic, competitive and business factors. MDC cannot control many of these factors, including general economic conditions and the health of industry in which it operates. If MDC's operations do not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to satisfy its debt service obligations, MDC may need to borrow additional funds to make these payments or undertake alternative financing plans, such as refinancing or restructuring MDC's debt, or reducing or delaying capital investments and acquisitions. Additional funds or alternative financing may not be available to MDC on favorable terms, or at all. MDC's inability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or obtain additional funds or alternative financing on

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acceptable terms could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.

MDC may be unable to repay or purchase the principal amount of the debentures.

        At maturity, the entire outstanding principal amount of the debentures will become due and payable by MDC. In addition, if a change of control occurs, as defined in the indenture, each holder of the debentures may require that MDC purchase all or a portion of that holder's debentures. MDC may not have sufficient funds or will not be able to arrange for additional financing to pay the principal amount or purchase price due. In that case, MDC's failure to repay the debentures at maturity or to purchase any tendered debentures would constitute an event of default under the indenture. In addition, the terms of the debentures provide that in certain circumstances, MDC will have the right to repay the principal of the debentures using newly issued shares, rather than cash.

MDC cannot assure you that an active trading market will develop for the debentures.

        Prior to the sale of the private placement of the debentures, there was no established trading market for the debentures. MDC have no plans to list the debentures on a U.S. national securities exchange. MDC has been advised by the initial purchaser of the debentures that such purchaser currently intends to make a market in the debentures, but it is not obligated to do so. Any market-making activity, if initiated, may be discontinued at any time, for any reason or for no reason, without notice. If the initial purchaser of the debentures ceases to act as the market maker for the debentures, MDC cannot assure you another firm or person will make a market in the debentures. The liquidity of any market for the debentures will depend upon the number of holders of the debentures, MDC's results of operations and financial condition, the market for similar securities, the interest of securities dealers in making a market in the debentures and other factors. An active or liquid trading market for the debentures may not develop.

        MDC will use its reasonable best efforts to cause the resale registration statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act. Effective January 1, 2006 until the end of the six-month period in which a registration statement for the resale of the debentures is declared effective by the SEC, the debentures will bear interest at an annual rate of 8.50%, subject to an additional 0.5% increase in certain circumstances. However, MDC cannot assure you that the registration statement will be declared effective or that there will be an active trading market for the debentures. If the resale registration statement is not declared effective, this could adversely affect the liquidity and price of the debentures and common stock issuable upon conversion of the debentures. If MDC does not comply with its registration obligations with respect to the debentures and the Class A subordinate voting shares issuable upon conversion of the debentures, MDC will be obligated to pay additional amounts to the holders of the debentures. Selling security holders who sell debentures or Class A subordinate voting shares pursuant to a resale registration statement may be subject to certain restrictions and potential liability under the Securities Act. See "Description of Debentures—Registration Rights."

        If a market were to develop, the debentures could trade at prices that may be lower than their initial offering price depending on many factors, including the market price of the Class A subordinate voting shares into which the debentures are convertible, prevailing interest rates, MDC's operating results and the market for similar securities.

MDC expects that the trading value of the debentures will be significantly affected by the price of MDC's common stock.

        The market price of the debentures is expected to be significantly affected by the market price of MDC's Class A subordinate voting shares. This may result in greater volatility in the trading value of the debentures than would be expected for any non-convertible debt securities MDC may issue.

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The debentures are subordinated to all of MDC's senior indebtedness and effectively subordinated to all indebtedness of MDC's subsidiaries.

        The debentures are MDC's unsecured subordinated obligations and are not guaranteed by any of MDC's subsidiaries. Accordingly, the debentures are subordinated to all of MDC's current and future senior indebtedness, including secured indebtedness. In addition, MDC's right to receive any distribution of assets of any subsidiary upon that subsidiary's liquidation, reorganization or otherwise, is subject to the prior claims of creditors of that subsidiary, except to the extent MDC is also recognized as a creditor of that subsidiary. As a result, the debentures are effectively subordinated to the claims of such creditors.

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INDUSTRY DATA

        This prospectus contains forward-looking statements, including within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. When used in this prospectus, such statements may use such words as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "may," "project," "should," "estimate," "plan" and "expect" and other similar expressions. MDC'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 MDC'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 MDC 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 effects of national and regional economic conditions;



•

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



•

the financial success of the Company's clients;



•

the Company's ability to remain in compliance with its debt agreements;



•

risks arising from identified and potential future material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting;



•

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



•

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 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 additional risk factors outlined in more detail under "Risk Factors" in this prospectus. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated, planned or expected, and accordingly readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus are based on what MDC believes to be reasonable assumptions, MDC cannot assure prospective investors that actual results, performance or achievements will be consistent with these forward-looking statements.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

        MDC will not receive any of the proceeds of the sale by the selling security holders of the debentures or the common stock into which the debentures may be converted. MDC used all of the net proceeds of the initial placement to repay outstanding indebtedness under its credit facility.

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

        The following table sets forth MDC's historical ratios of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated:

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(a)

No ratio is presented for 2001 as the earnings were $93,178 less than the fixed charges

        In computing the ratio of earnings of fixed charges, "earnings" consist of pretax income from continuing operations, interest expenses and other adjustments.

        For purposes of the "earnings" computation, other adjustments include adding minority interest in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries, dividends received from equity-method investees, amortization of capitalized interest and the interest component of rental expense and subtracting equity income of investees.

        "Fixed Charges" consist of interest expense and other adjustments. Other adjustments include capitalized interest costs and the interest component of rental expense.

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PRICE RANGE OF THE CLASS A SUBORDINATE VOTING SHARES

        Quarterly high and low sales prices per share of MDC's Class A subordinate voting shares, as reported by the Nasdaq composite and The Toronto Stock Exchange, respectively, for each quarter in the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 as follows:

        As of March 15, 2006, the last reported sale price of the Class A subordinate voting shares was $8.18 on NASDAQ and C$9.40 on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

        Quarterly high and low sales prices per debenture of MDC's debentures, as reported by The Toronto Stock Exchange, for each quarter that the Debentures were outstanding as follows:

        As of March 15, 2006, the last reported sale price of the 8% Debentures was C$93.49 on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

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DIVIDEND POLICY

        MDC has not declared nor paid any dividends on its Class A subordinate voting shares since its incorporation in 1986. In addition, MDC's Credit Facility prohibits MDC from declaring and paying cash dividends. Accordingly, it is expected that no dividends will be paid by MDC on the Class A subordinate voting shares or the Class B shares in the foreseeable future. Any future payment of dividends will be determined by the board of directors of MDC Partners Inc. on the basis of MDC's earnings, financial requirements and other relevant factors.

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

        MDC's selected consolidated financial data set forth below should be read together with our "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and MDC's consolidated historical financial statements, which were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and respective notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected consolidated historical income statement data of MDC for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005 and balance sheet data as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 have been derived from MDC's audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected consolidated historical income statement date of MDC for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2002 and balance sheet data as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 have been derived from MDC's audited consolidated financial statements that are not included in this prospectus. The data set forth below are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any future period.

		Year Ended December 31,
		2005			2004			2003			2002			2001
		(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
OPERATING DATA
Revenues		$	443,462		$	316,812		$	278,777		$	363,719		$	477,727
Operating profit (loss)		$	22,588		$	5,152		$	(5,982	)	$	31,352		$	(61,828	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	(8,522	)	$	4,991		$	13,702		$	97,823		($	71,533	)
Stock-based compensation included in income (loss) from continuing operations		$	3,272		$	8,388		$	6,182			—			—
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
Basic
Continuing operations		$	(0.37	)	$	0.23		$	0.77		$	5.78		$	(4.24	)
Diluted
Continuing operations		$	(0.37	)	$	0.22		$	0.70		$	3.87		$	(4.24	)
FINANCIAL POSITION
Total assets		$	507,315		$	437,341		$	321,539		$	349,677		$	545,512
Total long-term debt		$	123,240		$	53,538		$	150,142		$	179,694		$	374,509

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

        As discussed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standard 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangibles ("SFAS 142"), beginning with MDC's 2002 operating results, goodwill and other intangible assets that have indefinite lives were no

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longer amortized due to a change in US GAAP. The following table shows the impact of excluding goodwill amortization in 2001.

Year Ended December 31, 2005

        On June 28, 2005, MDC completed an issuance in Canada of C$45.0 million of convertible unsecured subordinated debentures (amounting to $38.7 million as of December 31, 2005). The debentures mature on June 30, 2010. The debentures bear interest at an annual rate of 8.00% payable semi-annually, in arrears, on June 30 and December 31 of each year, commencing December 31, 2005. Effective January 1, 2006 until the end of the six-month period in which a registration statement for the resale of the debentures is declared effective by the SEC, additional amounts are payable on the debentures such that the debentures will bear interest at an annual rate of 8.50%, subject to an additional 0.5% increase in certain circumstances.

        On April 1, 2005, MDC, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, purchased 61.6% of the total outstanding membership units of Zyman Group, LLC for a purchase price equal to $52.4 million paid in cash, plus the issuance of 1,139,975 class A shares of MDC valued at approximately $11.2 million. On an annual basis, the Company receives a 20% priority return calculated based on its total investment in Zyman Group, which as of December 31, 2005 approximates a priority return of $12.7 million.

Year Ended December 31, 2004

        During 2004, MDC sold its remaining 20% interest in Custom Direct, Inc. ("CDI") with a resulting reduction in long-term debt and a net gain of $15.0 million. See Note 15 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included herein.

        MDC acquired interests in several Marketing Communication businesses, which contributed $56.1 million of revenue, $2.9 million of income from continuing operations and $120.6 million of assets.

        Effective September 22, 2004, MDC consolidated Crispin Porter + Bogusky, LLC ("CPB") as a variable interest entity. Prior to that date, CPB had been accounted for on an equity basis since acquired by MDC in 2001. As a result of the change in accounting, from September 22, 2004, CPB contributed revenues of $13.3 million and increased MDC's assets by approximately $80.0 million.

Year Ended December 31, 2003

        During 2003, MDC disposed of 80% of its interest in CDI and retired the remaining 10.5% senior subordinated notes. The divestitures and debt repayment resulted in a gain of $42.1 million. CDI contributed $48.5 million of revenue and $6.1 million of income from continuing operations in 2003. See Note 15 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included herein.

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        Effective January 1, 2003, MDC prospectively adopted fair value accounting for stock based awards as prescribed by SFAS No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation."

        MDC also incurred impairment charges of $10.0 million and $8.1 million relating to goodwill and fixed assets, respectively.

Year Ended December 31, 2002

        During 2002, MDC sold its remaining interests in Davis + Henderson, Ashton Potter Packaging, AE McKenzie, House of Questa, and Spectron and retired $112.5 million of its 10.5% senior subordinated debentures. The divestitures, debt repayment and a financial derivative gain resulted in a gain of $113.4 million. The above divested operations contributed $51.4 million of revenue and $8.1 million of income from continuing operations in 2002.

        Effective January 1, 2002 MDC adopted Financial Accounting Statement 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangibles," whereby goodwill and other intangible assets that have indefinite lives are no longer amortized but tested for impairment at least annually.

        MDC also incurred a $3.4 million write-down of fixed assets in 2002.

Year Ended December 31, 2001

        During 2001, MDC commenced a restructuring process to maximize the returns in its core businesses and construct an orderly exit from non-core activities, resulting in a charge of $121.5 million. MDC recorded a gain of $62.3 million on the sale of 45.5% of a Secure Products International Group subsidiary, Davis + Henderson. MDC recorded amortization of goodwill in the amount of $11.2 million. MDC also completed the acquisition of five Marketing Communication businesses, which did not have a significant impact on the results of operations in the year acquired but increased total assets by $54.4 million.

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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        You should read the following discussion together with "Selected Consolidated Financial Data" and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. The discussion contains forward-looking statements involving risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our results to differ materially from expectations. Factors that might cause such differences include those described under "Risk Factors," "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and elsewhere in this prospectus.

        Unless otherwise indicated, references to the "Company" mean MDC Partners Inc. and its subsidiaries, and references to a fiscal year means the Company's year commencing on January 1 of that year and ending December 31 of that year (e.g., fiscal 2005 means the period beginning January 1, 2005, and ending December 31, 2005).

        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.

Executive Summary

        The Company's objective is to create long-term shareholder value by building market-leading subsidiaries and affiliates that deliver innovative, value-added marketing communications and secure transactions products and services to their clients. Management believes that long-term shareholder value is maximized with an operating philosophy of "Perpetual Partnership" with proven committed industry leaders in marketing communications and secure products.

        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. 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 two operating groups: the Marketing Communications Group and the Secure Products International Group. Within the Marketing Communications Group, there are three reportable operating segments: Strategic Marketing Services ("SMS"), Customer Relationship Management ("CRM") and Specialized Communications Services ("SCS"). Within the Secure Products International Group, the reportable operating segments include the Secure Cards Business ("SCB") and the Secure Paper Business ("SPB"). In addition, MDC has a "Corporate Group" which provides certain administrative, accounting, financial and legal functions.

Marketing Communications Group

        Through its operating "partners" in the Marketing Communications Group, MDC provides advertising, consulting and specialized communication services to clients throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe.

        The operating companies within the Marketing Communications Group earn revenue from agency arrangements in the form of retainer fees or commissions; from short-term project arrangements in the

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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 annual consolidated financial statements.

        MDC's Marketing Communications Group 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.

        Because we are a service business, we monitor these costs on a percentage of revenue basis. Cost of services sold tend to fluctuate in conjunction with changes in revenues, whereas office and general expenses, 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.

Secure Products International Group

        The Secure Products Group provides security products and services in three primary areas: electronic transaction products, such as credit, debit, telephone and smart cards; secure ticketing products, such as airline, transit and event tickets; and stamps, both postal and excise.

        Success in the Secure Products Group requires companies to offer their customers innovative products, highly reliable service, and consistent delivery of highly specialized, secure products on a price-competitive basis. The Company has strong relationships with its customers, has partnered with experienced management, and has invested in leading edge technology, providing it with the expertise and cost structures to meet customer needs.

        MDC measures operating expenses within the Secure Products Group in two distinct cost categories, cost of products sold, and office and general expenses. Cost of products sold is a mixture of direct labor and direct material costs. Material costs are primarily paper and petroleum-based products. Office and general expenses are primarily comprised of rent and occupancy costs and administrative service costs including related employee compensation costs. Each product within the Secure Products Group requires unique security development, production, and finishing characteristics. The core value is the ability of MDC to deliver, achieve and maintain the trust clients place in the Company to develop, produce, and finish products securely and accurately. The facilities are generally segregated into a secure production facility, finishing area, and office, general and administration.

        Because of the nature of the products MDC produces, which require a combination of production and services, management monitors direct costs as a percentage of revenue. A material portion of the Company's costs are fixed, and therefore income can fluctuate as the production levels and timing of deliveries fluctuates.

Certain Factors Affecting Our Business

        Acquisitions and Dispositions.    MDC's strategy includes acquiring ownership stakes in well-managed businesses with strong reputations in the industry. MDC has entered into a number of acquisition and disposal transactions in 2005, 2004 and 2003, which affected revenues, expenses, operating income and net income. Additional information regarding material acquisitions is provided in Note 4 "Acquisitions" in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Prospectus.

        Foreign Exchange Fluctuations.    MDC's financial results and competitive position are affected by fluctuations in the exchange rate between the US dollar and the Canadian dollar, as described in "Risk Factors—MDC's results of operations are subject to currency fluctuation risks." See also "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk—Foreign Exchange." Further information is provided

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in "Foreign Currency Translation" in Note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included in this Prospectus.

        Seasonality.    Historically, with some exceptions, the Marketing Communications Groups' fourth quarter generates the highest quarterly revenues in a year. The fourth quarter has historically been the period in the year in which the highest volumes of media placements and retail related consumer marketing occur.

        Other important factors that could affect our results of operations are set forth in "Risk Factors." As of the quarter ended September 30, 2005, the Company changed the composition of its reportable segments as set out in Note 16 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements included herein. Accordingly, to reflect this change in composition, the Company has restated the previously reported segment information for the comparable periods in 2004 and 2003 to reflect this changed segment composition.

Summary of Key Transactions

Zyman Group Acquisition

        On April 1, 2005, MDC, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, purchased approximately 61.6% of the total outstanding membership units of Zyman Group, LLC ("Zyman Group") for a purchase price equal to $52.4 million in cash and 1,139,975 Class A shares of MDC. In addition, MDC may be required to pay up to an additional $12 million in cash and Class A shares to the sellers if Zyman Group achieves specified financial targets for the 12 month periods ending June 30, 2006 and 2007. MDC's acquisition of the Zyman Group enabled MDC to expand its capabilities in the areas of strategic marketing knowledge and solutions.

        During the first five years following MDC's acquisition of the Zyman Group, MDC's allocation of profits of the Zyman Group may differ from its proportionate share of ownership. On an annual basis, the Company receives a 20% priority return calculated based on its total investment in Zyman Group, which as of December 31, 2005 approximates a priority return of $12.7 million. Thereafter, based on calculations set forth in the operating agreement of Zyman Group (the "LLC Agreement"), the Company's share of remaining Zyman Group profits in excess of a predetermined threshold, may be disproportionately less than its equity ownership in Zyman Group. Specifically, on an annual basis, if Zyman operating results exceed a defined operating margin, the Company would be entitled to 25% of the excess margins in the first two years of the LLC Agreement and 30% of the excess margins in the following three years of the LLC Agreement, rather than the Company's equity portion of 61.6%. After the first five years, the earnings of the Zyman Group will be allocated in a proportion equal to the respective equity interests of the members.

8% Convertible Debentures

        MDC completed an issuance in Canada of C$45.0 million of convertible unsecured subordinated debentures (amounting to $38.7 million as of December 31, 2005). The debentures mature on June 30, 2010. The debentures bear interest at an annual rate of 8.00% payable semi-annually, in arrears, on June 30 and December 31 of each year, commencing December 31, 2005. Effective January 1, 2006 until the end of the six-month period in which a registration statement for the resale of the debentures is declared effective by the SEC, additional amounts are payable on the debentures such that the debentures will bear interest at an annual rate of 8.50%, subject to an additional 0.5% increase in certain circumstances.

Crispin Porter + Bogusky, LLC

        Effective September 22, 2004, the financial statements of Crispin Porter + Bogusky, LLC ("CPB"), a non-controlled affiliate that was previously accounted for under the equity method, have been consolidated with MDC's financial statements from that date as a variable interest entity.

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Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 are presented below:

For the Year Ended December 31, 2005

		Strategic Marketing Services			Customer Relationship Management			Specialized Communications Services			Secure Cards Business			Secure Paper Business			Corporate			Total
		(thousands of United States dollars)
Revenue		$	217,329		$	67,240		$	78,793		$	31,707		$	48,393		$	—		$	443,462
Cost of services sold		$	106,997		$	51,913		$	52,901		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	211,811
Cost of products sold		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	17,595		$	32,281		$	—		$	49,876
Depreciation and amortization		$	18,311		$	3,578		$	892		$	1,931		$	2,409		$	362		$	27,483
Goodwill charges		$	—		$	—		$	473		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	473
Operating Profit (Loss)		$	32,888		$	1,322		$	11,249		$	(235	)	$	2,864		$	(25,500	)	$	22,588
Other Income (Expense):
Other income																				$	615
Foreign exchange loss																				$	(887	)
Interest expense, net																				$	(8,891	)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in affiliates and minority interest																				$	13,425
Income taxes																				$	2,157
Income from continuing operations before equity in affiliates and minority interests																				$	11,268
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates																				$	1,402
Minority interests in income of consolidated subsidiaries		$	(18,160	)	$	(84	)	$	(2,948	)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(21,192	)
Loss from continuing operations																				$	(8,522	)
Income from discontinued operations																				$	573
Net loss																				$	(7,949	)
Stock-based compensation		$	519		$	81		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	2,672		$	3,272

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For the Year Ended December 31, 2004 (Restated)

		Strategic Marketing Services			Customer Relationship Management			Specialized Communications Services			Secure Cards Business			Secure Paper Business			Corporate			Total
		(thousands of United States dollars)
Revenue		$	123,780		$	59,673		$	63,620		$	26,282		$	43,457		$	—		$	316,812
Cost of services sold		$	71,100		$	43,746		$	44,119		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	158,965
Cost of products sold		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	13,171		$	29,130		$	—		$	42,301
Depreciation and amortization		$	5,601		$	3,451		$	960		$	1,801		$	1,688		$	237		$	13,738
Operating Profit (Loss)		$	17,981		$	3,629		$	7,743		$	(2,827	)	$	3,320		$	(24,694	)	$	5,152
Other Income (Expense):
Other income																				$	14,844
Foreign exchange loss																				$	(498	)
Interest expense, net																				$	(8,105	)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in affiliates and minority interest																				$	11,393
Income taxes																				$	818
Income from continuing operations before equity in affiliates and minority interests																				$	10,575
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates																				$	3,651
Minority interests in income of consolidated subsidiaries		$	(6,591	)	$	(245	)	$	(2,399	)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(9,235	)
Income from continuing operations																				$	4,991
Loss from discontinued operations																				$	(7,148	)
Net loss																				$	(2,157	)
Stock-based compensation		$	131		$	130		$	78		$	—		$	—		$	8,049		$	8,388

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For the Year Ended December 31, 2003 (Restated)

		Strategic Marketing Services			Customer Relationship Management			Specialized Communications Services			Secure Cards Business			Secure Paper Business			Corporate			Total
		(thousands of United States dollars)
Revenue		$	62,828		$	46,079		$	55,943		$	29,291		$	84,636		$	—		$	278,777
Cost of services sold		$	35,630		$	31,890		$	38,388		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	105,908
Cost of products sold		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	13,589		$	43,065		$	—		$	56,654
Depreciation and amortization		$	1,408		$	2,742		$	858		$	1,308		$	1,754		$	415		$	8,485
Goodwill and fixed assets impairment charges		$	—		$	—		$	834		$	6,812		$	10,492		$	—		$	18,138
Operating Profit (Loss)		$	10,004		$	3,779		$	6,587		$	(9,835	)	$	1,184		$	(17,701	)	$	(5,982	)
Other Income (Expense):
Other income																				$	43,792
Foreign exchange loss																				$	(2,023	)
Interest expense, net																				$	(16,736	)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in affiliates and minority interest																				$	19,051
Income taxes																				$	5,770
Income from continuing operations before Equity in affiliates and minority interests																				$	13,281
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates																				$	4,929
Minority interests in income of consolidated subsidiaries		$	(2,563	)	$	(1,586	)	$	(1,895	)	$	1,536		$	—		$	—		$	(4,508	)
Income from continuing operations																				$	13,702
Loss from discontinued operations																				$	(1,271	)
Net income																				$	12,431
Stock-based compensation		$	—		$	330		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	5,852		$	6,182

Year Ended December 31, 2005 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2004

        On a consolidated basis, revenue was $443.5 million for the year ended 2005, representing a 40% increase compared to revenue of $316.8 million for the year ended 2004. This increase relates primarily to acquisitions in both 2004 and 2005 in the Marketing Communications Group, together with the consolidation of CPB from September 22, 2004, and organic growth.

        Operating profit for the year ended 2005 was $22.6 million, compared to $5.2 million for the year ended 2004. The increase in operating income in 2005 was primarily the result of an increase in revenue attributable to both the Marketing Communications Group and Secure Products International Group, and a decrease in stock-based compensation expense offset in part by increased compliance costs associated with Sarbanes-Oxley legislation and the establishment of a corporate office in New York.

        The net loss for 2005 increased from $2.2 million in 2004, to $7.9 million in 2005, as a result of the items described above offset primarily by the 2004 gain of $15.0 million of the Company's divestiture of its remaining interest in Custom Direct, Inc.

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Marketing Communications Group

        Revenues in 2005 attributable to the Marketing Communications Group, which consists of three reportable segments—Strategic Marketing Services ("SMS"), Customer Relationship Management ("CRM"), and Specialized Communications Services ("SCS"), were $363.4 million compared to $247.1 million in 2004, representing a year-over-year increase of 47%.

        The components of revenue growth for 2005 are shown in the following table:

        The Marketing Communications Group had organic growth of $19.7 million or 8% in 2005, primarily attributable to new business wins and additional revenues from existing clients, particularly in the US.

        For 2005, Marketing Communications revenue was $363.4 million compared to $247.1 million in 2004, representing an increase of $116.3 million, or 47%. Of the revenue growth, $56.8 million was attributable to acquisitions completed by the Company during 2004 and 2005, of which $45.4 million related to Zyman. The Company acquired a controlling interest in kirshenbaum bond + partners, LLC, during the first quarter of 2004, controlling interests in henderson bas, Hello Design, LLC, Bruce Mau Design Inc., and Banjo, LLC, during the second quarter of 2004, VitroRobertson, LLC during the third quarter of 2004, and the Zyman Group, LLC during the second quarter of 2005. A weakening of the US dollar versus the Canadian dollar in 2005 compared to 2004 resulted in increased contributions from the division's Canadian and UK-based operations by approximately $3.5 million. Additionally, revenue increased $36.4 million in 2005 as a result of the change in accounting of CPB described above.

        The positive organic growth, combined with acquisitions and the effect of the accounting treatment given to CPB, resulted in a shift in the geographic mix of revenues, due to an increase in the percentage of revenue growth attributable to US operations versus Canadian and UK-based operations compared to the geographic mix experienced in 2004.

        This shift in the geographic mix in revenues is demonstrated in the following table:

        The operating income of the Marketing Communications Group increased by approximately 55% to $45.5 million from $29.4 million, with operating margins of 12.5% for 2005 compared to 11.9% in 2004. The increase in operating margins was primarily reflective of a decrease in direct costs and staff costs as a percentage of revenue, offset by increases in general and other operating costs related to administrative salaries including severance, increased amortization relating to the Zyman acquisition and the application of consolidation accounting to the results of CPB during 2005 versus equity accounting until September 22, 2004.

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Secure Products International Group

        Secure Products International consists of two reportable segments—the Secure Cards Business ("SCB") and the Secure Paper Business ("SPB"). Revenues of Secure Products International were $80.1 million in 2005, representing an increase of 15% compared to 2004. A weakening in the US dollar, versus the Canadian and Australian dollars, in 2005 compared to 2004 resulted in increased contributions from the segment's Canadian and Australian-based operations of $3.3 million in 2005 compared to 2004. Organic growth for the year was $7.0 million or 10% due to an increase in the volume of stamps produced due to the 2006 US Postal Service rate increase, an increase in tickets produced due to the end of the National Hockey League ("NHL") lockout and an increase in the volume of secure cards produced.

        The components of the revenue growth for 2005 are:

        Secure Products International Group had operating income of $2.6 million in 2005 compared to operating income of $0.5 million in 2004. This increase results primarily from the increase in revenue noted above offset by decreases in gross margins from 39% in 2004 to 38% in 2005, and increased depreciation and amortization expense, additional severance costs and additional costs associated with the establishment of a management team dedicated to the Secure Products International Group.

Marketing Communications Group

Strategic Marketing Services ("SMS")

        Revenues attributable to SMS in 2005 were $217.3 million compared to $123.8 million in 2004. The year-over-year increase of $93.5 million or 76% was attributable primarily to the acquisitions of kirshenbaum bond & partners, LLC in during the first quarter of 2004, VitroRobertson, LLC during the third quarter of 2004 and Zyman Group, LLC during the second quarter of 2005 and the previously discussed change in the accounting of CPB, which has been consolidated since September 22, 2004. A weakening of the US dollar versus the Canadian dollar in 2005 compared to 2004 resulted in a 1% increase in contributions from the division's Canadian-based operations. Organic growth for 2005 was approximately 3% compared to 2004 primarily due to new business wins in the US.

        The operating income of SMS improved by approximately 83% to $32.9 million from $18.0 million in 2004, while operating margins increased to 15.1% for 2005 from 14.5% in 2004. These increased profits were primarily reflective of the Zyman acquisition and the application of consolidation accounting of the results of CPB for the full year 2005 versus equity accounting until September 22, 2004 and a decrease in staff costs as a percentage of revenue partially offset by an increase in the amortization of intangibles related to both the Zyman and CPB transactions, severance costs and a stock-based compensation charge in 2005.

Customer Relationship Management ("CRM")

        Revenues reported by the CRM segment in 2005 were $67.2 million, an increase of $7.5 million or 13% compared to the $59.7 million reported for 2004. This growth was due primarily to higher volumes from existing clients.

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        Operating income earned by CRM decreased by approximately $2.3 million to $1.3 million for 2005 from $3.6 million for the previous year. Operating margins were 2.0% for 2005 as compared to 6.1% in 2004. The decrease was primarily the result of a decrease in gross margins primarily from higher costs incurred relating to the implementation of a new service contract with one of the segment's large clients, and an increase in staff costs that was not fully offset by the increase in revenues generated. Administration expenses as a percentage of revenue were consistent in both periods.

Specialized Communications Services ("SCS")

        SCS generated revenues of $78.8 million for 2005, $15.2 million or 24% higher than 2004. Acquisitions accounted for an increase of approximately 7%, while organic growth, reflective of new business wins, was approximately 14% for the 2005 year compared to 2004. Revenues of the division's Canadian and UK-based operations increased 4% compared to 2004 as a result of a weakening of the US dollar versus the Canadian dollar.

        Similarly, the operating income of SCS increased by approximately 45% to $11.2 million from $7.7 million in 2004 due primarily to the increase in revenue and a decrease of total staff costs as a percentage of revenue, partially offset by an increase in direct costs and a slight increase in administrative expense as a percentage of revenue due primarily to severance payments. Consequently, operating margins increased to 14% for 2005, as compared to 12% in 2004.

Secure Products International Group

Secure Cards Business ("SCB")

        Revenues from SCB for 2005 were $31.7 million, representing an increase of $5.4 million or 21% over the $26.3 million recorded in 2004. Increased volumes produced growth of approximately 15% for 2005 compared to 2004. The division's Canadian and Australian-based operations reported a 6% increase in revenues related to a weakening of the US dollar versus the Canadian dollar in 2005 compared to 2004.

        SCB incurred an operating loss of $0.2 million for the 2005, an improvement of $2.6 million from the operating loss of $2.8 million reported for 2004. Profits generated from an increase in revenues and a decrease in general and other operating costs primarily related to administrative salaries, were partially offset by an increase in the cost of products sold as a percentage of revenue from 50% in 2004 to 55% in 2005, additional severance costs and additional costs associated with the establishment of a management team dedicated to the Secure Products International Group in the third quarter of 2005. The decrease in gross margin percentage is primarily related to a shift in product/customer mix.

Secure Paper Business ("SPB")

        Revenues recorded by SPB for 2005 were $48.4 million, an increase of $5.0 million or 12% compared to 2004. The increase in revenues of 7%, attributable primarily to an increase in the volume of stamps produced, due to a 2006 stamp rate increase and an increase in tickets produced following the end of the NHL strike. In addition, the impact of a weakening of the US dollar versus the Canadian dollar in 2005 compared to 2004 on the revenues of SPB's Canadian-based operations contributed a 4% increase.

        SPB earned operating income of $2.9 million for 2005, compared to operating income earned of $3.3 million in 2004. The decrease in operating income was attributable to a change in the mix of products sold to lower margin products,, higher overall operating costs including an increase in salaries of the ticketing operation and salary and related costs of the establishment of a management team for the Secure Products International Group in the third quarter of 2005.

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Corporate

        Operating losses related to the Company's Corporate and Other operations totaled $25.5 million compared to $24.7 million in 2004. Excluding the effects of the recovery of $2.7 million in litigation related accruals in 2004, overhead costs decreased by $1.5 million. This decrease was primarily due to a reduction of stock-based compensation of $5.4 million, offset by the establishment of a corporate office in New York and increased compliance costs associated with Sarbanes-Oxley legislation. Stock-based compensation was $2.7 million in 2005 versus $8.0 million in 2004. The $5.4 million decrease primarily related to charges recorded in 2004 relating to the Company amending its stock appreciation rights plan to amend the method of settlement from cash exclusively to cash or equity at the option of the Company.

Other Income (Expense) and Settlement of Long-Term Debt

        The other income recorded in 2005 of $0.6 million related primarily to the second quarter settlement of a loan held by Corporate operations which was previously provided for, offset by fixed asset dispositions. The 2004 gain of $14.8 million primarily related to the first quarter divestiture of the Company's remaining interest in Custom Direct, Inc, net of a loss on the settlement of the exchangeable debentures and the fair value adjustments on the related embedded derivative.

Foreign Exchange Gain (Loss)

        The foreign exchange loss was $0.9 million for 2005 compared to the loss of $0.5 million recorded in 2004 and was due primarily to a strengthening in the Canadian dollar compared to the US dollar on the US dollar denominated balances of Canadian subsidiaries. At December 31, 2005, the exchange rate was 1.16 Canadian dollars to one US dollar, compared to 1.20 at the end of 2004.

Net Interest Expense

        Net interest expense for 2005 was $8.9 million, an increase of $0.8 million over the $8.1 million net interest expense incurred during 2004. This increase relates primarily to higher outstanding debt combined with higher interest rates in 2005 due to the acquisition of the Zyman Group and the issuance of the 8% Debentures. Interest expense was reduced on a year-to-date basis by $0.2 million related to the mark-to-market adjustment of a swap agreement. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources".. Interest income decreased by $0.3 million due to better utilization of cash balances to repay debt.

Income Taxes

        Income tax expense in 2005 was $2.2 million compared to an expense of $0.8 million for 2004. The Company's effective tax rate was substantially lower than the statutory tax rate due to minority interest charges in both 2005 and 2004.

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

        In 2004, the effective rate was lower than the statutory rate because the Company did not recognize a tax charge related to the gain on sale of an affiliate as a result of available tax losses for which a full valuation allowance had previously been recorded.

Equity in Affiliates

        Equity in affiliates represents the income attributable to equity-accounted affiliate operations. For 2005, income of $1.4 million was recorded, $2.3 million lower than the $3.7 million earned in 2004. This decrease was primarily due to the consolidation of CPB, which has been consolidated in the

29

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Company's financial statements since September 22, 2004, but was previously accounted for under the equity method.

Minority Interests

        Minority interest expense was $21.2 million for 2005, up $12.0 million from the $9.2 million of minority interest expense incurred during 2004, primarily due to the earnings of CPB which have been recorded on a consolidated basis since September 22, 2004, and other recent acquisitions.

Discontinued Operations

        The income from discontinued operations for 2005 amounted to $0.6 million versus a loss of $7.1 million for 2004. Discontinued operations is comprised of the wholly-owned UK-based marketing communications subsidiary, Mr. Smith Agency, Ltd. ("Mr. Smith") and a variable interest entity whose operations had been consolidated by the Company, LifeMed Media, Inc. ("LifeMed").

        In November 2004, the Company's management reached a decision to discontinue Mr. Smith due to its unfavorable operating performance. Substantially all of the net assets of the discontinued business were sold during the fourth quarter of 2004 with the disposition of all activities of Mr. Smith. The remaining sale of assets was completed by the end of the second quarter of 2005. A gain of $0.4 million was recognized in the second and third quarters of 2005 as a result of receivables previously written off being recovered and unsecured liabilities being written off on liquidation. No significant one-time termination benefits were incurred. No further significant charges are expected to be incurred.

        During July 2005, LifeMed completed a private placement issuing approximately 12.5 million shares at a price of $0.4973 per share. LifeMed received net proceeds of approximately $6.2 million. Consequently, the Company's ownership interest in LifeMed was reduced to 18.3% from this transaction. As a result of the equity transaction of LifeMed, the Company recorded an equity gain of $1.3 million. This gain represents the Company's recovery of previously recorded losses in excess of the Company's original investment and the losses recorded that were in excess of the minority shareholders original investment. The Company no longer has any significant continuing involvement in the management or operations of LifeMed, and has not participated in the purchase of significant new equity offerings by LifeMed. Consequently, as of July 2005, the Company no longer consolidates the operations of LifeMed, and commenced accounting for its remaining investment in LifeMed on a cost basis and has reported the results of operations of LifeMed as discontinued operations for all periods presented in the consolidated statement of operations.

Net Income

        As a result of the foregoing, the net loss recorded for 2005 was $7.9 million or a loss of ($0.34) per diluted share, compared to the net loss of $2.2 million or ($0.09) per diluted share reported for 2004.

Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2003

        On a consolidated basis, revenue was $316.8 million for the year ended 2004, representing a 14% increase compared to revenue of $278.8 million for the year ended 2004. This increase relates primarily to acquisitions in the Marketing Communications Group, together with the consolidation of CPB from September 22, 2004 and organic growth offset in part by the divestiture of Custom Direct, Inc. ("CDI").

        Operating profit for the year ended 2004 was $5.2 million compared to an operating loss of $6.0 million for the year ended 2003. The increase in operating income in 2004 was primarily the result

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of 2003 impairment write-offs of goodwill and fixed assets, a 2004 one-time recovery of litigation accruals and an increase in operating income related to an improvement in revenues (as discussed above), offset by increased stock-based compensation expense, increased compliance costs associated with Sarbanes-Oxley legislation and an increase in Corporate overhead costs relating to the merger of head offices upon the privatization of Maxxcom Inc., and the establishment of a corporate office in New York.

        The net loss of $2.2 million in 2004, compared to net income of $12.4 million in 2003, is a result of the above offset by a gain on the divestiture of CDI of $43.8 million in 2003, compared to the gain of the remaining interest in CDI of $14.8 million in 2004.

Marketing Communications Group

        Marketing Communications revenue was $247.1 million in 2004 compared to revenue of $164.9 million in 2003, representing a year over year increase of $82.2 million or 50%. The revenue growth is primarily the result of the acquisition of several businesses. During the first quarter of 2004, the Company acquired a controlling interest in KBP. During the second quarter of 2004, the Company acquired controlling interests in henderson bas, Hello Design, LLC, Bruce Mau Design Inc., and Banjo, LLC. During the third quarter of 2004, the Company acquired VitroRobertson, LLC. These acquired operations contributed approximately $56.0 million of revenue during the year. Additionally, effective September 22, 2004, the Company consolidated the operations of CPB. CPB's revenue included in the Company's 2004 consolidated results was approximately $13.2 million. Excluding the revenue derived from these acquisitions and the consolidation of CPB during 2004, organic growth was approximately $9.7 million or 6% over 2003. A weakening of the US dollar versus the Canadian dollar throughout 2004 as compared to 2003 resulted in increased revenue contributions from the division's Canadian and UK-based operations by approximately $3.3 million.

        The components of revenue growth for 2004 are shown in the following table:

        The positive organic growth, particularly in revenues from US operations, combined with acquisitions and the consolidation of CPB, resulted in a shift in the geographic mix of revenues, which is demonstrated in the following table:

        The operating income of the Marketing Communications Group increased by approximately 44% to $29.4 million from $20.4 million, with operating margins of 11.9% for 2004 compared to 12.4% in 2003. The decrease in operating margins was primarily reflective of increases in general and other operating costs related to administrative salaries, increased amortization relating to the application of consolidation accounting of the results of CPB during 2004 versus equity accounting until

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September 22, 2004 offset by a decrease in direct costs and staff costs on a percentage of revenue and in 2003, the Company had a goodwill impairment charge of $0.8 million.

Secure Products International Group

        Revenues recorded by the Secure Products International Group for 2004 were $69.7 million, representing a decrease of $44.2 million, or 39%, compared to 2003. The decrease was primarily due to the divestiture of Custom Direct, Inc. ("CDI"). The remaining operations of the Secure Products International Group generated a year-over-year improvement of 2%, or $1.1 million. This growth was a result of a weakening of the US dollar versus the Canadian dollar throughout 2004 as compared to 2003 which resulted in increased revenue contributions from the division's Canadian and Australian based operations by approximately $3.8 million. Revenues decreased from 2003 by $2.8 million primarily as a result of a decrease in volume of cards produced.

        The Secure Products International Group contributed operating profit of $0.5 million, an improvement of $9.2 million from the 2003 operating loss of $8.7 million. Excluding the impact of disposed operations, and after adjusting the 2003 results for impairment charges of fixed assets and goodwill of $17.3 million, this represents a decrease of $0.5 million from the operating profit earned related to the remaining operations, primarily as a result of a decrease in the operating income attributable to the card operations partially offset by the increased profits earned by the stamp business. Operating profit generated by the ticket business increased marginally from the prior year, despite the impact of the NHL lockout on ticket revenues, due primarily to improved operating efficiencies.

Marketing Communications Group

Strategic Marketing Services

        Revenues attributable to SMS in 2004 were $123.8 million compared to $62.8 million in 2003. The year-over-year increase of $61.0 million or 97% was attributable primarily to the acquisitions of kirshenbaum bond & partners, LLC in during the first quarter of 2004 and VitroRobertson, LLC during the third quarter of 2004 and the previously discussed change in the accounting of CPB, which has been consolidated since September 22, 2004. A weakening of the US dollar versus the Canadian dollar in 2004 compared to 2003 resulted in a 2% increase in contributions from the division's Canadian-based operations. Revenue decreased in 2004 by $3.1 million compared to 2003 primarily due to a net loss of business.

        The operating income of SMS improved by approximately 80% to $18.0 million from $10.0 million in 2003, while operating margins decreased to 14.5% for 2004 from 15.9% in 2003. These increased profits were primarily reflective of the acquisitions and the application of consolidation accounting of the results of CPB 2004 versus equity accounting until September 22, 2004 and a decrease in staff costs as a percentage of revenue partially offset by an increase in the amortization of intangibles related to CPB.

Customer Relationship Management

        Revenues reported by the CRM segment in 2004 were $59.7 million, an increase of $13.6 million or 30% compared to the $46.1 million reported for 2003. This growth was due primarily to higher volumes from existing clients.

        The operating income earned by CRM decreased by approximately $0.2 million to $3.6 million for 2004 from $3.8 million in 2003. Operating margins were 6% for 2004 as compared to 8% in 2003. The decrease was primarily the result of a decrease in gross margins primarily from higher costs incurred to serve one of Accent Marketing's large clients.

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Specialized Communications Services

        SCS generated revenues of $63.6 million for 2004, $7.7 million or 14% higher than 2003. Acquisitions accounted for an increase of approximately 11%. Revenues decreased $0.8 million due to a net loss of business. Revenues of the division's Canadian-and UK-based operations increased 3% compared to 2003 as a result of a weakening of the US dollar versus the Canadian dollar.

        Similarly, the operating income of SCS increased by approximately 17% to $7.7 million from $6.6 million in the previous year due primarily to the increase acquisitions partially offset by a moderate increase in direct costs and salaries and due to the goodwill impairment charge of $0.8 million incurred in 2003. Consequently, operating margins remained at 12%.

Secure Products International Group

Secure Cards Business

        Revenues from SCB for 2004 were $26.3 million, representing a decrease of $3.0 million or 10% over $29.3 million recorded in 2003. Net decreased volumes resulted in decreased revenue of $5.3 million, this was offset in part by the weakening of the US by $2.3 million. While the operations of the Australian card business increased the Canadian card business experienced a decrease in volumes from existing customers and the full year effect of the loss of certain customers in 2003.

        SCB incurred an operating loss of $2.8 million for the 2004, a decrease of $7.0 million from the operating loss of $9.8 million reported for 2003. During 2003, SCB incurred an impairment charge relating to goodwill and fixed assets of $6.8 million. Excluding these impairment charges operating income decreased by $0.2 million resulting from an increase in the cost of products sold as a percentage of revenue from 46% in 2003 to 50% in 2004 and additional severance costs.

Secure Paper Business

        Revenues recorded by SPB for 2004 were $43.5 million, a decrease of $41.2 million or 49% compared to the same prior-year period. This decrease was primarily related to the divestiture of CDI which represent $45.2 million of revenues. Excluding the divestiture of CDI the remaining businesses had organic growth of 3%, attributable primarily to an increase in the volume of stamps produced under the USPS contracted awarded in 2003, offset by the NHL lockout. In addition, the impact of a weakening of the US dollar versus the Canadian dollar in 2004 compared to 2003 on the revenues of the division's Canadian-based operations contributed a 2% increase.

        SPB earned operating income of $3.3 million for 2004 compared to the operating income earned of $1.2 million in 2003. Excluding the impact of the divestiture of CDI and a goodwill and a fixed asset impairment charge of $3.5 million, operating income increased $3.4 million due to increased production and efficiency variances relating to stamps produced offset in part by an increase in salaries of the ticketing operation.

Corporate

Operating Costs

        Operating costs related to the Company's Corporate and Other operations totaled $24.7 million compared to $17.7 million in 2003. The increase of $7.0 million was largely the result of increased compliance costs associated with US GAAP reporting and Sarbanes-Oxley legislation, the merger of head offices upon the privatization of Maxxcom Inc., an increase in the provision for stock-based compensation, and an increase in overhead costs including the establishment of a corporate office in New York. Salaries and benefits, included in office and general expenses, increased $6.1 million from the previous year, and included $8.0 million of stock-based compensation expense in 2004 versus

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$5.9 million in 2003. Other charges of $1.3 million recorded in 2003 relate to the severance incurred in the third quarter of that year on the privatization of Maxxcom. The $2.7 million other recovery in 2004 relates to the reversal of a litigation-related accrual following a determination in the third quarter of 2004 that there would be no probable loss from this litigation matter.

Gain on Sale of Assets and Settlement of Long-Term Debt

        The gain on sale of assets and settlement of long-term debt was $14.8 million for 2004 and primarily related to the gain on the divestiture of the remaining interest in CDI of $21.9 million, net of the loss on the settlement of the adjustable rate exchangeable securities of $9.6 million and fair value adjustment for the embedded derivative in the first quarter of $4.0 million. The Company also recognized a $1.3 million loss on settlement of long-term debt and a $0.2 million loss on sale of assets in 2004. This represented a significant decline from the $43.8 million prior-year gain, which related primarily to the disposition of the Company's former US check operations.

Foreign Exchange Loss

        A foreign exchange loss of $0.5 million was recorded in 2004 compared to a loss of $2.0 million in 2003, due primarily to a strengthening in the Canadian dollar compared to the US dollar on the US dollar denominated monetary balances of Canadian subsidiaries. At December 31, 2004, the exchange rate was 1.20 Canadian dollars to one US dollar, compared to 1.30 at the end of 2003.

Interest Expense, Net

        Interest expense, net, incurred during 2004 amounted to $8.1 million, compared to $16.7 million incurred during 2003. Interest expense decreased $8.9 million due primarily to the repayment of the 10.5% senior subordinated notes ("Notes") in 2003 and the redemption of the convertible debentures in 2004. Interest income was relatively unchanged.

Income Tax Expense

        The 2004 income tax expense recorded was $0.8 million compared to $5.8 million for the prior year. Income taxes were 7.2% of income from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in affiliates and minority interests versus 30.3% in 2003. During 2004, the effective tax rate was substantially lower than the statutory tax rate as a result of minority interest income and because the Company did not recognize a tax charge related to the gain on sale of an affiliate as a result of available tax losses for which a full valuation allowance had previously been recorded.

Equity in Affiliates

        Equity in affiliates represents the income attributable to equity-accounted affiliate operations. For 2004, income of $3.7 million was recorded. The decrease of $1.2 million from the $4.9 million earned in 2003 is principally due to the consolidation of CPB in the third quarter of 2004 and reduced operating results in other affiliates partially offset by greater income generated by CPB prior to its consolidation. As a result of a change in the relationship between the Company and CPB and its officers, affected by the Company's Credit Facility entered into on September 22, 2004, the financial statements of CPB, a non-controlled affiliate that was previously accounted for under the equity method, have been consolidated with the Company's financial statements from that date as a variable interest entity.

Minority Interests

        Minority interests in income of consolidated subsidiaries represents the share of earnings or loss owned by minority shareholders of subsidiary companies pursuant to their respective shareholder

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agreements. Minority interest expense recorded for the year was $9.2 million, an increase of $4.7 million compared to the $4.5 million in the previous year. This was primarily the result of improved performance of non-wholly owned entities in the Marketing Communications Group, acquisitions, and CPB which was consolidated from September 22, 2004 for the reasons described above. The 2003 results were affected by a recovery of $1.0 million related to Metaca and Maxxcom for the period in which those operations were not wholly-owned subsidiaries.

Discontinued Operations

        In November 2004, the Company's management reached a decision to discontinue the operations of a component of its business, the Company's UK-based marketing communications business wholly-owned subsidiary, Mr. Smith Agency, Ltd. The Company decided to cease the operations of this business due to its unfavorable economics. The net assets of the discontinued business were disposed of during the fourth quarter of 2004 with the closure to be substantially completed by the end of the first quarter of 2005. The loss attributable to these discontinued operations was $5.9 million for 2004 compared to $1.3 million in 2003.

        During July 2005, LifeMed completed a private placement reducing the Company's ownership interest in LifeMed to 18.3%. The Company no longer has any significant continuing involvement in the management or operations of LifeMed, and has not participated in the purchase of significant new equity offerings by LifeMed. Consequently, as of July 2005, the Company no longer consolidates the operations of LifeMed, and commenced accounting for its remaining investment in LifeMed on a cost basis and has reported the results of operations of LifeMed as discontinued operations for all periods presented in the consolidated statement of operations. This resulted in an additional loss in discontinued operations of $1.2 million.

Net Income (Loss) and Earnings (Loss) per Share (EPS)

        Net loss reported for 2004 was $2.2 million compared to net income of $12.4 million achieved in 2003, primarily due to more significant asset sale gains in 2003. Diluted EPS was a loss of ($0.09) in 2004 compared to income of $0.65 in 2003. The diluted shares outstanding at 2003 included 3.4 million of shares related to the 7% Convertible Notes which were converted on May 5, 2004 through the issuance of approximately 2.6 million Class A subordinate voting shares.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        The following table provides information about the Company's liquidity position as of December 31,

        As at December 31, 2005 and 2004, $5.3 million and $6.6 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 for use to reduce its indebtedness. It is the Company's intent through its cash management system to reduce outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility using available cash.

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Working Capital

        At December 31, 2005, the Company had a working capital deficit of $99.9 million compared to a deficit of $35.9 million at December 31, 2004. Excluding the effect of the $73.5 million revolving Credit Facility reclassification as of December 31, 2005, working capital improved by $9.4 million primarily due to seasonal shifts in amounts billed to clients and paid to suppliers, primarily media outlets.

        The Company expects that available borrowings under the Credit Facility, and refinancings thereof, together with cash flows from operations, will be sufficient at any particular time to adequately fund working capital deficits should there be a need to do so from time to time.

Cash Flow

        In 2005, the Company has separately disclosed the operating, investing and financing positions of the cash flows attributable to its discontinued operations, which in prior periods were reported on a combined basis as a single amount.

Operating Activities

        Cash flow provided by operations, for 2005 was $4.7 million. This was attributable primarily to the net loss of $7.9 million, plus non-cash depreciation and amortization of $27.5 million and non-cash stock-based compensation of $3.3 million. This was partially offset by a decrease in accounts payable of $8.0 million and a decrease in advance billings of $7.5 million.

        The cash flow provided by operations, amounted to $20.2 million for 2004. This was attributable primarily to a net loss of $2.2 million plus stock-based compensation of $8.4 million, depreciation and amortization of $13.7 million, amortization and write-off of deferred finance charges of $6.2 million and an increase in accounts payable, accruals, other liabilities and advanced billings of $32.1 million. This was partially offset by an increase in expenditures billable to clients of $16.1 million and a decrease in advance billings of $17.1 million. The increase of $7.9 million compared to the cash flow generated during 2003 of $12.3 million was primarily the result of improved operating profits generated by the Marketing Communications Group, partially offset by the impact of lower revenues and operating income related to Secure Products International Group and Corporate and Other.

Investing Activities

        Cash flows used in investing activities were $67.4 million for 2005, compared with $27.7 million in 2004, and cash provided by investing activities in 2003 of $80.3 million.

        Expenditures for capital assets in 2005 were $13.1 million. Of this amount, $10.5 million in expenditures were made by the Marketing Communications Group and $2.3 million related primarily to the purchase of manufacturing equipment by the Secure Products International Group. The remaining $0.3 million related to the purchase of corporate assets.

        Expenditures for capital assets in 2004 were $15.6 million. Of this amount, $8.2 million of the expenditures were made by the Marketing Communications Group and $7.2 million related primarily to the purchase of manufacturing equipment by Secure Products International Group. Capital expenditures in 2003 totaled $16.5 million and consisted of the development of customer service centres, additional investment in new premises and applications software by the Marketing Communications Group and an increase in the purchase of manufacturing equipment across Secure Products International Group.

        Cash flow used in acquisitions was $56.8 million in 2005 and primarily related to the purchase of the Zyman Group. Cash flow used in acquisitions was $17.6 million and $26.7 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively and related primarily to the investing activities of the Marketing Communications Group

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and deferred purchase payments. For further details relating to the Company's acquisitions, see Note 4 of the Company's consolidated financial statements included in this Prospectus.

        Profit distributions received from non-consolidated affiliates amounted to $1.8 million for 2005 compared to $7.3 million in 2004. The $5.5 million decrease was primarily due to distributions from CPB in 2004 when it was accounted for on an equity basis. Since September 22, 2004, this entity has been consolidated as a variable interest entity. The distributions of non-consolidated affiliates totalled $7.3 million in 2004, and $4.3 million in 2003, reflecting significant growth in CPB in 2004 through September, after which CPB was consolidated as a variable interest entity.

        In 2003, proceeds of dispositions received amounted to $115.2 million and primarily represented the net proceeds received from the public offering of CDI.

        Cash flows from other assets in 2003 related primarily to the repayment of employee loans.

Financing Activities

        During 2005, cash flows provided by financing activities amounted to $52.3 million, and consisted of proceeds related to the issuance of $36.7 million of 8% convertible debentures in the second quarter, and borrowings under the Credit Facility used to fund the acquisition of the Zyman Group. Payments made of $8.6 million consist of payments under capital leases, bank borrowings, and debt assumed in the Zyman Group acquisition. In addition, the Company incurred $3.3 million of finance costs related to both the debentures and the various amendments under the credit facility.

        Cash flows used in financing activities during 2004 were $34.4 million and consisted of the proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt of $63.4 million, borrowing of $6.0 million under the credit facility, a repayment of $95.0 million of long-term debt, proceeds of $3.6 million from the issuance of share capital through a private placement and the exercise of options, and $12.5 million used to repurchase shares of the Company under a normal course issuer bid.

        In 2003, cash flows used in financing activities amounted to $62.1 million. The net reduction in debt was $51.5 million, due primarily to the redemption of the Company's 10.5% Senior Subordinated Notes ("Notes") partially offset by the adjustable rate exchangeable securities and new indebtedness incurred by the Marketing Communications Group to fund the payment of deferred acquisition consideration and certain capital expenditures. The exercise of options provided $3.0 million. In addition, $13.7 million was used to repurchase and cancel shares of the Company.

Long-Term Debt

        Long-term debt (including the current portion of long-term debt) as of December 31, 2005 was $123.2 million, an increase of $69.7 million compared with the $53.5 million outstanding at December 31, 2004, primarily the result of an increase of borrowings under the Credit Facility, the issuance of approximately $36.7 million of convertible debentures and debt assumed in the Zyman Group acquisition.

        During 2004, 2005 and 2006, the Company amended or obtained waivers under the Credit Facility, as follows:

•

On December 22, 2004 and March 14, 2005, the Company amended certain of the terms and conditions of the revolving credit facility ("Credit Facility"). Pursuant to such amendments, the lenders under the Credit Facility agreed, among other things, to (i) extend the due date for the Company to deliver to the lenders its annual financial statements; (ii) amend the pricing grid; (iii) modify the Company's total debt ratio, fixed charge ratio and capital expenditures covenants; and (iv) waive any potential default that may have occurred as a result of the Company's failure to comply with its total debt ratio and fixed charge coverage ratio covenants.

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This amendment was necessary in order to avoid an event of default under the Credit Facility and to permit the Company to continue to borrow under the Credit Facility.

•

On March 31, 2005, the Company received a limited waiver from the lenders under its Credit Facility, pursuant to which the lenders agreed to give the Company until April 15, 2005 to deliver its financial statements for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2004.



•

In order to finance the Zyman Group acquisition, the Company entered into an additional amendment to its Credit Facility on April 1, 2005. This amendment provided for, among other things, (i) an increase in the total revolving commitments available under the Credit Agreement from $100 million to $150 million, (ii) permission to consummate the Zyman Group acquisition, (iii) mandatory reductions of the total revolving commitments by $25 million on June 30, 2005, $5 million on September 30, 2005, $10 million on December 31, 2005 and $10 million on March 31, 2006, (iv) reduced flexibility to consummate acquisitions going forward and (v) modification to the fixed charges ratio and total debt ratio financial covenants.



•

On May 9, 2005, the Company further amended the terms of its Credit Facility. Pursuant to such amendment, among other things, the lenders (i) modified the Company's total debt ratio covenant; and (ii) waived the default that occurred as a result of the Company's failure to comply with its total debt ratio covenant solely with respect to the period ended March 31, 2005.



•

On June 6, 2005, the Company further amended its Credit Facility to permit the issuance of 8% convertible unsecured subordinated debentures (see below). In addition, pursuant to this amendment, the lenders (i) modified the definition of "Total Debt Ratio" to exclude the 8% convertible unsecured subordinated debentures from such definition, (ii) required a reduction of the revolving commitments under the Credit Facility from $150.0 million to $116.2 million effective June 28, 2005, a reduction equal to the net proceeds received by the Company from the issuance of these debentures, (iii) imposed certain restrictions on the ability of the Company to amend the documentation governing the debentures, and (iv) modified the Company's fixed charges ratio covenant, effective upon issuance of these debentures.



•

On October 31, 2005, the Company further amended its Credit Facility. Pursuant to such amendment, among other things, the lenders (i) reduced the revolving commitments under the Credit Facility to $105 million, effective as of the date of the amendment, with a further reduction of $5 million on December 31, 2005; (ii) modified the Company's "total debt ratio" and "fixed charges ratio" covenants; (iii) effective April 15, 2006, added a 1.0% per annum facility fee on the amount of the revolving commitments under the Credit Facility in excess of $65 million, which fee will be payable beginning on April 15, 2006 and for so long as the revolving commitments under the Credit Facility are in excess of $65 million; and (iv) waived the default that may have occurred as a result of the Company's failure to comply with its total debt ratio covenant and fixed charges covenant with respect to the test period ended September 30, 2005. In addition, in the event of a sale of the Company's secure products business, the Company must repay advances under the Credit Facility by an amount equal to the net proceeds received by the Company from such sale ("Sale Net Proceeds"), and the revolving commitments under the facility would be reduced by an amount equal to the Sale Net Proceeds.



•

On January 17, 2006, the Company further amended its Credit Facility. Pursuant to such amendment, the lenders agreed to permit the Company to continue to fund capital contributions to an investment to which the Company had a contractual commitment, in an aggregate amount not exceeding $0.7 million.

        The 2005 amendments to the Credit Facility were necessary in order to avoid an event of default under the Credit Facility, to finance the Zyman Group acquisition, and to permit the Company to continue to borrow under the Credit Facility. The Company is currently in compliance with all of the

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terms and conditions of its amended Credit Facility, and management believes, based on its current financial projections, that the Company will be in compliance with covenants over the next twelve months. However, as a result of the need to obtain waivers and amend the Credit Facility in two of the past three reporting periods, the Company has determined that the most conservative accounting classification is for the outstanding debt under the Credit Facility to be classified as current. Notwithstanding this accounting classification, management believes that the Company will be in compliance with its financial covenants for at least the next twelve months. Although such debt has been classified as current, the maturity of the Credit Facility remains September 22, 2007.

        If the Company loses all or a substantial portion of its lines of credit under the Credit Facility, it will be required to seek other sources of liquidity. If the Company were unable to find these sources of liquidity, for example through an equity offering or access to the capital markets, the Company's ability to fund its working capital needs and any contingent obligations with respect to put options would be adversely affected.

        Pursuant to the Credit Facility, the Company must comply with certain financial covenants including, among other things, covenants for (i) total debt ratio; (ii) fixed charges ratio; (iii) minimum liquidity; (iv) minimum net worth; and (v) limitations on capital expenditures, in each case as such term is specifically defined in the Credit Facility. For the period ended December 31, 2005, the Company's calculation of each of these covenants, and the specific requirements under the Credit Facility, respectively, were as follows:

        In 2006, certain of these financial covenants under the Credit Facility will become more restrictive. Specifically, the maximum Total Debt Ratio covenant under the Credit Facility will be as follows: March 31, 2006—2.95 to 1.0; June 30, 2006—2.75 to 1.0; and September 30, 2006 and thereafter—2.5 to 1.0. The minimum Fixed Charges Ratio covenant under the Credit Facility will be as follows: March 31, 2006—1.00 to 1.00; June 30, 2006—1.05 to 1.00; September 30, 2006—1.15 to 1.00; and December 31, 2006 and thereafter—1.25 to 1.00. These ratios are not based on generally accepted accounting principles and are not presented as alternative measures of operating performance or liquidity. They are presented here to demonstrate compliance with the covenants in the Company's Credit Facility, as non-compliance with such covenants could have a material adverse effect on us.

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8% Convertible Unsecured Subordinated Debentures

        On June 28, 2005, the Company completed a public offering in Canada of C$45.0 million of convertible unsecured subordinated debentures (amounting to $36.7 million at December 31, 2005). The Debentures will mature on June 30, 2010. The Debentures will bear interest at an annual rate of 8.00% payable semi-annually, in arrears, on June 30 and December 31 of each year, commencing December 31, 2005. The Company is required to use its reasonable best efforts to cause a resale registration statement to be declared effective as soon as practicable. MDC did not have an effective resale registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on December 31, 2005, and as a result, the Company is required to pay additional amounts on the debentures such that the rate of interest increased by 0.50% for the first six month period following December 31, 2005, and, if the Company does not have an effective resale registration statement filed with the SEC by June 30, 2006, the rate of interest will increase by an additional 0.50%. Such additional agreements will continue until the earlier of (a) the end of the six-month period in which the Company has an effective resale registration statement filed with the SEC, or (b) June 30, 2007, at which time the interest rate will return to 8.00%. Unless an event of default has occurred and is continuing, the Company may elect, from time to time, subject to applicable regulatory approval, to issue and deliver Class A subordinate voting shares to the debenture trustee in order to raise funds to satisfy all or any part of the Company's obligations to pay interest on the debentures in accordance with the indenture, in which event holders of the debentures will be entitled to receive a cash payment equal to the interest payable from the proceeds of the sale of such Class A subordinate voting shares by the debenture trustee. The amount received by a holder in respect of interest will not be affected by whether or not the Company elect to utilize this mechanism. See "Description of the Debentures—Interest Payment Election"

        The debentures will be convertible at the holder's option into fully-paid, non-assessable and freely tradeable Class A subordinate voting shares of the Company, at any time prior to maturity or redemption, subject to the restrictions on transfer, at a conversion price of C$14.00 ($12.06 at December 31, 2005) per Class A subordinate voting share being a ratio of approximately 71.4286 Class A subordinate voting shares per C$1,000 ($861 at December 31, 2005) principal amount of Debentures.

        The debentures may not be redeemed by the Company on or before June 30, 2008. Thereafter, but prior to June 30, 2009, the debentures may be redeemed, in whole or in part from time to time, at a price equal to the principal amount of the debenture plus accrued and unpaid interest, provided that the volume weighted average trading price of the Class A subordinate voting shares on the The Toronto Stock Exchange during a specified period is not less than 125% of the conversion price. From July 1, 2009 until the maturity of the debentures, the debentures may be redeemed by the Company at a price equal to the principal amount of the debenture plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. The Company may elect to satisfy the redemption consideration, in whole or part, by issuing Class A subordinate voting shares of the Company to the holders, the number of which will be determined by dividing the principal amount of the debenture by 95% of the current market price of the Class A subordinate voting shares on the redemption date. Upon the occurrence of a change of control of the Company involving the acquisition of voting control or direction over 50% or more of the outstanding Class A subordinate voting shares prior to June 30, 2008, the Company shall be required to make an offer to purchase all of the then-outstanding debentures at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus an amount equal to the interest payments not yet received on the debentures calculated from the date of the change of control to June 30, 2008, discounted at a specified rate. Upon the occurrence of a change of control on or after June 30, 2008, the Company shall be required to make an offer to purchase all of the then-outstanding debentures at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the debentures plus accrued and unpaid interest to the purchase date.

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Disclosure of Contractual Obligations and Other Commercial Commitments

        The following table provides a payment schedule of present and future obligations. Management anticipates that the obligations outstanding at December 31, 2005 will be repaid with new financing, equity offerings and/or cash flow from operations (in thousands):

		Payments Due by Period
Contractual Obligations		Total			Less than 1 year			1-3 years			3-5 years			After 5 years
Long-term Indebtedness		$	121,583		$	4,247		$	74,623		$	42,713		$	—
Capital Lease Obligations			5,396			2,063			2,497			809			27
Operating Leases			70,953			15,920			25,290			20,001			9,742
Purchase Obligations			1,674			1,674			—			—			—
Deferred Acquisition Consideration			4,124			1,741			2,383			—			—
Management services agreement			1,740			950			790			—			—
Total Contractual Obligations		$	205,470		$	26,595		$	105,583		$	63,523		$	9,769

        The following table provides a summary of other commercial commitments (in thousands) at December 31, 2005:

		Payments Due by Period
Other Commercial Commitments		Total			Less than 1 year			1-3 years			3-5 years			After 5 years
Lines of credit		$	3,739		$	3,739		$	—		$	—		$	—
Letters of credit			4,490			4,490			—			—			—
Total Other Commercial Commitments		$	8,229		$	8,229		$	—		$	—		$	—

        For further detail on MDC's long-term debt principal and interest payments, see Note 13 of the Company's consolidated financial statements included in this Prospectus. See also "Off-Balance Sheet Commitments" below.

Capital Resources

        At December 31, 2005, the Company had utilized approximately $81.7 million of its Credit Facility in the form of drawings and letters of credit. Cash and undrawn available bank credit facilities (after giving effect to the October 31, 2005 amendment described above) to support the Company's future cash requirements, as at December 31, 2005, was approximately $18.3 million.

        The Company expects to incur approximately $12.0 million of capital expenditures in 2006. Such capital expenditures are expected to include leasehold improvements at certain of the Company's operating subsidiaries including the opening of a new customer contact facility. The Company intends to maintain and expand its business using cash from operating activities, together with funds available under the Credit Facility and, if required, by raising additional funds through the incurrence of bridge or other debt (which may include or require further amendments to the Credit Facility) or the issuance of equity. Management believes that the Company's cash flow from operations and funds available under the Credit Facility, and refinancings thereof, will be sufficient to meet its ongoing working capital, capital expenditures and other cash needs over the next eighteen months. If the Company has significant organic growth or growth through acquisitions, management expects that the Company may need to obtain additional financing in the form of debt and/or equity financing. As described previously, on April 1, 2005, the Company increased its Credit Facility from $100 million to $150 million, with a subsequent reduction to $116.2 million at June 28, 2005. Effective October 31,

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2005, the Company agreed to a further reduction of its Credit Facility to $105 million, with a further reduction to $100 million at December 31, 2005.

Deferred Acquisition Consideration (Earnouts)

        Acquisitions of businesses by the Company include commitments to contingent deferred purchase consideration payable to the seller. The contingent purchase obligations are generally payable annually over a three-year period following the acquisition date, and are based on achievement of certain thresholds of future earnings and, in certain cases, also based on the rate of growth of those earnings. The contingent consideration is recorded as an obligation of the Company when the contingency is resolved and the amount is reasonably determinable. At December 31, 2005, approximately $0.4 million of the deferred consideration relates to acquisitions in 2004 and is presented on the Company's balance sheet. The remainder of the deferred acquisition consideration relates to current year acquisition's contingent and non-contingent payments. Based on the various assumptions as to future operating results of the relevant entities, including the April 1, 2005 acquisition of the Zyman Group, management estimates that approximately $2.4 million of additional deferred purchase obligations could be triggered during 2006 or thereafter, including approximately $1.2 million which may be paid in the form of issuance by the Company of its Class A shares. The actual amount that the Company pays in connection with the obligations may be materially different from this estimate.

Off-Balance Sheet Commitments

Put Rights of Subsidiaries' Minority Shareholders

        Owners of interests in certain of the Marketing Communications Group subsidiaries have the right in certain circumstances to require the Company to acquire the remaining ownership interests held by them. These rights are not freestanding. The owners' ability to exercise any such "put" 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 2006 to 2013. 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 that date of exercise, the growth rate of the earnings of the relevant subsidiary during that period, and, in some cases, the currency exchange rate at the date of payment.

        Management estimates, assuming that the subsidiaries owned by the Company at December 31, 2005, perform over the relevant future periods at their 2005 earnings levels, that these rights, if all exercised, could require the Company, in future periods, to pay an aggregate amount of approximately $100.3 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 $20.4 million by the issuance of the Company's Class A Shares. 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 $10.2 million of the estimated $100.3 million that the Company would be required to pay subsidiaries minority shareholders' upon the exercise of outstanding "put" rights, relates to rights exercisable within the next twelve months. See "Risk Factors."

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        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		2006			2007			2008			2009 & Thereafter			Total
		($ Millions)
Cash		$	9.5		$	7.3		$	26.2		$	36.8		$	79.8
Shares			0.7			1.2			6.4			12.2			20.5
		$	10.2		$	8.5		$	32.6		$	49.0		$	100.3	(1)
Incremental operating income before depreciation and amortization(2)		$	3.7		$	3.2		$	7.2		$	4.4		$	18.5

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(1)

Of this, approximately $43.3 million has been recognized in Minority Interest on the Company's balance sheet as of September 22, 2004 in conjunction with the consolidation of CPB as a variable interest entity. (See Note 8)

(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 2006 forecasted operating results.

        Approximately $10.2 million of the estimated $100.3 million that the Company could be required to pay subsidiaries' minority shareholders upon the exercise of outstanding "put" option rights relates to rights exercisable in 2006 in respect of the securities of seven subsidiaries. Approximately, $3.6 million of put option relating to two subsidiaries have been exercised in 2005 and will be settled during 2006. The Company expects to fund the acquisition of these interests, if and when they become due, through the use of cash derived from operations, bank borrowings and/or other external sources of financing. The acquisition of any equity interest in connection with the potential exercise of these rights in 2006 will not be recorded in the Company's financial statements until equity ownership is transferred.

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 several years.

        In connection with the sale of the Company's investment in CDI, the amounts of indemnification guarantees are limited to the total sale price of approximately $84 million. 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 provision has been accrued in the accompanying consolidated financial statements with respect to these indemnification guarantees. The Company continues to monitor the conditions that are subject to guarantees and indemnifications to identify whether it is probable that a loss has occurred, and would recognize any such losses under any guarantees or indemnifications in the period when those losses are probable and estimable.

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        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 to be insignificant.

Transactions with Related Parties

        The Company incurred fees totaling $2.4 million, $2.8 million and $8.0 million in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively to companies controlled by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of the Company in respect of services rendered pursuant to the terms of his management services agreement. The management services agreement expires on October 31, 2007, subject to renewal.

        The Company incurred fees totaling nil, $0.3 million, and $0.3 million in 2005, 2004, and 2003 paid to a company controlled by a director of the Company in respect of services provided related to the monetization of CDI.

        A subsidiary of the Company also provided Marketing Communications services totaling $0.1 million in 2005 and less than $0.1 million in 2004 and 2003 to an entity of which an officer of the Company is a Trustee of such entity.

        In 2000, the Company agreed to provide to its CEO, Miles S. Nadal, a bonus of C$10 million ($8.6 million) in the event that the average market price of the Company's Class A subordinate voting shares is $26 (C$30) per share or more for more than 20 consecutive trading days (measured as of the close of trading on each applicable date). This bonus is payable until the date that is three years after the date on which Mr. Nadal is no longer employed by the Company for any reason. The after-tax proceeds of such bonus are to be applied first as repayment of any outstanding loans due to the Company from this officer and his related companies in the amount of C$6.8 million ($5.9 million) and C$3.0 million ($2.6 million), respectively, as at December 31, 2005, both of which have been fully provided for in the Company's accounts.

        In 2000, the Company purchased 1,600,000 shares in Trapeze Media Limited ("Trapeze") for $0.2 million. At the same time, the Company's CEO purchased 4,280,000 shares of Trapeze for $0.6 million, the Company's former Chief Financial Officer and a Managing Director of the Company each purchased 50,000 Trapeze shares for $7,000 and a Board Member of the Company purchased 75,000 shares of Trapeze for $10,000. In 2001, the Company purchased an additional 1,250,000 shares for $0.2 million, and the Company's CEO purchased 500,000 shares for $0.1 million. In 2002, the Company's CEO purchased 3,691,930 shares of Trapeze for $0.5 million. All of these purchases were made at identical prices (i.e. C$0.20/unit). In 2003, the Company and the CEO exchanged their shares in Trapeze for non-voting shares and entered into a voting trust agreement. In 2002, 2003 and 2004, the Company's CEO advanced an aggregate amount equal to $0.2 million to Trapeze, and such loans were secured by Trapeze's assets. In 2004, Trapeze repaid $0.1 million of the amounts owed to the Company's CEO. In February 2005, the Company's CEO provided Trapeze with a $0.2 million line of credit. The line of credit accrues interest at annual interest rate equal to 15%. During 2005 total interest and fees paid were approximately $66,000. At December 31, 2005, Trapeze had borrowed $0.2 million under this line of credit. In January 2006, Trapeze repaid $0.1 million of these advances. In addition, in 2005, 2004 and 2003, Trapeze paid $31,000, $20,000 and $18,000, respectively, in fees for accounting and other services to an entity affiliated with the Company's CEO.

        The Board of Directors, through its Audit Committee, has reviewed and approved these transactions.

Differences in Management Discussion and Analysis Presentation Under Canadian GAAP

        Under Canadian securities requirements, the Company is required to provide supplemental information to highlight the significant differences that would have resulted in the information provided

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in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" had the Company prepared the "Management's Discussion and Analysis" using Canadian GAAP financial information.

        The Company has identified and disclosed the significant differences between Canadian and US GAAP as applied to its consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 in Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements. The primary GAAP difference impacting the components of operating income (loss) is the application under Canadian GAAP of proportionate consolidation for investments in joint ventures in the Marketing Communications Group businesses, while US GAAP requires equity accounting for such investments. This GAAP difference does not have a significant impact on the content of the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" as the discussion of the results of the Company's Marketing Communications Group businesses.

Critical Accounting Policies

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

        Estimates.    The preparation of the Company's financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, or "GAAP", requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities 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.

        Revenue Recognition.    The Company generates services revenue from its Marketing Communications businesses and product revenue from its Secure Products businesses.

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

Marketing Communications Group

        The Marketing Communications businesses 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.

        Non-refundable retainer fees are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the specific customer contract. Commission revenue is earned and recognized upon the placement of advertisements in various media when the Company has no further performance obligations. Fixed fees for services are 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 the Company uses the Proportional Performance model, which results in delivery being considered to occur over a period of time.

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

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        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.

Secure Products International Group

        Substantially all of the Secure Products International group revenue is derived from the sale of products. There are no warranty or product return provisions in the Company's contracts that result in significant provisions. The Company has the following revenue recognition policies.

        Revenue derived from the stamp operations is recognized upon shipment or upon delivery of the product to the customer when the Company's obligations under the contractual arrangements are completed, the customer takes ownership and assumes the risk of loss of the product, the selling price is determinable and the collection of the related receivable is reasonably assured. The Company performs quality control testing procedures prior to shipment to ensure that its contractual obligations are met. Under these contractual arrangements, the Company has the ability to recover any costs incurred prior to shipment in the event of contract termination accordingly the Company accounts for the manufacturing costs incurred as inventory work-in-process, prior to completion of production.

        Revenue derived from secured printing arrangements whereby the Company manufactures and stores the printed product for a period of time at the direction of its customer with delivery at a future date within a 90 day period is accounted for on a "bill and hold" basis whereby the Company allocates the arrangement consideration on a relative fair value basis between the printing service and the storage service. The Company recognizes the printing revenue when the customized printed products move to the secure storage facility and the printing process are complete and when title transfers to the customer. The Company has no further obligations under the printing segment of the arrangement. The Company recognizes the storage fee revenue on a straight-line basis over the period to product delivery.

        Although amounts are generally not billed by the Company until the customized print product is delivered to the customer's premises, collection of the entire consideration is due under certain contracts within 90 days of completion of the printing segment of the arrangement and is not dependent on delivery. For other contracts where payment is dependent on delivery, revenue is recognized upon delivery to the customer's premises and when other criteria for revenue recognition are met.

        Revenue derived from the design, manufacturing, inventory management and personalization of secure cards is recognized as a single unit of accounting when the secure card is shipped to the cardholder, the Company's service obligations to the card issuer are complete under the terms of the contractual arrangement, the total selling price related to the card is known and collection of the related receivable is reasonably assured. Any amounts billed and/or collected in advance of this date are deferred and recognized at the shipping date. Under these contractual arrangements, the Company has the ability to recover any costs incurred prior to shipping in the event of contract termination and accordingly the Company accounts for the costs incurred related to design and manufacturing as inventory work-in-process.

        The Company's revenue recognition policies are in compliance with the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin 104, "Revenue Recognition" ("SAB 104"). SAB 104 summarizes certain of the SEC staff's views in applying generally accepted accounting principles to revenue recognition in financial statements. Also, in July 2000, the EITF of the Financial Accounting Standards Board released Issue No. 99-19, "Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent" ("EITF 99-19). This Issue summarized the EITF's views on when revenue should be recorded at the gross amount billed because

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it has earned revenue from the sale of goods or services, or the net amount retained because it has earned a fee or commission. In the Marketing Communications Group businesses, the business at times acts as an agent and records revenue equal to the net amount retained, when the fee or commission is earned.

        Acquisitions, Goodwill and Other Intangibles.    A fair value approach is used in testing goodwill for impairment under SFAS 142 to determine if an other than temporary impairment has occurred. One approach utilized to determine fair values is a discounted cash flow methodology. When available and as appropriate, comparative market multiples are used. Numerous estimates and assumptions necessarily have to be made when completing a discounted cash flow valuation, including estimates and assumptions regarding interest rates, appropriate discount rates and capital structure. Additionally, estimates must be made regarding revenue growth, operating margins, tax rates, working capital requirements and capital expenditures. Estimates and assumptions also need to be made when determining the appropriate comparative market multiples to be used. Actual results of operations, cash flows and other factors used in a discounted cash flow valuation will likely differ from the estimates used and it is possible that differences and changes could be material. The Company incurred goodwill impairment charges of $0.5 million and $10.0 million in 2005 and 2003, respectively. No impairment charge was recognized in 2004.

        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.

        A summary of the Company's deferred acquisition consideration obligations, sometimes referred to as earnouts, and obligations under put rights of subsidiaries' minority shareholders to purchase additional interests in certain subsidiary and affiliate companies is set forth in the "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section of this report. The deferred acquisition consideration obligations and obligations to purchase additional interests in certain subsidiary and affiliate companies are primarily based on future performance. Contingent purchase price obligations are accrued, in accordance with GAAP, when the contingency is resolved and payment is determinable.

        Allowance for doubtful accounts.    Trade receivables are stated less allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance represents estimated uncollectible receivables usually due to customers' potential insolvency. The allowance included 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 these factors could impact the estimated valuation allowance and income tax expense.

        Stock-based compensation.    Effective January 1, 2003, the Company prospectively adopted fair value accounting for stock-based awards as prescribed by SFAS No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation". Prior to January 1, 2003, the Company elected not to apply fair value accounting to stock-based awards to employees, other than for direct awards of stock and awards settleable in cash, which required fair value accounting. Prior to January 1, 2003, for awards not elected to be accounted for under the fair value method, the Company accounted for stock-based compensation in accordance

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with Accounting Principles Board Opinion 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB 25"). APB 25 is based upon an intrinsic value method of accounting for stock-based compensation. Under this method, compensation cost is measured as the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the stock issuance at the measurement date over the amount to be paid by the employee.

        The Company adopted fair value accounting for stock-based awards using the prospective method available under the transitional provisions of SFAS No. 148 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure". Accordingly, the fair value method is applied to all awards granted, modified or settled on or after January 1, 2003. Under the fair value method, compensation cost is measured at fair value at the date of grant and is expensed over the service period, that is the award's vesting period. When awards are exercised, share capital is credited by the sum of the consideration paid together with the related portion previously credited to additional paid-in capital when compensation costs were charged against income or acquisition consideration. Stock-based awards that are settled in cash or may be settled in cash at the option of employees are recorded as liabilities. The measurement of the liability and compensation cost for these awards is based on the intrinsic 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 subsequent to vesting of the award and prior to the settlement date are recorded as compensation cost over the service period in operating income. The final payment amount for Share Appreciation Rights is established on the date of the exercise of the award by the employee.

        Variable Interest Entities.    The Company evaluates its various investments in entities to determine whether the investee is a variable interest entity and if so whether MDC is the primary beneficiary. Such evaluation requires management to make estimates and judgments regarding the sufficiency of the equity at risk in the investee and the expected losses of the investee and may impact whether the investee is accounted for on a consolidated basis.

New Accounting Pronouncements

        The following recent pronouncements were issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"):

Effective in Future Periods

        In October 2005, the FASB issued Staff Position ("FSP") FAS 13-1, which clarifies that rental costs incurred during the period of construction of an asset on leased property should not be capitalized. Rather they should be recognized as rental expense in the same manner as rental costs incurred after the construction period. FSP FAS 13-1 is effective for the first reporting period beginning after December 15, 2005, with earlier application permitted. The capitalization of rental costs must cease as of the effective date in respect of operating lease arrangements entered into prior thereto. Retroactive restatement of prior period financial statements is allowed, but not required. The Company does not expect its financial statements to be significantly impacted by this statement.

        In September 2005, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") on Issue 04-13, Accounting for Purchases and Sales of Inventory with the Same Counterparty ("EITF 04-13"). The Task Force addressed the situation in which an entity sells inventory to another entity that operates in the same line of business pursuant to a single arrangement (or multiple separate arrangements).

        The foregoing consensus is effective for new arrangements entered into and for modifications or renewals of existing arrangements beginning in the first interim or annual reporting period commencing after March 15, 2006, with early application permitted. The Company does not expect its financial statements to be significantly impacted by this statement.

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        In September 2005, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the EITF on Issue 05-7, Accounting for Modifications to Conversion Options Embedded in Debt Instruments and Related Issues ("EITF 05-7"). According to EITF Issue 96-19, "Debtor's Accounting for a Modification or Exchange of Debt Instruments," an exchange of debt instruments having substantially different terms (or a substantial modification of the terms of existing debt) is deemed tantamount to a debt extinguishment. In EITF 05-7, the Task Force provides the following additional guidance in the application of EITF 96-19:

•

In determining whether a substantial modification has been made to a convertible debt instrument (and thus whether an extinguishment has occurred), the change in fair value of the related embedded conversion option should be included in the EITF 96-19 analysis, with such change calculated as the difference between the fair values of the option immediately before and after the modification.



•

The modification of a convertible debt instrument should affect subsequent recognition of interest expense with respect to changes in the fair value of the embedded conversion option.



•

A new beneficial conversion feature should not be recognized nor should an existing one be reassessed upon modification to a convertible debt instrument (i.e., the only value associated with the modification of the embedded conversion option to be accounted for should be the change in its fair value).

        The foregoing consensus is effective for future modifications of debt instruments beginning in the first interim or annual reporting period commencing after December 15, 2005, with early application permitted.

        In September 2005, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the EITF on Issue 05-8, Income Tax Consequences of Issuing Convertible Debt with a Beneficial Conversion Feature ("EITF 05-8"). The Task Force reached the following consensuses:

•

The issuance of convertible debt with a beneficial conversion feature results in a basis difference in applying FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. Recognition of such a feature effectively creates a debt instrument and a separate equity instrument for book purposes, whereas the convertible debt is treated entirely as a debt instrument for income tax purposes.



•

The resulting basis difference should be deemed a temporary difference because it will result in a taxable amount when the recorded amount of the liability is recovered or settled.



•

Recognition of deferred taxes for the temporary difference should be reported as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital.

        The foregoing consensus is effective in the first interim or annual reporting period commencing after December 15, 2005, with early application permitted. The effect of applying the consensus should be accounted for retroactively to all debt instruments containing a beneficial conversion feature that are subject to EITF 00-27, "Application of Issue No. 98-5 to Certain Convertible Debt Instruments" (and thus is applicable to debt instruments converted or extinguished in prior periods but which are still presented in the financial statements). The Company does not expect its financial statements to be significantly impacted by this statement.

        In June 2005, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the EITF on Issue 05-2, The Meaning of "Conventional Convertible Debt Instrument" in EITF Issue 00-19, "Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially, Settled in, a Company's Own Stock". SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, specifically provides that contracts issued or held by a reporting entity that are both indexed to its own stock and classified as equity in its balance sheet should not be considered derivative instruments. EITF Issue 00-19 provides guidance in determining whether an embedded derivative should be classified in stockholders' equity if it were a

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freestanding instrument. Issue 00-19 contains an exception to its general requirements for evaluating whether, pursuant to SFAS No. 133, an embedded derivative indexed to a company's own stock would be classified as stockholders' equity. The exception applies to a "conventional convertible debt instrument" in which the holder may realize the value of the conversion option only by exercising the option and receiving all proceeds in a fixed number of shares or in the equivalent amount of cash (at the discretion of the issuer). The Task Force reached the following consensuses:

•

The exception for "conventional convertible debt instruments" should be retained in Issue 00-19.



•

Instruments providing the holder with an option to convert into a fixed number of shares (or an equivalent amount of cash at the issuer's discretion) for which the ability to exercise the option feature is based on the passage of time or on a contingent event should be considered "conventional" for purposes of applying Issue 00-19.



•

Convertible preferred stock having a mandatory redemption date may still qualify for the exception if the economic characteristics indicate that the instrument is more like debt than equity.

        The foregoing consensuses should be applied to new instruments entered into and instruments modified in periods beginning after June 29, 2005. The Company's financial statements were not materially impacted by this statement.

        In June 2005, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the EITF on Issue 05-6 "Determining the Amortization Period for Leasehold Improvements Purchased after Lease Inception or Acquired in a Business Combination". SFAS No. 13, Accounting for Leases, requires that assets recognized under capital leases that do not (1) transfer ownership of the property to the lessee at the end of the lease term, or (2) contain a bargain purchase option, be amortized over a period limited to the lease term (which includes reasonably assured renewal periods). Though SFAS No. 13 does not explicitly address the amortization period for leasehold improvements on operating leases, in practice, leasehold improvements placed in service at or near the beginning of the initial lease term are amortized over the lesser of the lease term itself or the useful life of the leasehold improvement. The EITF reached the following consensuses regarding the amortization period for leasehold improvements on operating leases that are placed in service significantly after the start of the initial lease term:

•

Such leasehold improvements acquired in a business combination should be amortized over the shorter of (1) the useful life of the underlying asset, or (2) a term that includes required lease periods and reasonably assured renewal periods.



•

Such other leasehold improvements (i.e., those not acquired in a business combination) placed in service significantly after the beginning of the lease term should be amortized over the lesser of (1) the useful life of the underlying asset, or (2) a term that includes required lease periods and reasonably assured renewal periods, as of the date on which the leasehold improvements are purchased.

        The consensuses should be applied to covered leasehold improvements acquired (either in a business combination or otherwise) in periods beginning after June 29, 2005; earlier application is permitted for periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued. In September 2005, the EITF modified the above consensus to clarify that the guidance in EITF 05-6 does not apply to pre-existing leasehold improvements and should not be used to justify the re-evaluation of the amortization periods thereof in respect to additional renewal periods, when new leasehold improvements are placed into service significantly after the initial lease terms and that were not contemplated at or near the inception of the lease term. The Company's financial statements were not materially impacted by this statement.

        In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, Inventory Costs—an amendment to ARB No. 43, Chapter 4. This statement amends the guidance in Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

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No. 43, Chapter 4, "Inventory Pricing", to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage). ARB 43 previously stated that these expenses may be so abnormal as to require treatment as current period charges. SFAS No. 151 requires that those items be recognized as current-period charges regardless of whether they meet the criterion of "so abnormal". In addition, SFAS No. 151 requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. Prospective application of this statement is required by the Company beginning January 1, 2006. The Company does not expect its financial statements to be significantly impacted by this statement.

        In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123(R) "Share Based Payment". ("SFAS 123(R)") On April 14, 2005, the SEC amended the effective date such that the standard is effective no later than the first fiscal year beginning on or after June 15, 2005 (fiscal 2006 for the Company), the adoption of this SFAS requires the Company to recognize compensation costs for all equity-classified awards granted, modified or settled after the effective date using the fair-value measurement method. In addition, public companies using the fair value method will recognize compensation expense for the unvested portion of awards outstanding as of the effective date based on their grant date fair value as calculated under the original provisions of SFAS 123. In September 2005, the FASB issued Staff Position ("FSP") FAS 123(R)-1, which defers the provisions of SFAS 123(R) that make a freestanding financial instrument originally issued in a share-based compensation arrangement with employees subject to other GAAP when the holder ceases to be an employee, unless the terms of the instrument have been subsequently modified. Further, in October 2005, the FASB issued FSP FAS 123(R)-2, which provides practical guidance for determining the date of grant of an award pursuant to SFAS 123(R). Additionally, in October 2005, the FASB issued FSP FAS 123(R)-3, which permits a simplified transition method for computing the available excess tax benefits in additional paid-in capital at the time SFAS 123(R) is adopted. In March 2005, Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, ("SAB107"), "Share-Based Payment", was issued to address the application of SFAS 123(R). Although the Company is still evaluating the impact, due to the limited number of unvested awards granted prior to 2003 and outstanding as of the effective date, the provisions of this pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

        In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, Exchanges of Non-monetary Assets—an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29. This statement amends Opinion 29 to eliminate the exception for non-monetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception for exchanges of non-monetary assets that do not have commercial substance. A non-monetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. Prospective application of this statement is required by the Company beginning January 1, 2006. The Company does not expect its financial statements to be significantly impacted by this statement.

        In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154 which replaces APB No.20, Accounting Changes, and SFAS Statement No. 3, Reporting Changes in Interim Financial Statements. The Statement changes the accounting for, and reporting of, a change in accounting principle. SFAS 154 requires retrospective application to prior period's financial statements of voluntary changes in accounting principle and changes required by new accounting standards when the standard does not include specific transition provisions, unless it is impracticable to do so. SFAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. Early application is permitted for accounting changes and corrections of errors during fiscal years beginning after June 1, 2005. The Company does not expect its financial statements to be significantly impacted by this statement.

        During 2005, the SEC staff revised EITF D-98, primarily to provide guidance on (1) the earnings per share treatment of redeemable common stock and (2) the application of EITF D-98 to share-based payment arrangements with employees. The guidance on the earnings per share treatment of redeemable common stock provided in this Announcement should be applied in the first fiscal period beginning after September 15, 2005. The guidance on the application of EITF D-98 to share-based payment arrangements with employees should be applied concurrent with adoption of SFAS 123(R). The Company does not expect its financial statements to be significantly impacted by this statement.

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        In 2004, FASB issued EITF Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments". The consensus requires certain quantitative and qualitative disclosures with respect to investments accounted for under SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity, and SFAS No. 124, Accounting for Certain Investments Held by Not-for-Profit Organizations. It also requires certain disclosures for cost method investments. The consensus reached on this Issue is effective for reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2004, except for the measurement and recognition guidance contained in paragraphs 10-20 of this Issue in EITF Abstracts, which was deferred by FSP EITF Issue 03-1-1, "The Effective Date of Paragraphs 10-20 of EITF Issue No. 03-1, 'The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments,"' posted on September 30, 2004. The guidance in paragraphs 10-20 of EITF 03-1 has subsequently been replaced by guidance in FSP FAS 115-1 and FAS 124-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments." Although the guidance in EITF 03-1 has been replaced by the FSP as described below, the requirement to recognize other-than-temporary impairments under other authoritative guidance, and the disclosure requirements of EITF 03-1 continue to be effective.

        FSP FAS 115-1 and FAS 124-1 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005 and amends EITF 03-1 as follows:

•

Nullifies the requirements of paragraphs 10-18 of EITF 03-1;



•

Carries forward the requirements of paragraphs 8 and 9 of EITF 03-1 with respect to cost-method investments;



•

Carries forward the disclosure requirements included in paragraphs 21 and 22 of EITF 03-1 and related examples; and



•

References existing other-than-temporary impairment guidance.

        The Company does not expect its financial statements to be significantly implaced by this statement.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

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

        Debt Instruments: At December 31, 2005, the Company's debt obligations consisted of amounts outstanding under a revolving credit facility. This facility bears interest at variable rates based upon the Eurodollar rate, US bank prime rate, US base rate, and Canadian bank prime 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 $77.2 million, as of December 31, 2005, a 1.0% increase or decrease in the weighted average interest rate, which was 6.7% at December 31, 2005, would have an interest impact of approximately $0.8 million annually.

        Foreign Exchange: The Company conducts business in four currencies, the US dollar, the Canadian dollar, the Australian dollar, and the British Pound. Our results of operations are subject to risk from the translation to the US dollar of the revenue and expenses of our non-US operations. The effects of currency exchange rate fluctuations on the translation of our results of operations are discussed in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Result of Operations" and in Note 2 of our consolidated financial statements. For the most part, our revenues and expenses incurred related to those revenues are denominated in the same 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.

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        Effective June 28, 2005, the Company entered into a cross-currency swap contract ("Swap"), a form of derivative, in order to mitigate the risk of currency fluctuations relating to interest payment obligations. The Swap contract provides for a notional amount of debt fixed at C$45.0 million and at $36.5 million, with the interest rates fixed at 8% per annum for the Canadian dollar amount and fixed at 8.25% per annum for the US dollar amount. Consequently, under the terms of this Swap, semi-annually, the Company will receive interest of C$1.8 million and will pay interest of $1.5 million per annum. The Swap contract matures June 30, 2008.

Disclosure 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 our President 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.

        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, and in light of the Company's material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting described below, the Company has concluded that its disclosure controls and procedures were not effective. Accordingly, the Company has performed additional analysis and procedures described below to ensure that its consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with US GAAP.

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

        Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

        We assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005. In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). During this process, management identified material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting.

        A material weakness, as defined under standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board's ("PCAOB") Auditing Standard No. 2, is a control deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected.

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        Based on our assessment, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2005, we did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting due to the following material weaknesses:

Accounting for Complex and Non-Routine Transactions

        The Company continues to have a material weakness with respect to accounting for complex and non-routine transactions. The Company did not have a sufficient number of finance personnel with sufficient technical accounting knowledge, or an appropriate process to address and review complex and non-routine accounting matters. Specifically, these matters involved material adjustments for complex and non-routine transactions in the following areas that occurred in the third quarter and were detected and corrected prior to the release of our interim financial statements:

•

Accounting for dilution gains and losses related to equity transactions of subsidiaries. This included one transaction that resulted in the presentation of the investment as discontinued operations.



•

Accounting for a one-time "bill and hold" transaction as revenue when it did not meet all of the accounting requirements for revenue recognition.



•

Accounting for a stock arrangement related to shares provided to employees of a subsidiary by a principal shareholder.

        The material adjustments impacted the following accounts: product revenue, cost of products sold, office and general expenses, other income (expense) and settlement of long-term debt, inventory, other assets, minority interest, and additional paid in capital. This deficiency results in a more-than-remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual and interim consolidated financial statements would not be prevented or detected.

Revenue Recognition and Accounting for Related Costs

        As a result of certain deficiencies in the controls over the application of accounting standards at certain subsidiaries within the Marketing Communications Group, and deficiencies in controls over the recording of revenue and costs of revenue at certain subsidiaries, the Company continues to have a material weakness with respect to revenue recognition and accounting for certain related costs. Specifically, controls were not designed and in place to ensure that customer contracts were analyzed to select the appropriate method of revenue recognition. In addition, controls were not designed and in place to ensure that revenue transactions were analyzed for appropriate presentation and disclosure of billable client pass-through expenses or for revenue recognition on a gross or net basis.

        As a result of these deficiencies, errors were identified and corrected prior to issuance of the Company's 2005 consolidated financial statements. These deficiencies affected the following accounts: accounts receivable; sales to be billed; accrued liabilities; services revenue; and cost of services sold. These deficiencies result in a more-than-remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim consolidated financial statements would not be prevented or detected.

Segregation of Duties

        The Company continues to have control deficiencies within its accounting and finance departments and its financial information systems over segregation of duties and user access respectively. Specifically, certain duties within the accounting and finance department were not properly segregated. In addition, the Company identified instances whereby personnel had the ability to initiate transactions or accounting entries within certain financial reporting applications that were not compatible with their other roles and responsibilities. None of the segregation of duty or access control deficiencies resulted in a misstatement to the financial statements. However, these deficiencies result in a more-than remote

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likelihood that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements would not be prevented or detected.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

        Management previously assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004. Based on that assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2004, the Company had material weaknesses in the following areas: control environment; financial reporting close process; accounting for complex and non-routine transactions; revenue recognition and accounting for related costs; income taxes; lease accounting; segregation of duties; and information technology general controls. These weaknesses are described in greater detail in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.

        In response to the material weaknesses identified in 2004, the Company began its remediation with the Control Environment. The Company strengthened its Code of Conduct (formally the "Code of Ethics"), augmented its Whistleblower procedures by implementing an anonymous telephone hotline with an external service provider, and enhanced its communication of these policies. In addition, in 2004, the Company formed a Disclosure Committee, made up of a diverse range of management representatives, to review each public filing, and ensure compliance with its Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

        The Company also performed a comprehensive assessment of the skill sets of the individuals in key positions in the financial reporting process and began making appropriate changes, some of which did not occur until late in 2005 and thus had a limited impact during 2005. In particular, the Company hired a Chief Accounting Officer (effective April 1, 2005) with US GAAP experience. In addition, the Company hired additional resources, including a former Controller of a US public company, with revenue recognition expertise, a dedicated Director of Taxation, and additional personnel within its accounting and finance departments at both the Company's operating subsidiaries and corporate head office.

        These new personnel, along with our existing staff, began implementing additional controls and procedures to specifically address the areas of material weakness identified in 2004, including segregation of duties. These new controls and procedures included policies requiring that all new material contracts and the accounting for such, including revenue and lease contracts, to be reviewed by head office to ensure appropriateness of the accounting. Additionally, the Company strengthened its controls and procedures related to the review of subsidiary monthly financial statements. The Company further implemented controls and procedures with respect to the review and implementation of new accounting pronouncements, including procedures for ensuring appropriate documentation of significant transactions and application of accounting standards. The Company has hired and will continue to hire additional resources to support management's process for evaluating, monitoring, and improving internal controls over financial reporting. The steps taken to improve internal controls are expected to result in the remediation of the material weaknesses related to accounting for non-routine and complex transactions and revenue recognition and accounting for related costs.

        To address the material weakness identified in our 2004 report related to information technology general controls, the Company hired a Vice-President, Information Technology to manage and co-ordinate important Information Technology General Control matters, which included the distribution of comprehensive guidance with respect to all aspects of Information Technology General Controls.

        The Company continues to dedicate significant personnel and financial resources to the ongoing efforts to remediate its remaining material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting.

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BUSINESS

MDC PARTNERS INC.

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

        MDC is a leading provider of marketing communications services and secure transaction products and services, to customers in more than 10 countries. MDC has operating units in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and Mexico. MDC conducts its businesses through two operating groups: the Marketing Communications Group and the Secure Products International Group.

Marketing Communications Group

        MDC's subsidiaries provide a comprehensive range of marketing communications and consulting services in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, including advertising, direct marketing, database and customer relationship management, sales promotion, corporate communications, market research, corporate identity, design and branding, interactive marketing, strategic entertainment and other related services.

        MDC's strategy is to build, grow and acquire market-leading businesses that deliver innovative, value-added marketing communications services to their clients. Management believes that long-term shareholder value is maximized with an operating philosophy of "Perpetual Partnership"® with proven committed industry leaders in marketing communications. The basic tenets of Perpetual Partnership are:

•

Find the right Partners. We look for successful firms that bring innovation and creativity to marketing communications disciplines. We further seek growth-minded, entrepreneurial firms where management has a strong track record yet seeks additional resources to help accelerate growth.



•

Create the right Partnership. The model requires partners to retain an equity stake in the business. Moreover, the Perpetual Partnership model respects the unique culture of each Partner firm, and therefore seeks to enhance, not change, what has made our Partners successful.



•

Provide access to more resources. MDC will help Partners develop their business plans, make use of other Partners' capabilities and provide financial and other assistance in furthering their strategic objectives.



•

Deliver healthy financial rewards. The Perpetual Partnership model provides Partners with an immediate financial return and gives them an ongoing share of future profits. The model further facilitates a smooth transition to a new generation of employee-stakeholders.

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        The Marketing Communications Group operates through its "partner" companies within the following reportable segments:

Strategic Marketing Services ("SMS")

        The SMS segment consists of integrated marketing consulting services firms that offer a full complement of marketing communication and consulting services, including advertising and media, direct marketing, public relations, corporate communications, market research, corporate identity and branding, interactive marketing and sales promotion. The SMS segment is comprised of the following agencies: Allard Johnson; ACLC; Colle + McVoy; Crispin Porter + Bogusky; Fletcher Martin; kirshenbaum bond + partners; Margeotes Fertitta Powell; VitroRobertson; and Zyman Group.

Customer Relationship Management ("CRM")

        The CRM segment, comprised of Accent Marketing Services, provides marketing services that interface directly with the consumer of a client's product or service. These services include the design, development and implementation of a complete customer service and direct marketing initiative intended to acquire, retain and develop each client's customer base. This is accomplished primarily through sophisticated database management and analytical services and through customer care services using several domestic and a foreign-based customer contact facilities.

Specialized Communication Services ("SCS")

        The SCS segment includes marketing services firms that are normally engaged to provide a single or a few specific marketing services to regional, national and global clients. These firms provide niche solutions by providing world class expertise in selected marketing services. The services they provide include advertising, sales promotion, direct marketing, media relations and corporate communications. The SCS segment is comprised of the following agencies: Banjo; Bratskeir & Company; Bruce Mau Design; Bryan Mills Group; Chinnici Direct; Computer Composition; Hello Design; henderson bas; Integrated Healthcare Communications; Mackenzie Marketing; Northstar Research Partners; Onbrand; Pro-Image; Source Marketing; TargetCom; and Veritas Communications.

Secure Products International Group

        MDC's Secure Products International Group provides security products and services in Canada, United States and Australia in three primary areas: (i) electronic transaction products, such as credit, debit, telephone and smart cards; (ii) secure ticketing products, such as airline, transit and event tickets; and (iii) stamps, both postal and excise.

        The Secure Products International Group is comprised of two segments: the Secure Cards Business and the Secure Paper Business.

Secure Cards Business

        This segment provides security products and services related to electronic transaction products such as credit, debit, telephone and smart cards. The Secure Cards Business is comprised of Placard Pty Ltd. ("Placard") and Metaca Corporation ("Metaca"). Placard provides card services and smart cards in the Australian market, serving the financial services, telecommunications, retail, insurance, government and utility industries. Metaca is a secure card solution provider, offering clients innovative, single source solutions for chip and traditional card applications.

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Secure Paper Business

        This segment produces secured specialty printed products which include stamps, labels and tickets. Products for each of these entities are manufactured for customers on a specific order basis. The Secure Paper Business consists of Ashton Potter and Mercury Graphics. Ashton Potter is one of the world's largest postage stamp manufacturers and a leader in the high security printing business. Mercury Graphics provides product solutions in security and specialty printing, specializing in events ticketing, airlines and mass transit markets.

Equity Accounted Affiliates

        The following are the Company's affiliates that are accounted for under the equity method: Accumark Promotions; Cliff Freeman and Partners; e-Lab Technologies; Mono Advertising; Zig; FuseProject and 939 GP Inc. These entities provide a range of advertising and marketing communication services.

Ownership Information

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

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

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MDC Partners Inc.

Schedule of Current and Potential Ownership

						Put/Call Options
Company		% Owned at 12/31/05		Year Acquired
						2006		Thereafter
						(See Notes)
Marketing Communications Consolidated:
Strategic Marketing Services
ACLC Inc		100.0	%	1992		—
Allard Johnson Communications Inc.		60.0	%	1992		69.1	%
Colle & McVoy, Inc.		100.0	%	1999		—
Crispin Porter & Bogusky, LLC		49.0	%	2001		—		Note 1
Fletcher Martin, LLC		85.0	%	1999		100.0	%
kirshenbaum bond & partners, LLC		60.0	%	2004		—		Note 2
Margeotes Fertitta Powell, LLC		95.0	%	1998		—		Note 3
Vitro Robertson, LLC		68.0	%	2004		—		Note 4
Zyman Group, LLC.		61.6	%	2005		—		Note 5
Customer Relationship Management
Accent Marketing Services, LLC		89.4	%	1999		97.6	%	Note 6
Specialized Communication Services
Banjo Strategic Entertainment, LLC		75.0	%	2004		—
Bratskeir & Company, Inc.		100.0	%	2000		—
Bruce Mau Design Inc.		50.1	%	2004		—
Bryan Mills Group Ltd.		71.2	%	1989		100.0	%
Chinnici Direct, Inc.		100.0	%	2000		—
Computer Composition of Canada Inc.		100.0	%	1988		—
Hello Design, LLC		51.0	%	2004		—
henderson bas partnership		65.0	%	2004		100.0	%
Integrated Healthcare Communications, Inc.		80.0	%	1997		—
Mackenzie Marketing, Inc.		100.0	%	2000		—
Northstar Research Partners Inc.		50.1	%	1998		100.0	%
Onbrand (formerly Strategies International)		85.0	%	1992		—
Pro-Image Corporation		100.0	%	1994		—
Source Marketing, LLC		87.7	%	1998		100.0	%	Note 7
TargetCom, LLC		100.0	%	2000		—
Veritas Communications Inc.		58.8	%	1993		—
Equity Accounted:
Equity Accounted Affiliates
Accumark Promotions Group Inc		55.0	%	1993		—
Cliff Freeman and Partners, LLC		19.9	%	2004		80.1	%	Note 8
Mono Advertising, LLC		49.9	%	2004		—		Note 9
Zig Inc.		49.9	%	2004		—		Note 10
Fuseproject.		20.0	%	2005		—		Note 11
Secure Products International Consolidated:
Ashton-Potter [USA] Ltd.		100.0	%	1993		—
Mercury Graphics		100.0	%	1995		—
Metaca Corporation		100.0	%	1997		—
Placard Pty Ltd.		100.0	%	1996		—

Notes

1.

MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Crispin Porter & Bogusky, LLC ("CPB") through acquisition of an incremental interest, up to 83% in 2007 and 100% in 2009. The other interest holders have the right to put to MDC an incremental interest up to 57.5% in 2007, up to 83% in 2008 and up to 100% in 2009.

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2.

MDC has the right to increase its ownership in kirschenbaum bond & partners, LLC 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 2008.

3.

MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Margeotes Fertitta Powell LLC through acquisition of an incremental interest, and the interest holder has the right to put to MDC the same incremental interest, up to 100% in 2010.

4.

MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Vitro Robertson, LLC 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 2011.

5.

MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Zyman Group, LLC through acquisition of an incremental interest, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental interest, up to 67.1% in 2008. MDC also has the right to further increase its ownership interest in Zyman Group through acquisition of an incremental interest up to 92.5% in 2013.

6.

MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Accent Marketing Services LLC through acquisition of an incremental interest, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental interest, up to 99.5% in 2007.

7.

Effective February 7, 2006, MDC purchased 12.33% of the membership interests in Source Marketing LLC following the exercise of the put option. Source Marketing subsequently issued 15% of its equity interests to members of management on February 15, 2006. MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Source Marketing (currently 85%) through acquisition of an incremental interest, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental interest, up to 90% in 2008, 95% in 2010 and 100% in 2012.

8.

MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Cliff Freeman and Partners LLC. through acquisition of up to 100% of this entity in 2007.

9.

MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Mono Advertising, LLC through acquisition of an incremental interest, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental interest, up to 54% of this entity in 2010, up to 59% in 2011, up to 64% in 2012, up to 69% in 2013 and up to 74.0% in 2014.

10.

MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Zig Inc. through acquisition of an incremental interest, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental interest, up to 79.9% in 2009.

11.

MDC, through its ownership of CPB (an entity in which MDC owns 49%), has a 20% interest in FuseProject LLC.

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Highlights Since January 1, 2005

        Since January 1, 2005, the following significant developments in MDC's business have occurred.

April 1, 2005		MDC, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, purchased approximately 61.6% of the total outstanding membership units of Zyman Group, LLC for a purchase price equal to $52.4 million paid in cash, plus the issuance of 1,139,975 class A shares of MDC valued at approximately $11.2 million. In connection with this acquisition, MDC further amended its Credit Facility. Such amendment provided for, among other things, (i) an increase in the total revolving commitments available under the Credit Facility from $100 million to $150 million, (ii) permission to consummate the Zyman Group acquisition, (iii) mandatory reductions of the total revolving commitments by $25 million on June 30, 2005, $5 million on September 30, 2005, $10 million on December 31, 2005 and $10 million on March 31, 2006, (iv) reduced flexibility to consummate acquisitions going forward and (v) modification to MDC's fixed charges ratio and total debt ratio financial covenants.
June 28, 2005		MDC completed an offering in Canada of C$45 million of convertible unsecured subordinated debentures (amounting to $38.7 million at December 31, 2005). The debentures mature on June 30, 2010. The Debentures bear interest at an annual rate of 8.00% payable semi-annually, in arrears, on June 30 and December 31 of each year, commencing December 31, 2005. Effective January 1, 2006 until the end of the six-month period in which a registration statement for the resale of the debentures is declared effective by the SEC, additional amounts are payable on the debentures such that the debentures will bear interest at an annual rate of 8.50%, subject to an additional 0.5% increase in certain circumstances.
July 25, 2005		Margeotes Fertitta Powell, LLC ("Margeotes") completed an acquisition of the net assets of Powell LLC in exchange for cash and a 5% interest in Margeotes. As of December 31, 2005, the seller of Powell LLC earned an additional $0.3 million based on achievement of financial performance criteria. In addition, in July 2005, MDC received notice that the 20% minority interest holder of Margeotes exercised its put option. The exercise price for the put option was $1.7 million, paid in cash, and the closing for such put option exercise was completed effective August 3, 2005. As a result of these transactions, MDC now owns 95% of the equity interests in Margeotes.
September 1, 2005		MDC, through a consolidated variable interest entity, Crispin Porter & Bogusky, LLC, purchased 20% of the total outstanding membership units of Fuseproject for purchase price consideration of $0.8 million in cash plus an additional $0.4 million payable in cash on or before March 1, 2006. Fuseproject is a product design and branding firm acquired by CPB to complement its creative offerings. The investment in FuseProject was accounted for using the equity method as CPB has significant influence over the operations of Fuseproject.

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December 1, 2005		MDC, through its subsidiary Northstar Research Partners (USA) LLC ("NS LLC"), purchased the business of Neuwirth Research Partners, Inc. ("Neuwirth") for purchase price consideration of $0.5 million in cash, a 20% equity interest in NS LLC valued at $0.2 million and $0.3 million of MDC stock. In addition, the Company may be required to pay up to an additional $0.6 million to the seller if the acquired Neuwirth business achieves specified financial targets for the year ended December 31, 2005 and/or December 31, 2006. As of December 31, 2005, the Company determined that these targets have been met and accrued the additional purchase amount.
February 7, 2006		MDC purchased 12.33% of the membership interests of Source Marketing LLC ("Source") following the minority holder's exercise of a put option in October 2005. The purchase price of $2.3 million consisted of cash of $1.8 million and the delivery of 1,063,516 shares of LifeMed valued at $0.5 million. Following this transaction, the Company's ownership in LifeMed is 13.4%.
February 15, 2006		Source issued 15% of its currently outstanding membership interests to certain members of management. The purchase price for these membership interests was equal to $1.5 million, which consisted of cash of $0.4 million and recourse notes in a principal amount equal to $1.1 million. An amended and restated LLC agreement was entered into with these new shareholders. The agreement also permits these shareholders to put to the Company these membership interests from December 2008-2012. As a result of the above transactions, the Company now owns 85% of Source.

Financial Information Relating to Business Segments and Geographic Regions

        For financial information relating to (a) the Company's Marketing Communications Group and the Secure Products International Group, (b) the geographic regions the businesses operate within, and (c) the revenues contributed by major class of product and service from these segments, refer to Note 16 (Segmented Information) of the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report and to "Management's Discussion and Analysis" for further discussion.

Competition

Marketing Communications Group

        The operating companies of the Marketing Communications Group compete for business in the competitive, highly fragmented marketing and communications industry with the operating subsidiaries of large global holding companies such as Omnicom Group Inc., Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc., WPP Group plc, Publicis Group SA and Havas Advertising. These global holding companies generally have greater resources than those available to MDC and its subsidiaries, and such resources may enable them to aggressively pursue and compete with the business of the Marketing Communications Group. Each of the operating companies within the Marketing Communications Group also face competition from numerous agencies that operate in one or more countries or local markets. MDC's operating companies must compete with these other companies to maintain existing client relationships and to obtain new clients and assignments. MDC's operating companies compete at this level by providing clients with marketing ideas and strategies that are focused on increasing clients' revenues and profits. These existing and potential clients include the operations of multinational corporations and national companies with mid-to-large sized marketing budgets. MDC also benefits from internal referrals and the cross-offering of services and the expertise within its network, which enables MDC to service clients' multiple marketing needs.

        A company's ability to compete for new clients is affected in some instances by the policy, which many advertisers and marketers impose, of not permitting their agencies to represent competitive

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accounts in the same market. As a result, increasing size may limit a company's ability to compete for certain new clients. In the vast majority of cases, however, MDC's consistent maintenance of separate, independent operating companies has enabled MDC to represent competing clients across its network.

Secure Products International Group

        Competition in the markets of the Secure Products International Group is primarily dependent upon quality, reliability and service. Price is also an important criteria, but is secondary to the initial requirement for a supplier to satisfy a potential customer that it has the proven ability to meet the primary criteria. In both Canada and the United States, government and public corporation security products are generally awarded on the basis of competitive bidding procedures through Requests for Proposals ("RFPs"). These RFPs require a bidder to provide detailed information regarding price, security, manufacturing capabilities and quality control processes. These RFP submissions form the basis for the awarding of contracts.

        MDC's Ashton Potter unit competes with Sennett Security Products and Avery Dennison for its US Postal Service stamp business. Its other paper business competes with Weldon, Williams and Lick, Consolidated Graphics and Boca Systems in the event ticket market business, and with Hummel and MT&L in the airline ticket business.

        MDC's Secure Card businesses compete primarily with G&D, Gemalto and Keystone in Canada; and Leigh Mardon in Australia.

Industry Trends

Marketing Communications Group

        Historically, advertising has been the primary service provided by the marketing communications industry. However, as clients aim to establish one-to-one relationships with customers, and more accurately measure the effectiveness of their marketing expenditures, specialized communications services are consuming a growing portion of marketing dollars. This is increasing the demand for a broader range of non-advertising marketing communications services (i.e., direct marketing, sales promotion, interactive, etc). As well, there is an increasing need for consistent brand communication in response to increased competition from globalization and deregulation.

        MDC's success in this environment is expected to be dependent on its ability to retain and attract key executive and management personnel and employees, to maintain relationships with existing clients and successfully attract new business, and to staff projects with the expertise required.

Secure Products International Group

        The high-security printing industry encompasses the production of documents of value that exhibit appropriate resistance to fraud. With the increasing prevalence of counterfeit and forged documents in the past several decades, the importance of high-security printing has grown dramatically. For every type of new value document, a plan of defense must be developed against all possible fraudulent attacks, and a range of security options must be incorporated to combat these anticipated attacks. In addition, the tools and methodologies available to commit fraudulent attacks are continuously evolving, and thus security printers must keep watch on these trends and develop new protection measures to combat such techniques. With financial documents, fraudulent attacks can have consequences that run in millions, or even billions, of dollars. With non-financial documents, the consequences may have financial impacts, but also can have other severe outcomes, including breaches of national security or public health and safety. MDC expects that these industry trends will continue to benefit its Secure Products International Group.

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Clients

Marketing Communications Group

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

        The Marketing Communications Group's significant clients in 2005, included IBM, Burger King and Conagra. In 2004, IBM represented approximately 10% of MDC's consolidated revenues for the year. No client accounted for 10% or more of revenues during 2005 or 2003. In addition, MDC's ten largest clients (measured by revenue generated) accounted for 33% and 31.9% of 2005 and 2004 revenues, respectively.

Secure Products International Group

        The Secure Products International Group manufactures products that have an intrinsic monetary value and must be produced in a secure environment. Typical clients are in industries that require tickets (transportation and entertainment), stamps (government and quasi-government), and electronic commerce products (banks, consumer credit card businesses) and are located in over 10 countries. No single client accounted for 10% or more of MDC's consolidated revenues for each of the years 2005, 2004 and 2003. The Secure Products International Group's largest client in 2005 was the United States Postal Service. Other significant clients include several airline companies and professional sports organizations.

Employees

        As of December 31, 2005, MDC and its subsidiaries had the following number of employees within its reportable segments:

        See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for a discussion of the effect of cost of services sold on MDC's historical results of operations. Because of the personal service character of the Marketing Communications Group, the quality of personnel is of crucial importance to MDC's continuing success. There are 207 employees of MDC's secure products work force that are represented by labor unions. MDC considers its relations with employees to be satisfactory.

Effect of Environmental Laws

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

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Properties

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

Marketing Communications Group

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

Secure Products International Group

        MDC maintains five secure facilities, as well as ancillary warehouses, for the production and personalization of various secure products. Of the five facilities, three are located in Canada, one in the United States and one in Australia. A secure facility is required for manufacturing products that have an intrinsic monetary value. The level of security at each site varies per the requirements of each customer. Some facilities require certification by these customers and certain substantial customer-specified leasehold improvements. One of the Canadian facilities is owned; all other facilities are leased from third parties. These facilities are suitable and are in well-maintained condition for MDC's current operations and have production capacity sufficient to meet the needs of their businesses. Certain of these leases are subject to rent reviews or contain various escalation clauses and certain of MDC's leases require payment of various operating expenses, which may also be subject to escalation. In addition, leases related to MDC's Canadian and Australian business are denominated in local currencies and are therefore subject to changes in foreign exchange rates.

        The following table summarizes the principal properties of MDC's Secure Products International Group:

Legal Proceedings

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

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MANAGEMENT

Directors and Executive Officers

        The following table sets forth information as to persons who are executive officers and members of MDC's board of the directors:

Name		Age		Position
Miles S. Nadal		48		Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Steven Berns		41		President, Chief Financial Officer and Director
Thomas N. Davidson		66		Director
Richard R. Hylland		45		Director
Robert J. Kamerschen		70		Director
Senator Michael J.L. Kirby		64		Director
Stephen M. Pustil		62		Vice Chairman; President, Secure Products International Group and Director
François R. Roy		50		Director
Thomas E. Weigman		58		Director
Charles K. Porter		61		Chief Strategist
Robert E. Dickson		47		Managing Director
Mitchell S. Gendel		40		General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
Graham L. Rosenberg		43		Managing Director
Michael Sabatino		41		Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
Gavin Swartzman		41		Managing Director
Walter Campbell		44		Chief Financial Officer, Secure Products International Group
Glenn W. Gibson		47		Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Canadian Marketing Communications
Thomas Boyle		37		Vice President and Corporate Controller

        Set forth below is a brief description of the business experience of executive officers and the members of MDC's board of the directors:

        Miles S. Nadal.    Mr. Nadal, age 48, is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MDC. Mr. Nadal has been a Director of MDC since August 25, 1986. Mr. Nadal serves on the boards of several community and charitable organizations, including the Schulich School of Business, Mount Sinai Hospital, and the Baycrest Hospital Board of Governors. Mr. Nadal is a resident of Nassau, Bahamas, and beneficially owns 2,157,311 Class A voting shares of MDC.

        Steven Berns.    Mr. Berns, age 41, joined MDC Partners in September 2004 as Vice Chairman and Senior Vice President, and was promoted to President and Chief Financial Officer in November 2005, in addition to becoming a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Berns came to MDC Partners from The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. where he served as Senior Vice President and Treasurer for five years. Prior to working at Interpublic, Mr. Berns was Senior Vice President and Treasurer of Revlon, Inc. His career also includes experience at Paramount Communications and Deloitte & Touche. Mr. Berns is a Certified Public Accountant, has an MBA from NYU's Stern School of Business and a BS from Lehigh University. Mr. Berns resides in Short Hills, New Jersey, and beneficially owns 106,000 Class A voting shares of MDC Partners.

        Thomas E. Weigman.    Mr. Weigman, age 58, joined the Board of Directors in October 2005. He is currently an Executive Director of Marketing Consulting Associates, LLC, a private consulting firm that is focused on providing counsel for the marketing of consumer goods and services. Between 2000 and early 2006, Mr. Weigman was President of The Riverstone Group, a private consulting firm. Mr. Weigman served as President of Sprint Corporation's Consumer Long Distance Group between

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1995 and 1999, was President of its Multimedia Group between 1993 and 1995, and served as its Chief Marketing Officer from 1991 to 1993. Prior marketing and management positions include heading the Consumer Packaged Goods consulting practice at The Marketing Corporation of America, and key marketing roles with such consumer packaged goods companies as Mars, Incorporated (now MasterFoods), Beecham Products, and Procter & Gamble. Mr. Weigman is a member of the Human Resources & Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Weigman is a resident of Weston, Connecticut, and beneficially owns 4,000 Class A voting shares of MDC.

        Thomas N. Davidson.    Mr. Davidson, age 66, has been Chairman of NuTech Precision Metals, Inc., a specialty metals processing company since 1987, and Chairman of Quarry Hill Group, a private investment holding company, since 1989. Mr. Davidson has served on the Board of Directors of TLC Vision Corporation since 2000 and on the Board of Occulogix, Inc. since 2004. Mr. Davidson was appointed the non-executive Chairman of Azure Dynamics Corporation in December 2003. Mr. Davidson has been a Director of MDC since June 21, 1988. He is currently MDC's Presiding Director, is Chairman of the Audit Committee, and is a member of the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee and the Human Resources & Compensation Committee. Mr. Davidson is a resident of Key Largo, Florida, and beneficially owns 143,181 Class A voting shares of MDC.

        Richard R. Hylland.    Mr. Hylland, age 45, is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DT Capital LLC, a private investment firm. Mr. Hylland currently serves on the Board of Directors of LodgeNet Entertainment Corporation (LNET), a publicly-traded interactive television and broadband services company. Mr. Hylland served as President, Chief Operating Officer and Director of NorthWestern Corporation, a publicly traded diversified energy and communications company, and as Vice Chairman of its current or previously affiliated entities, Cornerstone Propane GP, Inc., Blue Dot Services Inc. and Expanets, Inc. (subsequently Netexit Inc.), from 2000 to April 2003.* Mr. Hylland has been a Director of MDC since December 10, 1999, is Chairman of the Human Resources & Compensation Committee, and is a member of the Audit Committee. Mr. Hylland is a resident of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and beneficially owns 7,000 Class A voting shares of MDC.

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*

In September 2003, NorthWestern Corporation (and subsequently its current or previously affiliated entities, Cornerstone Propane GP, Inc. and Netexit, Inc.) filed petitions with the Bankruptcy Court in Delaware for Chapter 11 protection, and its plan of reorganization was confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court and was declared effective in 2004. Mr. Hylland was not an executive officer or director of such companies at the time the respective bankruptcy petitions were filed.

        Robert J. Kamerschen.    Mr. Kamerschen, age 70, is the Chairman of Survey Sampling Inc., a private company which provides internet and telephone survey sample to marketing research companies, and the Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ADVO, Inc., a NYSE-listed direct mail microtargeting service company, which he led from 1988 until his retirement in 1999. Mr. Kamerschen was Chief Executive Officer of DIMAC, Inc. from October 1999 to February 2002. Mr. Kamerschen currently serves on the board of directors of several publicly traded corporations, including Radio Shack Corporation, IMS Health Inc., R.H. Donnelley Corporation and Vertrue, Inc. Mr. Kamerschen has been a Director of MDC since July 28, 2004, is Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and is a member of the Human Resources & Compensation Committee. Mr. Kamerschen is a resident of New Canaan, Connecticut, and beneficially owns 49,466 Class A voting shares of MDC.

        Senator Michael J.L. Kirby.    Sen. Kirby, age 64, has been a member of the Senate of Canada since 1984. Sen. Kirby is presently Chairman of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology. From 1994 to 1999, he served as Chairman of the Standing Senate Committee on

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Banking, Trade and Commerce. Sen. Kirby currently serves as a director of The Bank of Nova Scotia, Extendicare, Ontario Energy Savings Corporation, Indigo, CPI Plastics and Brainhunter, Inc. He has also been Vice Chairman of the Accounting Standards Oversight Council of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. He has previously been a director of Maxxcom, Inc., Quaker Oats (Canada), Onex Packaging, Westbury Canadian Life, Cotton Ginny, RJR-Macdonald Inc. and a member of the Advisory Board of AT&T Enterprises (Canada), Nissan (Canada) and other private companies. Sen. Kirby has been a Director of MDC since April 22, 2004. He is a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Human Resources & Compensation Committee. Sen. Kirby is a resident of Ottawa, Ontario, and beneficially owns 7,810 Class A voting shares of MDC.

        Stephen M. Pustil.    Mr. Pustil, age 62, is the President of Penwest Development Corporation Limited, a real estate development and construction firm that he established in 1972. Mr. Pustil, a chartered accountant, also serves on the Board of Mount Sinai Hospital and is Chairman and Director of Custom Direct Income Fund. Mr. Pustil has been a Director of MDC since April 9, 1992. Mr. Pustil is a resident of Toronto, Ontario, and beneficially owns 79,167 Class A voting shares of MDC.

        François R. Roy.    Mr. Roy, age 50, joined the Board of Directors in 1998. From March 2000 to 2003, he was Telemedia Corporation's Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Roy served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Quebecor Inc., a Montreal-based public holding company whose subsidiaries were engaged in printing, publishing and the forest products sector, from August 1998 to 2000. Mr. Roy also has had extensive experience in the financial services industry, having served in various executive positions in Toronto, New York, Los Angeles and Montreal. Mr. Roy serves on the board of directors of the following Canadian companies: AFT Technologies Income Fund, Macquarie Power Income Fund, SFK Pulp Fund and on the board of advisors of Dessau-Soprin as well as that of Veronis Suhler Stevenson, a New York Media Merchant Bank. He is a member of the board of trustees of L'Opera de Montreal. Mr. Roy has been a Director of MDC Partners since October 23, 1998, and is a member of the Audit Committee and the Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee. Mr. Roy is a resident of Montreal, Quebec, and beneficially owns 11,000 Class A voting shares of MDC.

        Robert E. Dickson.    Mr. Dickson has been a Managing Director of the Company since September 2003. Mr Dickson joined Maxxcom Inc., a subsidiary of MDC Partners, in November 2000 as Executive Vice President, Corporate Development. He is responsible for corporate development for MDC and its operating companies. Prior to joining Maxxcom, Mr. Dickson was a partner of Fraser Milner Casgrain, a Canadian business law firm, where he practiced law for 17 years. Mr. Dickson is a trustee of H&R Real Estate Investment Trust.

        Mitchell S. Gendel.    Mr. Gendel joined MDC Partners in November 2004 as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Prior to joining MDC Partners, he served as Vice President and Assistant General Counsel at The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. from December 1999 until September 2004.

        Charles K. Porter.    Mr. Porter has been the Chief Strategist of the Company since September of 2003. He is responsible for identifying future agency partnerships as well as strategic assistance for MDC and its operating companies. Mr. Porter is also the chairman of Crispin Porter + Bogusky, one of the top creative shops in the country. Mr. Porter served as a creative director and partner of Crispin Porter +Bogusky. Crispin Porter + Bogusky joined Maxxcom Inc., a subsidiary of MDC Partners, in January 2001.

        Graham L. Rosenberg.    Mr. Rosenberg joined MDC in October 2002 as Executive Vice President and has been a Managing Director of the Company since July 2003. He is responsible for the corporate development of MDC and its operating companies. Prior to that, Mr. Rosenberg served as Executive Vice President of Maxxcom Inc., a subsidiary of MDC Partners, which he joined in November 2001.

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Before joining Maxxcom, Mr. Rosenberg was Executive Vice President of Amadeus Capital Corporation, a privately held investment firm which he joined in July 2001, after spending eight years as a Managing Partner at Clairvest Group Inc., a publicly traded merchant bank.

        Michael Sabatino.    Mr. Sabatino joined MDC Partners on April 1, 2005 as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer. Prior to joining MDC Partners, he was an audit partner with the accounting firm of Eisner LLP from April 2004. Prior to that, from December 2001 to March 2004, he was the Co-CFO/Senior Vice President Finance of JAKKs Pacific, Inc., a publicly-held toy company. Before that, Mr. Sabatino was an audit partner at BDO Seidman, LLP, a public accounting firm.

        Gavin Swartzman.    Mr. Swartzman has been a Managing Director of the Company since October 2004. He is responsible for corporate development and real estate for MDC and its operating companies. Mr. Swartzman served as an officer in a similar capacity for the Company from September 2002 until February 2003. Prior thereto, Mr. Swartzman joined Amadeus Capital Corporation in 2000 as Senior Vice President where he was responsible for various corporate development activities of that company and its affiliates, including serving as the Vice President, Corporate Development from February 2003 to October 2004 for First Asset Management Inc., a Toronto based asset management company. Prior thereto, he was Executive Vice President of Pet Valu International Inc., a retail chain.

        Walter Campbell.    Mr. Campbell has been Chief Financial Officer of the Secure Products International Group since April 1, 2005. Prior to that, he was Chief Financial Officer of MDC Partners since January 1, 2004. Prior to this position, he served as Senior Vice President at MDC Partners from April 1, 1999.

        Glenn W. Gibson.    Mr. Gibson has been a Senior Vice President, Finance of the Company since July 2003, and became Chief Financial Officer, Canadian Marketing Communications in January 2006. Mr. Gibson joined Maxxcom Inc., a subsidiary of MDC Partners, in July 2000 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Maxxcom, Mr. Gibson served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Queensway Financial Holdings Limited, a TSX-listed company with operations in Canada and the United States, and ten years as Corporate Controller of the Singer Company, a NYSE-listed company with global operations.

        Thomas Boyle.    Mr. Boyle joined MDC Partners on July 25, 2005 as Vice President and Corporate Controller. Prior to joining MDC Partners, Mr. Boyle was Senior Director of Corporate Finance at Symbol Technologies, Inc from March 2004 to May 2005. Prior thereto, he served as Assistant Corporate Controller at Moody's Corporation from October 2002 to March 2004. Before that, Mr. Boyle was Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer at DoubleClick.Inc.

Board Structure and Compensation

        The Board oversees the management of the business and affairs of MDC as provided by Ontario and Canadian law. The Board conducts its business through meetings of the Board and three standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Human Resources & Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. In addition, from time to time, special committees may be established under the direction of the Board when necessary to address specific issues.

        The Board has established guidelines for determining director independence, and all current directors with the exception of Messrs. Berns, Nadal and Pustil have been determined by the Board to be independent.

        MDC has also adopted a written Code of Conduct (the "Code") in order to help directors, officers and employees resolve ethical issues in an increasingly complex business environment. The Code

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applies to all directors, officers and employees, including the Chief Executive Officer, the President and Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Accounting Officer and any other employee with any responsibility for the preparation and filing of documents with the SEC. The Code covers topics including, but not limited to, conflicts of interest, confidentiality of information and compliance with laws.

        Copies of the charters of the Audit Committee, the Human Resources & Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are available free of charge at MDC's website located at http://www.mdccorp.com/ir/governance.asp. Copies of these documents are also available in print to any shareholder upon written request to 45 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5R 2E3, Attention: Investor Relations.

Meetings

        The Board held thirteen (13) meetings in 2005. The various Board committees met the number of times shown in parentheses: Audit (19), Compensation (6) and Nominating and Corporate Governance (2). Each incumbent director attended 75% or more of the aggregate of (i) meetings of the Board held during the period of the year for which he served as a director and (ii) meetings of all Board committees held during such period. MDC has a formal policy regarding attendance by directors at its annual general meetings of shareholders which states that all directors are expected to attend, provided that a director who is unable to attend such a meeting is expected to notify the Chairman of the Board in advance of any such meeting. All of the then current members of the Board attended the 2005 annual and special meeting of shareholders.

Compensation of Directors

        MDC pays its directors who are not employees of MDC or any of its subsidiaries a $20,000 annual retainer. It also pays a fee of $2,000 for attendance at any Board or Committee meeting. MDC pays an additional retainer for certain positions held by a director: $10,000 for the Presiding Director, $20,000 for the Audit Committee Chair, $5,000 for the Audit Committee financial expert, and $15,000 for other Committee Chairs. During the year ended December 31, 2005, MDC paid to such directors, in their capacity as directors, aggregate fees equal to $580,000.

Executive Sessions and Communications with the Board

        Non-employee directors frequently meet in executive sessions without management in conjunction with each regularly scheduled Board meeting. A non-executive Presiding Director has the primary responsibility to preside over these sessions of the Board. The current non-executive Presiding Director is Thomas N. Davidson. Shareholders or others who wish to communicate with the non-executive Presiding Director or any other member of the Board may do so by mail or courier, to MDC Partners Inc., c/o Steven Berns, President and Chief Financial Officer, 950 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10022. To facilitate a response, in appropriate circumstances, shareholders are asked to provide the following information: (i) their name; (ii) an address, telephone number, fax number and e-mail address at which they can be reached; and (iii) the number of shares or aggregate principal amount of debt that they hold, and the date those securities were acquired.

Director Nominations

        The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee identifies, selects and recommends to the Board individuals qualified to serve both on the Board and on Board committees, including persons suggested by shareholders and others. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews the background and qualifications of those individuals who are chosen for consideration, including the following attributes and criteria of candidates: experience, skills, expertise, diversity, personal and professional integrity, character, business judgment, time availability in light of other commitments,

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dedication, conflicts of interest and any other relevant factors deemed appropriate. Following that review, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee then selects nominees and recommends them to the Board for election by the shareholders or appointment by the Board, as the case may be. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also reviews the suitability of each Board member for continued service as a director when that member's term expires or that member experiences a significant change in status (for example, a change in employment). The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has not received any suggestions from shareholders, nor implemented any additional policies or procedures, with respect to Board or committee nominees.

        Pursuant to its charter, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may conduct or authorize investigations or studies into matters within its scope of responsibilities and may retain, at MDC's expense, such independent counsel or other consultants or advisers at it may deem necessary from time to time. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has the sole authority to retain or terminate any search firm to be used to identify director candidates, including the sole authority to approve its fees and retention terms, with MDC bearing the cost of such fees.

Board Committees

        The Board has three committees: the Audit Committee, the Human Resources & Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The terms of reference and mandate for each committee is outlined in the respective Charter of each committee, and is summarized below.

Audit Committee

        The Audit Committee is composed of three members, all of whom are considered to be "unrelated" as determined under the Toronto Stock Exchange Guidelines and "independent" according to the applicable rules of Nasdaq, the Securities and Exchange Commission and applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The Audit Committee reviews all financial statements, annual and interim, intended for circulation to shareholders and reports upon these to the Board. In addition, the Board may refer to the Audit Committee on other matters and questions relating to the financial position of MDC Partners and its affiliates. The Audit Committee is also responsible for reviewing with management and the independent auditor the adequacy and effectiveness of MDC's accounting and internal control policies and procedures; reviewing with management its compliance with prescribed policies, procedures and internal control; and reviewing with management and the independent auditor any reportable conditions and material weaknesses affecting internal control.

        The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Thomas N. Davidson (Chairman), Richard R. Hylland and François R. Roy. The Board has determined that Mr. François R. Roy qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert" under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and applicable NASDAQ and Securities and Exchange Commission regulations. In addition, each of the members of the Audit Committee is "financially literate" as required by the Canadian Securities Administrators.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

        The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is composed of five members, all of whom are considered to be "unrelated" as determined under the Toronto Stock Exchange Guidelines and "independent" according to the applicable rules of NASDAQ and the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for reviewing and making recommendations to the full Board with respect to developments in the area of corporate governance and the practices of the Board. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is also responsible for evaluating the performance of the Board as a whole as well as individual board members and for reporting to the Board with respect to appropriate candidates for nominations to the

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Board. The current members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are Messrs. Robert J. Kamerschen (Chairman), Thomas N. Davidson, Michael J.L. Kirby, François R. Roy and Thomas E. Weigman. The Committee's current charter is available at www.mdccorp.com/ir/governance.asp.

Human Resources & Compensation Committee

        The Human Resources & Compensation Committee is composed of five members, all of whom are considered to be "unrelated" as determined under the Toronto Stock Exchange Guidelines and "independent" according to the applicable rules of Nasdaq and the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Human Resources & Compensation Committee makes recommendations to the Board on, among other things, the compensation of senior executives. The Human Resources & Compensation Committee discusses personnel and human resources matters including recruitment and development, management succession and benefits plans and grants awards under the Option Plan, the SAR Plan and the Long-Term Incentive Plan (each as defined below). Salary, bonus or other payments for the benefit of senior management are reviewed and approved by the Human Resources & Compensation Committee. The current members of the Human Resources & Compensation Committee are Messrs. Richard R. Hylland (Chairman), Thomas N. Davidson, Robert J. Kamerschen, Senator Michael J.L. Kirby and Thomas E. Weigman. The Human Resources & Compensation Committee's current charter is available at www.mdccorp.com/ir/governance.asp.

Insurance

        MDC holds directors' and officers' liability insurance policies that are designed to protect MDC Partners and its directors and officers against any legal action which may arise due to wrongful acts on the part of directors and/or officers of MDC. The policies are written for a limit of $30,000,000, subject to a corporate deductible up to $500,000 per claim. In respect of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, the cost to MDC of maintaining the policies was $407,200.

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Executive Compensation

Summary Compensation Table

        This table shows the compensation earned for service in all capacities during the last three fiscal years for MDC's Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and its next four most-highly compensated executive officers whose respective total salary and bonus for the year ended December 31, 2004 exceeded C$150,000 (collectively, the "Named Executive Officers").

										Long-Term Compensation
										Awards		Payouts
		Annual Compenssation
										Shares Underlying Options/ SARs (#)
Name and Principal Position		Year		Salary (US$)		Bonus (US$)		Other Annual Comp. (US$)				LTIP Payouts (US$)		All Other Compensation (US$)
Miles S. Nadal, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer		2004 2003 2002		730,170 678,395 605,340	(2) (2) (2)	2,075,220 2,035,185 1,816,020		256,642 260,555 243,742	(1)(2) (2)(3) (2)(4)	Nil 1,213,200 475,000		Nil 5,292,349 Nil	(5)	191,597 126,609 142,177	(9) (9) (9)
Walter Campbell, former Chief Financial Officer(10)		2004 2003 2002		211,365 196,378 175,230		139,117 182,810 194,983		n/a n/a n/a	(6) (6) (6)	Nil 110,447 65,000		Nil 352,824 Nil	(5)(7)	Nil Nil Nil
Steven Berns, Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President		2004 2003 2002		149,337 — —	(11)	300,000 — —		n/a — —	(6)	300,000 — —		Nil — —		Nil — —
Robert Dickson, Managing Director		2004 2003 2002		230,580 214,230 183,185		172,935 178,525 135,405		n/a n/a n/a	(6)	Nil 113,333 57,150	(8)	Nil Nil Nil		Nil Nil Nil
Graham L. Rosenberg, Managing Director		2004 2003 2002		249,795 214,230 159,300		134,505 93,725 132,822		n/a n/a n/a	(6)	Nil 78,333 112,625	(8)	Nil 352,824 Nil	(5)	Nil Nil
Charles Porter, Chief Strategist		2004 2003		570,000 437,666	(12) (12)	Nil Nil		n/a n/a	(6)	100,000 250,000		Nil Nil		Nil Nil

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(1)

Includes a $144,152 interest benefit received on account of an interest free loan and $53,308 in membership dues. In addition to the amounts set forth in the table, MDC provides Mr. Nadal with various business related perquisites, including the use of a corporate aircraft for business travel, entertainment and meal expense reimbursements for business meetings, use of corporate automobiles for business purposes and reimbursement for telephone usage. In addition, certain of MDC's artwork is housed at Mr. Nadal's personal residences.

(2)

The personal services of the MDC's Chairman and CEO and other services are provided to the Corporation by Nadal Financial Corporation and Stallion Investments Ltd. See "Management Agreement."

(3)

Includes $204,383 interest benefit received on account of an interest free loan, and $44,258 of membership dues.

(4)

Includes a $186,330 interest benefit received on account of an interest free loan.

(5)

Represents a transaction bonus following divestiture of the Davis + Henderson group of companies.

(6)

Perquisites and benefits do not exceed the lesser of $50,000 and 10% of salary and bonus.

(7)

Represents amounts paid to a retirement compensation arrangement plan.

(8)

All or a portion of these options were originally options to acquire common shares of Maxxcom Inc., which were exchanged for options to acquire Class A Subordinate Voting Shares following the privatization of Maxxcom Inc.

(9)

This sum reflects premiums paid by MDC with respect to several life insurance policies for the benefit of Mr. Nadal.

(10)

Mr. Campbell ceased to be the Chief Financial Officer of MDC effective as of April 1, 2005, at which time Mr. Campbell became the Chief Financial Officer of MDC's Secure Products International Group.

(11)

Mr. Berns joined MDC as Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President, effective September 7, 2004. The annual base salary of Mr. Berns is $475,000, and the amount referenced herein is the amount of his annual base salary paid during 2004.

(12)

A portion of Mr. Porter's salary is paid by MDC and the remaining portion is paid by Crispin Porter & Bogusky LLC, a subsidiary of MDC.

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LTIP Awards

        On February 23, 2000, the Board of MDC adopted the Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "LTIP"). The purpose of the LTIP, as amended, is to create an incentive for certain eligible individuals who are employees, officers or directors of MDC its subsidiaries, to remain as long-term employees, officers and directors of MDC and to grow and increase the value of MDC and such subsidiaries by providing such individuals with investment opportunities in designated affiliates of MDC. The LTIP permits the Compensation Committee to designate certain affiliates of MDC for participation by eligible individuals of up to a maximum of 15% of MDC's interest in the designated affiliate. A form of participation may include the grant of options or investment rights by MDC to participants to purchase interests held by MDC in the designated affiliates. Unless approved by the Board, the minimum exercise price for any such option will be equal to the fair market value of any such interest at the date of grant. Vesting of participation will be determined by the Compensation Committee. In addition, to the extent that any interest is represented by shares or other securities which carry voting rights, voting control will remain with MDC until the interests are sold by the participant.

Option Grants in 2004

        The Board is authorized to grant options to senior officers, employees and directors of MDC and its subsidiaries and affiliates pursuant to the MDC's Amended and Restated Stock Option Incentive Plan (the "Option Plan"). During 2003, the Compensation Committee of the Board approved the Stock Appreciation Rights Plan for employees, officers and directors of MDC and its subsidiaries (the "SAR Plan"). During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, the Board granted options, SARs and restricted stock units to the Named Executive Officers, particulars of which are as follows:

Option/SARS Grants During The Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2004

Name		Security		Securities Granted (#)		% of Total Options/SARs Granted to Employees in Financial Year		Exercise or Base Price ($/Security)		Expiration Date		Present Value of Grant at the Date of Grant ($/Security)		Market Value of Securities Underlying Options/SARs on the Date of Grant
Steven Berns		Options to acquire Class A shares		100,000		59.2	%	10.50		August 25, 2009		4.31	(1)	10.50
		SARs		150,000		43.5	%	10.50		August 25, 2008		3.31	(2)	10.50
		Restricted Stock Units		50,000		100	%	Nil		September 6, 2007		10.50	(3)	10.50
Charles Porter		SARs		100,000		29	%	12.00		February 23, 2008		5.56	(4)	14.88

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(1)

Based on the Black Scholes model, with an expected volatility of 40%, expected dividend of 0%, risk-free rate of interest equal to 4%, and an expected life of 5 years.

(2)

Based on the Black Scholes model, with an expected volatility of 40%, expected dividend of 0%, risk-free rate of interest equal to 4%, and an expected life of 3 years.

(3)

Equal to intrinsic value of restricted stock unit.

(4)

Based on the Black Scholes model, with an expected volatility of 40%, expected dividend of 0%, risk-free rate of interest equal to 4%, and an expected life of 3 years.

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Aggregated Option Exercises in 2004 and 2004 Year-End Option Values

								Unexercised Securities at Fiscal Year End(#)				Value of Unexercised In the Money Securities at Fiscal Year End ($)
Name				Securities Acquired (#)		Aggregate Value Realized ($)
		Security						Exercisable		Unexercisable		Exercisable		Unexercisable
Miles S. Nadal		Class A Subordinate Voting		100,000		59,182		453,500		430,000		2,519,397		2,285,645
		SARs		Nil		Nil		271,067		542,133		1,341,991		2,683,981
Walter Campbell		Class A Subordinate Voting		25,000		170,053		54,000		41,000		290,741		233,065
		SARs		Nil		Nil		28,482		56,965		160,718		321,435
Steven Berns		Class A Subordinate Voting		Nil		Nil		Nil		100,000		Nil		Nil
		SARs		Nil		Nil		Nil		150,000		Nil		Nil
		RSUs		Nil		Nil		Nil		50,000		Nil		536,991
Robert Dickson		Class A Subordinate Voting		Nil		Nil		57,150		Nil		214,419		Nil
		SARs		Nil		Nil		37,778		75,555		168,783		337,566
Graham     Rosenberg		Class A Subordinate Voting		30,763		209,736		60,625		26,000		259,901		162,437
		SARs		Nil		Nil		26,111		52,222		154,405		308,810
Charles Porter		Class A Subordinate Voting		Nil		Nil		2,723		Nil		Nil		Nil
		SARs		Nil		Nil		83,333		266,667		201,736		403,472

Employment and Change of Control Agreements

        MDC has an employment agreement with Mr. Campbell, who acted as Chief Financial Officer until April 1, 2005, made as of May 24, 2000. The agreement provides, inter alia, for the salary, bonus and benefits disclosed herein. The agreement provides that upon the termination by MDC of his employment other than for cause or disability or termination by Mr. Campbell of his employment in the event MDC has committed any serious breach of its obligations under the employment agreement, Mr. Campbell shall be entitled to a minimum of nine months of remuneration plus benefits.

        MDC has an employment agreement with Mr. Dickson, a Managing Director, made as of October 2, 2000, as amended. The agreement is for an indefinite term and provides for an annual base salary of C$300,000, a guaranteed bonus of C$150,000 per annum, together with the right to earn a cash bonus based upon achieving performance objectives established by the Human Resources & Compensation Committee of up to 60% of the base salary. Pursuant to the terms of the employment agreement, Mr. Dickson's employment may be terminated by MDC at any time without cause upon payment of 18 months salary and one and one half times the average of the prior two years' bonuses.

        MDC has an employment agreement with Mr. Rosenberg, a Managing Director, made as of October 1, 2002 and was amended and restated as of December 26, 2005. The agreement provides, inter alia, for the salary, bonus and benefits disclosed herein. Pursuant to the terms of the employment agreement, Mr. Rosenberg's employment may be terminated by MDC at any time without cause upon payment of a one and one half times total renumeration, as defined in his amended agreement.

        MDC has an employment agreement with Mr. Berns, President and Chief Financial Officer, made as of August 25, 2004 and amended on March 6, 2006. Mr. Berns' initial term of employment expires three years from the date of the agreement. Under the agreement, he is entitled to receive an annualized base salary of $550,000, and he is eligible to receive an annual discretionary cash bonus in

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an amount up to 150% of his base salary thereafter. The agreement provides that upon the termination by MDC of his employment other than for cause or for good reason by Mr. Berns, then Mr. Berns shall be entitled to his base salary and benefits for a period of twenty-four months.

Management Agreement

        The Board has approved and ratified the terms of an agreement (the "Management Agreement") effective as of November 1, 1997 between MDC and Nadal Financial Corporation ("NFC"), a management corporation wholly-owned by Miles S. Nadal, a senior officer and director of MDC. NFC has subsequently assigned its rights and obligations under the Management Agreement to Amadeus Capital Corporation ("ACC"), which in turn has assigned a portion to Stallion Investments Ltd. ("Stallion"). ACC and Stallion are indirectly wholly-owned by Miles S. Nadal. Effective January 2004, ACC assigned its remaining rights and obligations under the Management Agreement back to NFC. Pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreement, MDC retained NFC to provide MDC with certain management and financial advisory services, as well as general advice of a strategic nature, including the personal services of MDC's Chief Executive Officer. In consideration for these services, MDC has agreed to: (i) pay an annual retainer fee of C$950,000, subject to adjustment annually by the Board, (ii) reimburse NFC for all of their expenses incurred in the performance of their services, (iii) grant options to NFC or Mr. Nadal, and (iv) provide NFC's officers with those employment benefits usually provided to employees of MDC. On April 28, 2005, MDC agreed to increase the annual retainer fee to U.S. $950,000, effective January 1, 2005. In addition, the Management Agreement provides for the payment of such additional fees as are determined from time to time by the Board in connection with specific services provided by NFC from time to time. A loan that was made to NFC pursuant to the Management Agreement is described under "Indebtedness of Directors, Executive Officers and Senior Officers." Upon termination of the Management Agreement for any reason other than for cause, NFC shall receive a payment equal to three times the amount of the highest aggregate of the annual retainer fee and any additional fees paid in any one of the three most recently completed full calendar years under the Management Agreement (the "Termination Payment"). NFC will be deemed to have been terminated without cause in the event of certain fundamental changes relating to reorganization, change of control or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of MDC. The Management Agreement has a term ending on November 1, 2007 unless sooner terminated pursuant to the provisions thereof.

        In 2000, MDC's agreed to provide Mr. Nadal a bonus of C$10,000,000 in the event that the average market price of MDC's Class A Subordinate Voting Shares is C$30 per share or more for more than 20 consecutive trading days (measured as of the close of trading on each applicable date). This bonus is payable until the date that is three years after the date on which Mr. Nadal is no longer employed by MDC for any reason. The after-tax proceeds of such bonus are to be applied first as repayment of any outstanding loans due to MDC from this officer and his related companies in the amount of C$6,800,000 and C$3,000,000, respectively, as at December 31, 2004, both of which have been fully provided for in MDC's accounts.

        During 2004, MDC paid $269,010 to a corporation which is wholly-owned by Stephen M. Pustil as consideration for the provision of management consulting services in his capacity as Vice-Chairman of MDC. In addition, MDC paid $295,000 to a corporation which is wholly-owned by Chuck Porter in his capacity as Chief Strategist.

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Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

        The following table sets forth information regarding securities issued under our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2005.

				Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options and Rights		Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options and Rights			Number of Securities Remaining Available For Future Issuance (excluding Column (a))
				(a)		(b)			(c)
Equity Compensation Plans:
	Approved by stockholders:
		Share options		1,793,204		$	6.79		1,975,000
		Stock appreciation rights		250,973	(1)	$	7.58		1,247,029
	Not approved by stockholders:
		None		—			—		—

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(1)

Based on December 31, 2005 closing Class A subordinate voting share price on the Toronto Stock Exchange of $6.40 (C$7.45).

        On May 26, 2005, the Company's shareholders' approved the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, which provides for the issuance of two million Class A subordinate voting shares.

Indebtedness of Directors, Executive Officers and Senior Officers

        The aggregate indebtedness to MDC or its subsidiaries as of June 30, 2005 of all current and former officers, directors and employees of MDC or any of their subsidiaries (and their associates) entered into in connection with (a) a purchase of securities of MDC pursuant to a securities purchase program, excluding routine indebtedness and (b) all other indebtedness, excluding routine indebtedness, was as described in the following table:

Aggregate Indebtedness

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        The following table sets forth the indebtedness of the current directors, executive officers, senior officers of MDC and their associates (excluding all indebtedness of other employees) to MDC under securities purchase programs during the 2004 fiscal year:

Loans for Share Purchase Programs

Name and Principal Position		Involvement of MDC Partners or Subsidiary		Largest Amount Outstanding During 2004 ($)		Amount Outstanding as of June 30, 2005 ($)		Financially Assisted Securities Purchased During 2004 (#)		Security for Indebtedness
Walter Campbell*		Loan from MDC		54,982		Nil		Nil		Class A Subordinate Voting Shares

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*

This loan, which was repaid by Walter Campbell in 2004, was non-interest bearing and was secured by the pledge of the related security purchased with the proceeds of the loan.

        The following table sets forth all of the other indebtedness of the directors, executive officers and senior officers of MDC and their associates to MDC during the 2004 fiscal year for unsecured loans repayable within twelve months after termination of employment:

Other Loans

Name and Principal Position		Largest Amount Outstanding During 2004 ($)		Amount Outstanding as of June 30, 2005 ($)		Interest Rate		Purpose of Loan
Miles S. Nadal		5,673,623		5,638,159		Nil		Personal loan to senior officer
NFC(1)		2,495,700		2,480,100		Nil		Cdn$3,000,000 Loan Pursuant to Management Agreement
Walter Campbell		24,957		Nil		Nil		Personal loan to senior officer

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(1)

NFC is a corporation wholly-owned by Miles S. Nadal, a director and senior officer of MDC as well as a management nominee for election as a director of MDC. The loan is secured by the personal guarantee of Mr. Nadal and repayable November 2007 unless the Management Agreement is terminated without cause, in which case a portion of the Termination Payment will be applied to repay the loan. See "Management Agreement."

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

        Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly percentage change in MDC's cumulative total shareholder return for the five years ended December 31, 2004 to that of the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index and a peer group of publicly held corporate communications and marketing holding companies. The peer group consists of The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc., Omnicom Group, Inc. and WPP Group plc. The graph below shows the value at the end of each year of each $100 invested in our common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the peer group. The graph assumes the reinvestment of dividends. Total shareholder return for the peer group is weighted according to market capitalization at the beginning of each annual period.

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

        

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

        The following table sets forth certain information known by MDC regarding the beneficial ownership of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares and the Class B Shares of MDC outstanding as of September 30, 2005 by each beneficial owner of more than five percent of such shares, by each of the directors of MDC and the nominees for Board election, by each of the executives named in the Summary Compensation Table below and by all current directors and executive officers of MDC as a group.

				Number of Voting Shares Beneficially Owned, or over which Control or Direction is Exercised(1)
						Class A Shares Underlying Options, Warrants or Similar Right Exercisable Currently or Within 60 Days(3)
								Class A Shares Underlying All Options, Warrants or Similar Right(4)				Approximate Percentage of Class(5)
				Class A Subordinate Voting Shares(2)
Name and Municipality of Residence		Type of Shareholding								Class B Shares		Class A Shares		Class B Shares
Miles S. Nadal		Direct		1,805,811		628,500		875,000		Nil		7.71	%	Nil
Thomas N. Davidson		Direct		139,181		19,600		22,000		Nil		*		Nil
Richard R. Hylland		Direct		3,000		12,619		15,019		Nil		*		Nil
Robert J. Kamerschen		Direct		35,466		6,300		6,300		Nil		*		Nil
Michael J.L. Kirby		Direct		3,810		10,000		25,000		Nil		*		Nil
Stephen M. Pustil		Direct		69,167		28,410		40,810		Nil		*		Nil
François R. Roy		Direct		7,000		9,600		12,000		Nil		*		Nil
Walter Campbell		Direct Indirect		22,000 191		54,000		90,000		Nil		* *		Nil
Steven Berns		Direct		4,000		0		150,000	(6)	Nil		*		Nil
Robert Dickson		Direct		5,300		57,150		57,150		Nil		*		Nil
Graham L. Rosenberg		Direct		4,000		60,625		86,625		Nil		*		Nil
Charles Porter		Direct Indirect		99,455 8,431		2,723		2,723		Nil		* *		Nil
All directors and officers of MDC as a group (17 persons)				4,373,040		944,240		1,441,240		Nil		18.66	%	Nil
Cardinal Capital Management, LLC(7)				2,397,877		Nil		Nil		Nil		10.39	%	Nil
CIBC Capital Partners(7)				2,235,342		Nil		Nil		Nil			%	Nil
Wellington Management Company, LLP(7)				1,868,808		Nil		Nil		Nil		8.10	%	Nil
Gruber and McBaine Capital Management, LLC(7)				1,330,647		Nil		Nil		Nil		5.77	%	Nil

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*

The percentage of shares beneficially owned does not exceed one percent of the outstanding shares.

(1)

Unless otherwise noted, MDC believes that all persons named in the table above have sole voting power and dispositive power with respect to all shares beneficially owned by them.

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(2)

This column includes Class A subordinate voting shares owned directly or indirectly, but does not include Class A subordinate voting shares subject to options, warrants or similar rights.

(3)

This column includes Class A subordinate voting shares subject to options, warrants or similar rights that are currently exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days after March 31, 2005.

(4)

This column includes Class A subordinate voting shares subject to all outstanding options, warrants or similar rights, whether or not such options, warrants or similar rights are currently exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days after March 31, 2005. However, this column does not include SARs, which do not represent the right to a share because they may be settled, at the Board's discretion, in either cash or Class A subordinate voting shares.

(5)

For purposes of computing the percentage of outstanding shares held by each person or group named above, any shares which that person or persons has or have the right to acquire within 60 days of September 30, 2005 is deemed to be outstanding, but is not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Unless otherwise noted, MDC believes that all persons named in the table above have sole voting and dispositive power with respect to all shares beneficially owned by them.

(6)

Includes 50,000 Restricted Stock Units.

(7)

Stock ownership of these entities is based solely on a Schedule 13G filed by each such entity. The address of Cardinal Capital Management, LLC is One Fawcett Place, Greenwich, CT 06830; the address of Wellington Management Company, LLP is 75 State Street, Boston, MA 02109; and the address of Gruber & McBain Capital Management, LLC is 50 Osgood Place, San Francisco, CA 94133.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

        During the fiscal years of 2005 and 2004, MDC made $135,854 and $258,707, respectively in charitable contributions to various organizations. A significant portion of these contributions was made to charities to which Mr. Nadal also made contributions and received recognition therefore. In addition, Mr. Nadal was reimbursed by MDC in the amount $20,000 and $57,500 during 2005 and 2004, respectively for corporate use of Mr. Nadal's private boat.

        Other than as described above, no director, officer, principal shareholder or proposed nominee for election as a director of MDC and no associate or affiliate of the foregoing persons has or has had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the beginning of MDC's last completed fiscal year or in any proposed transaction which, in either such case, has materially affected or will materially affect MDC.

        For additional transactions see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Transactions with Related Parties".

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DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBENTURES

        The following description of the debentures is a brief summary of their material attributes and characteristics, which does not purport to be complete, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the trust indenture between MDC and the Debenture Trustee (as defined below) dated June 28, 2005, which we urge you to read because they, and not this description, define your rights as a debenture holder. A copy of the indenture is available upon request.

General

        The debentures were issued under and pursuant to the provisions of the indenture between MDC and Computershare Trust Company of Canada (the "Debenture Trustee"). The debentures are limited in the aggregate principal amount to (C$45,000,000) $36,723,000. MDC may, however, from time to time, without the consent of the holders of the debentures, issue additional or other debentures in addition to the debentures offered hereby. The debentures were issuable only in denominations of (C$1,000) $816 and integral multiples thereof. At closing, the debentures were delivered in book-entry only form through the facilities of CDS. Holders of beneficial interests in the debentures do not have the right to receive physical certificates evidencing their ownership of debentures except under certain circumstances described under "Description of the Debentures—Book Entry, Delivery and Form." No fractional debentures will be issued.

        The debentures will mature on June 30, 2010. The debentures will bear interest from June 28, 2005 at 8.00% per annum, which will be payable semi-annually, in arrears, on June 30 and December 31 in each year, commencing with December 31, 2005 to holders of record at the close of business on the business day immediately preceding such interest payment date. Additional amounts are payable on the debentures in certain circumstances. See "Registration Rights" below. The first interest payment included accrued and unpaid interest for the period from June 28, 2005 to, but excluding, December 31, 2005. Interest is payable based on a 365-day year. The interest on the debentures isl be payable in lawful money of Canada as specified in the Indenture. At the option of MDC, MDC may deliver Class A subordinate voting shares to the Debenture Trustee who shall sell such Class A subordinate voting shares on behalf of MDC in order to raise funds to satisfy all or any part of MDC's obligations to pay interest on the debentures, but, in any event, the holders of debentures shall be entitled to receive cash payments equal to the interest otherwise payable on the debentures on a timely basis. See "Description of the Debentures—Interest Payment Election."

        The principal on the debentures will be payable in lawful money of Canada or, at the option of MDC and subject to applicable regulatory approval, by payment of Class A subordinate voting shares to satisfy, in whole or in part, its obligation to repay the principal amount of the debentures as further described under "Description of the Debentures—Payment upon Redemption or Maturity," "Description of the Debentures—Redemption and Purchase" and "Description of the Debentures—Change of Control."

        Any payment required to be made on any day that is not a business day will be made on the next succeeding business day. Maturity, conversion, repurchase or redemption of the debentures by MDC will cause interest, if any, to cease to accrue to such debenture. MDC may not reissue a debenture that has matured or has been converted, repurchased, redeemed or otherwise cancelled, except for registration of transfer, exchange or replacement of such debenture.

        The debentures are direct obligations of MDC and are not secured by any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation or other charge and are subordinated to all other indebtedness, liabilities and obligations (contingent or otherwise) of MDC as described under "Description of the Debentures—Subordination." The indenture does not restrict MDC from incurring additional indebtedness for borrowed money or from mortgaging, pledging or charging its real or personal property or properties to secure any indebtedness.

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        The debentures are transferable and may be presented for conversion at the principal offices of the Debenture Trustee in Toronto, Ontario.

Conversion Privilege

        The debentures are convertible at the holder's option into fully-paid, non-assessable and freely tradeable Class A subordinate voting shares, subject to the restrictions on transfer described under "Notice to Purchasers," at any time prior to 5:00 p.m. (EST) on the earlier of the maturity date and the business day immediately preceding the date specified by MDC for redemption of the debentures, at a conversion price of (C$14.00) $11.42 per Class A subordinate voting share (the "conversion price") being a ratio of approximately 71.4286 Class A subordinate voting shares per (C$1,000) $816 principal amount of debentures. A holder of a debenture otherwise entitled to a fractional share will receive cash equal to the applicable portion of the closing price of the Class A subordinate voting shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange on the trading day immediately preceding the conversion date. No adjustment will be made for interest accrued on debentures surrendered for conversion; however, holders converting their debentures shall be entitled to receive, in addition to the applicable number of Class A subordinate voting shares, accrued and unpaid interest in respect thereof for the period up to, but excluding, the date of conversion from the latest interest payment date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no debentures may be converted during the ten business days preceding and including June 30 and December 31 in each year, commencing December 31, 2005, as the registers of the Debenture Trustee will be closed during such periods.

        With respect to any debentures that are "restricted securities"(as defined in Regulation D under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933) on the date of conversion, redemption, repurchase or maturity as described under "Notice to Purchasers," all Class A subordinate voting shares, issuable to holders of such debentures (including Canadians and other non-U.S. holders) upon conversion, redemption, repurchase or maturity will be treated as "restricted securities," will bear a legend to such effect and will not be transferable on the Toronto Stock Exchange, NASDAQ or otherwise by the recipient thereof except pursuant to an effective registration statement or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933. All such Class A subordinate voting shares will be issued in physical certificated form and will not be eligible for receipt in global form through the facilities of any book-entry system. With respect to Class A subordinate voting shares that are no longer "restricted securities" on a conversion, redemption, repurchase or maturity date, either as a result of a resale of such Class A subordinate voting shares pursuant to the registration statement described under "Registration Rights" or otherwise, all Class A subordinate voting shares issued upon conversion, redemption, repurchase or maturity will be freely transferable on the Toronto Stock Exchange or Nasdaq without restriction under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable Canadian securities laws (other than by affiliates of MDC).

        Subject to the provisions thereof, the indenture provides for the adjustment of the conversion price in certain events including: (a) the subdivision or consolidation of the outstanding Class A subordinate voting shares; (b) a distribution of Class A subordinate voting shares to all or substantially all holders of Class A subordinate voting shares, by way of share dividend or otherwise, other than an issue of securities to holders of Class A subordinate voting shares who have elected to receive distribution in securities of MDC in lieu of receiving cash dividends paid in the ordinary course; (c) the issuance of options, rights or warrants to all or substantially all holders of Class A subordinate voting shares entitling them to acquire Class A subordinate voting shares or other securities convertible into Class A subordinate voting shares at less than 95% of the then-current market price (as defined below under "Description of the Debentures—Payment upon Redemption or Maturity") of the Class A subordinate voting shares; and (d) the distribution to all holders of Class A subordinate voting shares of any securities or assets, including cash distributions, as dividends or otherwise. There will be no adjustment of the conversion price in respect of any event described in (b), (c) or (d) above if, subject to prior

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regulatory approval, the holders of the debentures are allowed to participate as though they had converted their debentures prior to the applicable record date or effective date. MDC will not be required to make adjustments in the conversion price unless the cumulative effect of such adjustments would change the conversion price by at least 1%.

        In the case of any reclassification or change (other than a change resulting only from consolidation or subdivision) of the Class A subordinate voting shares, or in case of any amalgamation, consolidation or merger of MDC with or into any other entity, or in the case of any sale, transfer or other disposition of the assets of MDC as, or substantially as, an entirety to any other entity, the terms of the conversion privilege shall be adjusted so that each debenture shall, after such reclassification, change, amalgamation, consolidation, merger or sale, be exercisable for the kind and amount of securities or property of MDC, or such continuing, successor or purchaser entity, as the case may be, which the holder thereof would have been entitled to receive as a result of such reclassification, change, amalgamation, consolidation, merger or sale if on the effective date thereof it had been the holder of the number of Class A subordinate voting shares into which the debenture was convertible prior to the effective date of such reclassification, change, amalgamation, consolidation, merger or sale.

        No fractional Class A subordinate voting shares will be issued on any conversion of the debentures but in lieu thereof, MDC shall satisfy such fractional interest by a cash payment equal to the current market price (as herein defined) of such fractional interest.

        To exercise its conversion right, a holder must (a) complete, sign and deliver to the Debenture Trustee a conversion notice, a form of which is available from the Debenture Trustee; (b) deliver the debenture to the Debenture Trustee; and (c) if required by the Debenture Trustee, furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents. No service charge will be paid for any conversion or exchange of debentures. However, the holder will be required to pay any tax, assessment or other governmental charge payable as a result of such conversion or exchange.

Payment upon Redemption or Maturity

        On redemption or at the maturity date, MDC will repay the indebtedness represented by the debentures by paying to the Debenture Trustee in lawful money of Canada an amount equal to the principal amount of the outstanding debentures, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon. MDC may, at its option, on not more than 60 days' and not less than 30 days' prior notice and subject to any required regulatory approvals, unless an Event of Default (as hereinafter defined) has occurred and is continuing, elect to satisfy its obligation to repay, in whole or in part, the principal amount of the debentures which are to be redeemed or which have matured by issuing Class A subordinate voting shares, in whole or in part, to the holders of the debentures. The number of Class A subordinate voting shares to be issued will be determined by dividing the principal amount of the debentures by 95% of the current market price of the Class A subordinate voting shares on the date fixed for redemption or the maturity date, as the case may be. No fractional Class A subordinate voting shares will be issued to holders of debentures but in lieu thereof MDC shall satisfy such fractional interest by a cash payment equal to the current market price of such fractional interest.

        The term "current market price" means the volume weighted-average trading price of the Class A subordinate voting shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the period of 20 consecutive trading days ending five trading days preceding the date of maturity, redemption or repurchase, as the case may be.

Interest Payment Election

        Unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, MDC may elect, from time to time, subject to applicable regulatory approval, to issue and deliver Class A subordinate voting shares to the Debenture Trustee in order to raise funds to satisfy all or any part of MDC's obligations to pay interest on the debentures in accordance with the indenture (the "Share Interest Payment Election") in which

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event holders of the debentures will be entitled to receive a cash payment equal to the interest payable from the proceeds of the sale of such Class A subordinate voting shares by the Debenture Trustee. The indenture will provide that, upon such election, the Debenture Trustee shall:

(i)

accept delivery of Class A subordinate voting shares from MDC,



(ii)

accept bids with respect to, and consummate sales of, such Class A subordinate voting shares, each as MDC shall direct in its absolute discretion,



(iii)

invest the proceeds of such sales in short term securities issued or guaranteed by the Government of Canada or any province thereof, which mature prior to the applicable interest payment date;



(iv)

deliver proceeds to holders of debentures sufficient to satisfy MDC's interest payment obligations; and



(v)

perform any other action necessarily incidental thereto.

        The amount received by a holder in respect of interest will not be affected by whether or not MDC elects to utilize the Share Interest Payment Election.

        Neither MDC's making of the Share Interest Payment Election nor the consummation of sales of Class A subordinate voting shares will (a) result in the holders of debentures not being entitled to receive on the applicable interest payment date cash in an aggregate amount equal to the interest payable on such interest payment date, or (b) entitle such holders to receive any Class A subordinate voting shares in satisfaction of the interest payable on the applicable interest payment date. In the event that the Debenture Trustee shall receive proceeds from the sale of the Class A subordinate voting shares delivered to it by MDC in an amount insufficient to make the scheduled payment of interest on the debentures in accordance with the indenture, MDC shall pay the difference in cash to the Debenture Trustee in sufficient time to allow the Debenture Trustee to pay in full such interest payment.

Redemption and Purchase

        No sinking fund is provided for the debentures. The debentures may not be redeemed by MDC on or before June 30, 2008. Thereafter, but prior to June 30, 2009, the debentures may be redeemed, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at a price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, on not more than 60 days' and not less than 30 days' prior written notice, provided that the volume weighted average trading price of the Class A subordinate voting shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange for at least 20 trading days in any consecutive 30 day period ending on the fifth trading day prior to the date on which notice of redemption is given is not less than 125% of the conversion price. From July 1, 2009 until the maturity of the debentures the debentures may be redeemed by MDC at a price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on not more than 60 days' and not less than 30 days' prior written notice.

        MDC has the right to purchase debentures in the market, by tender or by private contract subject to regulatory requirements; provided, however, that if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, MDC will not have the right to purchase the debentures by private contract.

        In the case of redemption of less than all of the debentures, the debentures to be redeemed will be selected by the Debenture Trustee on a pro rata basis or in such other manner as the Debenture Trustee deems equitable, subject to the consent of the Toronto Stock Exchange. If a portion of a holder's debentures is selected for partial redemption and the holder converts a portion of the debentures prior to such redemption, the converted portion will be deemed to be the portion selected for redemption.

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Cancellation

        All debentures converted, redeemed or purchased as aforesaid will be cancelled and may not be reissued or resold.

Subordination

        The payment of the principal of, and interest on, the debentures is subordinated in right of payment, in the circumstances referred to below and more particularly as set forth in the indenture, to the prior payment in full in cash of all senior indebtedness of MDC. "Senior indebtedness" of MDC means any and all indebtedness, liabilities and other obligations of MDC (other than indebtedness, liabilities and other obligations evidenced by the debentures), whether outstanding on the date of this indenture or thereafter created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed by MDC or for which MDC is otherwise responsible or liable, whether absolutely or contingently, including, for greater certainty and without limitation, claims of trade creditors of MDC and any and all mortgages, debentures, charges or other encumbrances or financings in respect of the personal or real property of MDC, including without limitation and any such indebtedness, liabilities and other obligations in respect of (a) monies borrowed or raised by whatever means (including, without limitation, by means of commercial paper, bankers' acceptances, letters of credit, debt instruments, bank debt and financial leases) and (b) any agreement with respect to any swap, forward, future or derivative transaction or option or similar agreement involving, or settled by reference to, one or more rates, currencies, commodities, equity or debt instruments or securities, or economic, financial or pricing indices or measures of economic, financial or pricing risk or value or any similar transaction or any combination of these transactions which in each or all cases by the terms of the instrument creating or evidencing such indebtedness is not expressed to be pari passu with or subordinate in right of payment to the debentures (other than subordinated indebtedness ranking pari passu to the debentures). The debentures are also effectively subordinated to all existing and future obligations of MDC. The indenture does not limit the ability of MDC or its subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness, including indebtedness that ranks senior to the debentures, or from mortgaging, pledging or charging its real or personal property or properties to secure any indebtedness. In addition, the indenture does not contain any financial covenants or restrictions on the payment of dividends or the repurchase of MDC's securities, nor does it contain covenants or other provisions affording protection to holders of debentures in the event of a highly leveraged transaction or a change in control except to the extent provided below under "Description of the Debentures—Change of Control."

        The indenture provides that in the event of any insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, or any receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar proceedings relative to MDC, or to its property or assets, or in the event of any proceedings for voluntary liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of MDC, whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy, or any marshalling of the assets and liabilities of MDC, all creditors entitled to Senior Indebtedness will receive payment in full in cash before the holders of debentures will be entitled to receive any payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, which may be payable or deliverable in any such event in respect of any of the debentures or any unpaid interest accrued thereon.

        The indenture also provides that MDC will not make any payment, and the holders of debentures will not be entitled to demand, institute proceedings for the collection of, or receive any payment or benefit (including, without limitation, by set-off, combination of accounts or realization of security or otherwise in any manner whatsoever) on account of indebtedness represented by the debentures (i) in a manner inconsistent with the terms (as they exist on the date of issue) of the debentures or (ii) at any time when a default has occurred under the senior indebtedness and is continuing and which permits the holders of debentures to accelerate the maturity thereof, unless the senior indebtedness has been repaid in full in cash.

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Change of Control

        Upon the occurrence of a change of control of MDC involving the acquisition of voting control or direction over 50% or more of the outstanding Class A subordinate voting shares by any person or group of persons acting jointly or in concert (a "Change of Control") prior to June 30, 2008, MDC shall be required to make an offer to purchase all of the then outstanding debentures on a date which is not later than 30 days following the date upon which the Debenture Trustee delivers a change of control notice to the holders of debentures (such date being referred to as the "Change of Control date") at a price equal to the principal amount thereof plus an amount equal to the interest payments not yet received on the debentures calculated from the date of the Change of Control to June 30, 2008, discounted at the Government of Canada Yield (as herein defined) (the "Pre-June 30, 2008 Price"). Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control on or after June 30, 2008, MDC shall be required to make an offer to purchase all of the then outstanding debentures on the Change of Control date at a price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest to the purchase date (the "Post-June 30, 2008 Price").

        The term "Government of Canada Yield" on any date shall mean the average of the yields determined by two registered Canadian investment dealers (as selected by MDC) as being the yield to maturity on such date, compounded semi-annually and calculated in accordance with generally accepted financial practice, that a non-callable Government of Canada Bond would carry if issued in Canadian dollars in Canada at 100% of its principal on such date with a maturity date of June 30, 2008.

        If 90% or more in the aggregate principal amount of the debentures outstanding on the date of the giving of notice of the Change of Control have been tendered for purchase on the Change of Control date, MDC will have the right to redeem all the remaining debentures on such date at the Pre-June 30, 2008 Price or the Post-June 30, 2008 Price, as the case may be. Notice of such redemption must be given to the Debenture Trustee prior to the Change of Control date and as soon as possible thereafter, by the Debenture Trustee to the holders of the debentures not tendered for purchase.

        The principal on the debentures will be payable in lawful money of Canada or, at the option of MDC and subject to applicable regulatory approval, by payment of fully paid and non-assessable Class A subordinate voting shares, which may be subject to the restrictions on transfer described under "Notice to Purchasers," to satisfy, in whole or in part, its obligation to repay the principal amount of the debentures.

        The indenture will contain notification provisions to the following effect:

(a)

MDC will promptly give written notice to the Debenture Trustee of the occurrence of a Change of Control and the Debenture Trustee will thereafter give to the holders of debentures a notice of the Change of Control, the repayment right of the holders of debentures and the right of MDC to redeem untendered debentures under certain circumstances; and



(b)

a holder of debentures, to exercise the right to require MDC to purchase its debentures, must deliver to the Debenture Trustee, not less than five business days prior to the Change of Control date, written notice of the holder's exercise of such right, together with a duly endorsed form of transfer.

        MDC will comply with the requirements of Canadian and United States securities laws and regulations to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the debentures in the event of a Change of Control.

        The foregoing provisions would not be triggered in many transactions constituting a corporate change in control or necessarily afford holders of the debentures protection in the event of highly leveraged or other transactions involving MDC that may adversely affect holders.

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Modification

        The rights of the holders of the debentures as well as any other series of debentures that may be issued under the indenture may be modified in accordance with the terms of the indenture. For that purpose, among others, the indenture will contain certain provisions which will make binding on all holders of debentures resolutions passed at meetings of the holders of debentures by votes cast thereat by holders of not less than 50% of the principal amount of the then outstanding debentures present at the meeting or represented by proxy, or rendered by instruments in writing signed by the holders of not less than 50% of the principal amount of the then outstanding debentures. In certain cases, the modification will, instead of or in addition to, require assent by the holders of the required percentage of debentures of each particularly affected series. Under the indenture, the debenture trustee will have the right to make certain amendments to the indenture in its discretion, without the consent of the holders of debentures.

        If the U.S. Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the "TIA") is amended after the date of the indenture so as to require changes to the indenture or so as to permit changes to, or the elimination of, provisions which, at the date of the indenture or at any time thereafter, were required by the TIA to be contained in the indenture, or the indenture is otherwise required to be amended to comply with the TIA, the indenture will be deemed to have been amended so as to conform to such amendment or to effect such changes or elimination, and MDC and the Debenture Trustee may, without the consent of any holders, enter into one or more supplemental indentures to effect or evidence such amendment.

Events of Default

        The indenture provides that an event of default ("event of default") in respect of the debentures will occur if certain events described in the indenture occur, including if any one or more of the following described events has occurred and is continuing with respect to the debentures: (i) failure to pay interest on the debentures within 30 days when due; (ii) failure to pay principal or premium, if any, on the debentures, whether at the maturity date, upon redemption, by declaration or otherwise; or (iii) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of MDC under bankruptcy or insolvency laws. If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Debenture Trustee may, in its discretion, and shall, upon the request of holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding debentures, declare the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on all outstanding debentures to be immediately due and payable.

        The indenture provides that the Debenture Trustee will give holders notice of all uncured events that are, or after the passage of time would be, an Event of Default (each, a "Default"). However, notice will not be given until 30 days after the expiration of the grace period after the occurrence of a default involving a failure to perform an obligation other than an obligation to pay principal or interest. The Debenture Trustee may withhold notice, except in the case of a payment default, if and so long as it has determined in good faith that withholding such notice is in the best interest of the holders of the debentures.

        By notice to the Debenture Trustee, the holders of not less than the majority in total principal amount of the debentures may waive any past Default or Event of Default with respect to the debentures and its consequences. Further, a majority of holders may rescind and annul a declaration of acceleration with respect to the debentures (unless a judgment or decree based on such acceleration has been obtained and entered), except an acceleration based on an Event of Default in the payment of the principal of, or interest on, the debentures, unless such payment default has been cured, and certain other Defaults.

        Under the indenture, the Debenture Trustee is not obliged to exercise any rights or powers at the request of holders, unless such holders have offered it reasonable indemnity. Subject thereto, the indenture provides that the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the

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debentures then-outstanding may direct the time, place and method of exercising any power conferred on the Debenture Trustee.

Offers for Debentures

        The indenture contains provisions to the effect that if an offer is made for the debentures which is a takeover bid for debentures within the meaning of the Securities Act (Ontario) and not less than 90% of the debentures (other than debentures held at the date of the take over bid by or on behalf of the offeror or associates or affiliates of the offeror) are taken up and paid for by the offeror, the offeror will be entitled to acquire the debentures held by holders of debentures who did not accept the offer on the terms offered by the offeror.

Registration Rights

        MDC has entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers of the debentures. Under the registration rights agreement, MDC is required to use its reasonable best efforts to:

•

file, by September 30, 2005, a resale registration statement with the SEC on the appropriate form under the U.S. Securities Act to cover resales of the debentures and the Class A subordinate voting shares issuable pursuant to the terms of the indenture, including upon conversion, redemption, repurchase or maturity of the debentures;



•

cause that resale registration statement to be declared effective on or before December 31, 2005; and



•

subject to certain "black-out" periods not to exceed 90 days in the aggregate in any consecutive 365-day period, use its reasonable best efforts to cause that resale registration statement to remain effective, subject to some exceptions, until the earlier of:



•

two years following the issue date of the debentures; and



•

the date on which all debentures or Class A subordinate voting shares covered by that registration statement have been sold under that resale registration statement.

        MDC cannot assure purchasers that it will be able to timely file, cause to be declared effective or keep effective a resale registration statement for the required period. Holders of debentures will be required to deliver certain information to be used in connection with the registration statement within the time periods indicated in the registration rights agreement in order to have their debentures or Class A subordinate voting shares included in the registration statement. However, if at any time after MDC files a resale registration statement pursuant to the terms of the registration rights agreement, and such registration statement has been declared effective, until such time as MDC is eligible to file the registration statement on Form S-3 under the U.S. Securities Act, MDC will not be required to amend the resale registration statement to include additional selling shareholders more than once every 30 days.

        The registration rights agreement provides that if the resale registration statement is not declared effective by the dates set forth above or if it ceases to be effective or usable in connection with resales of the debentures during the periods specified in the registration rights agreement (including, without limitation, for "blackout" periods that exceed 90 days in the aggregate in any consecutive 365-day period), which is referred to as a registration default, then MDC will pay predetermined additional amounts to holders of the debentures. Such additional amounts will accrue until such failure to file or become effective or unavailability is cured in respect of any debentures, at a rate per annum equal to 0.50% for the first six-month period after the occurrence of such event, increasing by an additional 0.50% for the subsequent six-month period. Effective January 1, 2006 until the end of the six-month

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period in which a registration statement for the resale of the debentures is declared effective by the SEC, the debentures will bear interest at an annual rate of 8.50%, subject to an additional 0.5% increase in certain circumstances. So long as the failure to become effective or unavailability continues, MDC will pay such additional amounts in cash or Class A subordinate voting shares on June 30 and December 31 of each year to the holders of record of the debentures on the immediately preceding June 15 and December 15. On the earlier of June 30, 2007 and the date on which such registration default is cured, accrued and unpaid additional amounts will be paid in cash or Class A subordinate voting shares to the record holder as of the date of such cure and the interest rate payable on the debentures will return to 8.00%. No additional amounts will be payable to holders of any Class A subordinate voting shares issued in exchange for debentures if the resale registration statement is not filed or declared effective by the dates set forth above or it ceases to be effective or usable in connection with resales of the Class A subordinated voting shares.

        A holder who sells debentures and Class A subordinate voting shares issued upon conversion, redemption, repurchase or maturity of the debentures pursuant to the resale registration statement generally will be required to be named as a selling security holder in the related prospectus, deliver a prospectus to purchasers and be bound by certain provisions of the registration rights agreement that are applicable to such holder, including certain indemnification provisions. MDC will pay all expenses of a resale registration statement, provide to each registered holder copies of such prospectus, notify each registered holder when the resale registration statement has become effective and take certain other actions as are required to permit, subject to the foregoing, unrestricted sales of the debentures and the Class A subordinate voting shares issuable upon conversion, redemption, repurchase or maturity of the debentures.

        This is a summary of some important provisions of the registration rights agreement. This summary is not complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the registration rights agreement. Investors may request a copy of the registration rights agreement by contacting MDC at its principal executive offices indicated under where you can find more information during normal business hours.

Book Entry, Delivery and Form

        The Debentures were be issued in the form of fully-registered global debentures (the "Global Debentures") held by, or on behalf of, CDS or its successor, (the "Depository") as custodian for its participants.

        All debentures are represented in the form of Global Debentures registered in the name of the Depository or its nominee. Purchasers of debentures represented by Global Debentures will not receive debentures in definitive form. Rather, the debentures will be represented only in "book-entry only" form (unless MDC is required to prepare and deliver definitive debentures in fully-registered form). Beneficial interests in the Global Debentures, constituting ownership of the debentures, will be represented through book-entry accounts of institutions acting on behalf of beneficial owners, as direct and indirect participants of the Depository (the "participants"). The Depository will be responsible for establishing and maintaining book entry accounts for its participants having interests in Global Debentures. Debentures will be issued in fully registered form to holders or their nominees, other than CDS or its nominee, only if: (i) MDC is required to do so by applicable law; (ii) the depository system of CDS ceases to exist; or (iii) MDC determines that CDS is no longer willing or able or qualified to discharge properly its responsibility as depository and MDC is unable, using reasonable efforts, to locate a qualified successor.

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Transfer and Exchange of Debentures

        Transfers of beneficial ownership in the debentures represented by Global Debentures will be effected through records maintained by CDS for such Global Debentures or its nominees (with respect to interests of participants) and on the records of participants (with respect to interests of persons other than participants). Unless MDC is required to prepare and deliver definitive debentures, beneficial owners who are not participants in the Depository's book entry system, but who desire to purchase, sell or otherwise transfer ownership of or other interest in Global Debentures, may do so only through participants in CDS' book entry system.

        The ability of a beneficial owner of an interest in a debenture represented by a Global Debenture to pledge the debenture or otherwise take action with respect to such owner's interest in a debenture represented by a Global Debenture (other than through a participant) may be limited due to the lack of a physical certificate.

        Registered holders of definitive debentures may transfer such debentures upon payment of taxes or other charges incidental thereto, if any, by executing and delivering a form of transfer together with the debentures to the Debenture Trustee at its principal offices in Toronto, Ontario or such other city or cities as may from time to time be designated by MDC whereupon new debentures will be issued in authorized denominations in the same aggregate principal amount as the debentures so transferred, registered in the names of the transferees.

Payments

        Payments of interest and principal on each Global Debenture will be made to CDS or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered holder of the Global Debenture. As long as CDS or its nominee is the registered owner of a Global Debenture, CDS or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole legal owner of the Global Debenture for the purposes of receiving payments of interest and principal on the debentures and for all other purposes under the indenture and the debentures. The record date for the payment of interest will be that day which is the day immediately preceding the applicable interest payment date (or the first business day following such date if not a business day). Interest payments on Global Debentures will be made by electronic funds transfer on the day interest is payable and delivered to the Depository or its nominee, as the case may be.

        MDC understands that CDS or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of interest or principal in respect of a Global Debenture, will credit participants' accounts, on the date interest or principal is payable, with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interest in the principal amount of such Global Debenture as shown on the records of CDS or its nominee. MDC also understands that payments of interest and principal by participants to the owners of beneficial interest in such Global Debenture held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name" and will be the responsibility of such participants. The responsibility and liability of MDC in respect of payments on debentures represented by the Global Debenture is limited solely and exclusively, while the debentures are registered in Global Debenture form, to making payment of any interest and principal due on such Global Debenture to the Depository or its nominee.

        If definitive debentures are issued instead of or in place of Global Debentures, payments of interest on each definitive debenture will be made by electronic funds transfer, if agreed to by the holder of the definitive debenture or if required under any applicable payment clearing system rules, or by check dated the interest payment date and mailed to the address of the holder appearing in the register maintained by the registrar for the debentures, at the close of business on the last business day (a business day for this purpose being a day on which banking institutions are open in the City of Toronto) of the month preceding the month of the applicable interest payment date. Payment of principal at maturity will be made at the principal office of the Debenture Trustee in the City of

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Toronto (or in such other city or cities as may from time to time be designated by MDC) against surrender of the definitive debentures, if any. If the due date for payment of any amount of principal or interest on any definitive debenture is not, at the place of payment, a business day such payment will be made on the next business day and the holder of such definitive debenture shall not be entitled to any further interest or other payment in respect of such delay.

Reports to Holders

        MDC shall file with the Debenture Trustee, within 15 days after the filing thereof with the Ontario Securities Commission, copies of MDC's annual report and the information, documents and other reports that MDC is required to file with the Ontario Securities Commission and deliver to shareholders. Notwithstanding that MDC may not be required to remain subject to the reporting requirements of the Ontario Securities Commission, MDC shall provide to the Debenture Trustee (a) within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, an annual financial statement of MDC, and (b) within 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year, interim financial statements of MDC which shall, at a minimum, contain such information as is required to be provided in quarterly reports under the laws of Canada or any province thereof to security holders of a company with securities listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, whether or not MDC has any of its securities so listed. Each of such reports will be prepared in accordance with applicable Canadian disclosure requirements and U.S. or Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. MDC will provide copies of such information, documents and reports to holders of debentures upon request.

Governing Law

        Each of the indenture and the debentures are governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Province of Ontario applicable to contracts executed and to be performed entirely in such Province, save as regards matters provided for in such provisions of the TIA as are required under the TIA to be part of and to govern indentures qualified under the TIA, which matters shall be performed in accordance with and be governed by U.S. federal laws governing the TIA.

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DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL

General

        The following is a summary of the rights of MDC's common stock and preferred stock and related provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws. For more detailed information, please see our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, which are filed as exhibits to our annual report on Form 10-K.

Authorized and Outstanding Capital Stock

        The authorized capital of MDC consists of: (i) an unlimited number of Class A subordinate voting shares, with no par value; (ii) an unlimited number of class B multiple voting shares, with no par value (the "Class B Multiple Voting Shares"); and, (iii) an unlimited number of non-voting preference shares, issuable in series. As of December 31, 2005, there were 23,437,615 Class A subordinate voting shares, 2,502 Class B Multiple Voting Shares and no preferred shares issued and outstanding. In addition, as of December 31, 2005, there were outstanding options to purchase 1,793,204 shares of our Class A subordinate voting shares, outstanding warrants to purchase 990,672 shares of our common stock and 1,975,000 shares of our common stock were available for future issuance under our 2005 Stock Incentive Plan. In addition, as of December 31, 2005, we were obligated to issue approximately 3,214,287 shares of our common stock upon conversion of the Debentures. At March 1, 2006, there were 1,800 holders of record of our Class A subordinate voting shares.

Class A Subordinate Voting Shares and Class B Multiple Voting Shares

Voting Rights

        The Class A subordinate voting shares carry one vote each. The Class B Multiple Voting Shares carry 20 votes each. Generally, all matters to be voted on by shareholders must be approved by a majority, or, in the case of the election of directors, by a plurality, of the votes entitled to be cast at a meeting at which a quorum is present by all shares of our Class A subordinate voting shares and Class B Multiple Voting Shares present in person or represented by proxy, voting together as a single class, subject to any voting rights granted to holders of any then outstanding preferred stock.

Dividends

        The Class A subordinate voting shares are entitled to dividends equal to or greater than Class B Multiple Voting Shares. Holders of Class A subordinate voting shares will share ratably in any dividends declared by the board of directors, subject to the preferential rights of any of our preferred stock then outstanding. Dividends consisting of shares of our Class A subordinate voting shares may be paid to holders of shares of Class A subordinate voting shares, and dividends consisting of shares of our Class B Multiple Voting Shares may be paid to holders of shares of Class B Multiple Voting Shares.

        MDC has not paid dividends on any class of shares during the three years ended December 31, 2005.

Conversion and Other Rights

        The Class A subordinate voting shares are convertible at the option of the holder into one Class B Multiple Voting Share for each Class A subordinate voting share after the occurrence of certain events related to an offer to purchase all Class B Multiple Voting Shares. The Class B Multiple Voting Shares are convertible at any time at the option of the holder into one Class A subordinate voting share for each Class B Multiple Voting Share

        The holders of Class A subordinate voting shares and Class B Multiple Voting Shares are entitled to receive equally, share for share, after providing for preferential payment of the amounts required to be paid under and in respect of any preference shares ranking in priority, any property that is

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distributed to shareholders (including any distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up, whether voluntary or involuntary, or other distribution of assets among shareholders for the purpose of winding up the MDC's affairs).

        Holders of shares of our Class A subordinate voting shares and Class B Multiple Voting Shares have no preemptive rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Class A subordinate voting shares or the Class B Multiple Voting Shares.

Preferred Stock

        Under our certificate of incorporation, our board of directors has the authority, without further shareholder action, to issue from time to time, non-voting preference shares in one or more series and for such consideration as may be fixed from time to time by our board of directors. Our board also has the authority to fix and determine, in the manner provided by law, the relative rights and preferences of the shares of any series so established, such as dividend rights. Our certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of non-voting preference shares. Prior to the issuance of each series of non-voting preference shares, our board will adopt resolutions creating and designating the series as a series of such shares.

Limitation of Director Liability

        MDC's bylaws provided that, except as otherwise provided for in the Canada Business Corporations Act, as amended, no director or officer shall be liable for the acts, receipts, neglects or defaults of any other director, officer, employee, or agent, or for joining in any receipt or other act for conformity, or for any loss, damage or expense happening to the Company through the insufficiency or deficiency of title to any property acquired for or on behalf of the Company, or for the insufficiency or deficiency of any security in or upon which any of the moneys of or belonging to the Company shall be invested, or for any loss or damage arising from the bankruptcy, insolvency or tortious acts of any person firm or corporation with whom or which any of the moneys, securities or effects of the Company shall be lodged or deposited, or for any loss, conversion, misapplication or misappropriation of or any damage resulting from any dealings with any moneys, securities or other assets belonging to the Company, or for any other loss, damage or misfortune whatsoever which shall happen in the execution of the duties of his or her respective office or trust or in relation thereto, unless the same happen by or through his or her failure to exercise the powers and to discharge the duties of his or her office honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Company and in connection therewith to exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances. The directors for the time being of the Company shall not be under any duty or responsibility in respect of any contract, act or transaction whether or not made, done or entered into in the name or on behalf of the Company, except such as shall have been submitted to and authorized or approved by the board of directors. If any director or officer of the Company shall be employed by or shall perform services for the Company otherwise than as a director or officer or shall be a member of a firm or a shareholder, director or officer of a company which is employed by or performs services for the Company, the fact of his or her being a director or officer of the Company shall not disentitle such director or officer or such firm or company, as the case may be, from receiving proper remuneration for such services.

Rights Plan

        For a description of our options and rights plans, see "Management."

Transfer Agent and Registrar

        The transfer agent and registrar for the Class A subordinate voting shares is CIBC Mellon Trust Company. CIBC Mellon Trust Company operates a telephone information inquiry line that can be reached by dialing toll-free 1-800-387-0825 or 416-643-5500.

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TAXATION

United States Taxation

General

        The following summary contains a description of the principal United States federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership, disposition or conversion of debentures, but it does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all the tax considerations that may be relevant to a decision to purchase debentures. This summary does not describe any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, locality or taxing jurisdiction other than the United States. This summary is based on the tax laws of the United States as in effect on the date of this U.S. Placement Memorandum, including the provisions of the income tax treaty between the United States and Canada (the "Tax Treaty"), as well as regulations, rulings and decisions of the United States. All of the foregoing are subject to change, which change could apply retroactively and could affect the continued validity of this summary.

        Prospective purchasers of the debentures should consult their own tax advisors as to the United States or other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership, disposition or conversion of the debentures, including, in particular, the application to their particular situations of the tax considerations discussed below, as well as the application of state, local, foreign or other tax laws.

        As used under this section "United States Taxation," the term "United States Holder" means a beneficial owner of a debenture that is a citizen or resident of the United States or a U.S. domestic company or that otherwise will be subject to United States federal income taxation on a net income basis in respect of the debentures. This summary deals with United States Holders that will hold debentures as capital assets, whose functional currency is the United States dollar, and who will be acquiring debentures as part of the initial distribution at a price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued interest (if any). This summary generally does not address the tax treatment of United States Holders that may be subject to special tax rules, such as persons that own 10% or more (measured by vote or by value) of the stock of MDC, banks, tax-exempt entities, insurance companies, dealers in securities or currencies, traders in securities electing to mark to market, persons that will hold debentures as a position in a "straddle" or conversion transaction, or as part of a "synthetic security" or other integrated financial transaction.

Taxation of Interest

        A United States Holder will treat the gross amount of interest in respect of the debentures as ordinary foreign-source interest income at the time that such payments are accrued or are received (in accordance with the United States Holder's method of accounting).

Sale, Exchange or Redemption of debenture

        Upon the sale, exchange or redemption of a debenture, a United States Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between (i) the amount of cash proceeds and the fair market value of any property received on the sale, exchange or redemption (except to the extent such amount is attributable to accrued interest income, which is taxable as ordinary income), and (ii) such holder's adjusted tax basis in the debenture. Gain or loss realized by a United States Holder on the sale, redemption or other disposition of debentures generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of the disposition, the debentures have been held for more than one year.

Conversion of Debenture

        A United States Holder generally will not recognize any income, gain or loss upon conversion of a debenture into Class A subordinate voting shares issuable upon conversion thereof except with respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional Class A subordinate voting share. Such Holder's tax basis in the Class A subordinate voting shares received on conversion of a debenture will be the same as such

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Holder's adjusted tax basis in the debenture at the time of conversion (reduced by any basis allocable to a fractional share interest), and the holding period for the Class A subordinate voting shares thereof received on conversion will generally include the holding period of the debenture converted.

        Cash received in lieu of fractional Class A subordinate voting shares upon conversion will be treated as a payment made in exchange for the fractional Class A subordinate voting share. Accordingly, the receipt of cash in lieu of a fractional Class A subordinate voting share generally will result in capital gain or loss (measured by the difference between the cash received for the fractional share and the United States Holder's adjusted tax basis in the fractional share).

Adjustment of Conversion Price

        The conversion price of the debentures is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. Under section 305(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, adjustments that have the effect of increasing the proportionate interest of holders of the debentures in the assets or earnings of MDC (for example, an adjustment following a distribution of property by MDC to its shareholders) may in some circumstances give rise to deemed dividend income to United States Holders; similarly, a failure to adjust the conversion price of the debentures to reflect a stock dividend or other event increasing the proportionate interest of the holders of outstanding stock can in some circumstances give rise to deemed dividend income to United States Holders of such stock.

Additional Amounts

        MDC intend to take the position that the possibility that holders of debentures would be paid additional amounts, other than an incidental amount of additional interest, due to a failure to register within the prescribed time periods was, and the possibility that holders will be paid futher additional amounts, other than an incidential amount of additional interest paid, due to a failure to register by June 30, 2006, is a remote or incidental contingency as of the issue date of the debentures and the date hereof, respectively, within the meaning of the applicable Treasury Regulations. Accordingly, any additional amount should be taxable to a United States Holder as ordinary foreign-source income at the time it accrues or is received in accordance with such United States Holder's regular method of tax accounting. MDC's determination that the payment of additional amounts is a remote or incidental contingency is binding upon all holders of the debentures, unless a holder properly discloses to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") that it is taking a contrary position. If the IRS were to challenge this determination, a United States Holder of debentures might be subject to the rules applicable to contingent payment debt instruments, and might be required to accrue a significant amount of taxable income on its debentures in excess of any cash received.

Dividends

        The gross amount of dividends (i.e., without reduction for Canadian withholding taxes) paid on the Class A subordinate voting shares generally will be includible in the income of a United States Holder as ordinary foreign-source income to the extent of MDC's current or accumulated earnings and profits.

        A dividend (or deemed dividend) distribution to a corporate United States Holder will not qualify for the dividends received deduction.

        Canadian withholding taxes paid at the appropriate rate applicable to the United States Holder will be treated as foreign income taxes eligible for credit against such United States Holder's United States federal income tax liability, subject to generally applicable limitations and conditions, or, at the election of such United States Holder, for deduction in computing such United States Holder's taxable income. Dividends will constitute income from sources without the United States for foreign tax credit purposes.

        The calculation of foreign tax credits and, in the case of a United States Holder that elects to deduct foreign taxes, the availability of deductions, involves the application of rules that depend on a

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United States Holder's particular circumstances. United States Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of foreign tax credits.

Sale or Other Disposition of Common Shares

        United States Holders generally will be subject to taxation with respect to any gain recognized on the sale, exchange, redemption or other disposition of Class A subordinate voting shares. Such gain will be capital gain and will be long-term capital gain if the Class A subordinate voting shares were held for more than one year.

Canadian Taxation

        THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY IS OF A GENERAL NATURE ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE, NOR SHOULD IT BE CONSTRUED TO BE, LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE TO ANY PARTICULAR HOLDER. CONSEQUENTLY, HOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS FOR ADVICE AS TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF AN INVESTMENT IN THE DEBENTURES HAVING REGARD TO THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.

        The following describes the principal Canadian federal income tax consequences to a purchaser who acquires debentures pursuant to this Offering, and who, for the purposes of the Tax Act, deals at arm's length and is not affiliated with MDC, holds debentures as capital property and at all relevant times is resident in Canada for purposes of the Tax Act (a "Canadian holder"). The debentures will generally be considered to be capital property for this purpose unless either the holder holds such debentures in the courses of carrying on a business, or the holder has held or acquired such debentures in a transaction or transactions considered to be an adventure in the nature of trade. Certain Canadian holders whose debentures might not otherwise qualify as capital property may, in certain circumstances, treat such debentures as capital property by making an irrevocable election provided by subsection 39(4) of the Tax Act.

        This summary is not applicable to a Canadian holder an interest in which is a "tax shelter investment" as defined in the Tax Act, or, for purposes of the "mark-to-market" rules relating to securities held by a "financial institution" as defined in the Tax Act. Such Canadian holders should consult their own tax advisors.

        This summary is based upon the current provisions of the Tax Act and counsel's understanding of the current published administrative practices and policies of the Canada Revenue Agency ("CRA"). It also takes into account all proposed amendments to the Tax Act publicly released by the Minister of Finance (Canada) ("Tax Proposals"), and assumes that all such Tax Proposals will be enacted. No assurance can be given that the Tax Proposals will be enacted in the form proposed or at all. This summary does not otherwise take into account or anticipate any changes in law, whether by way of legislative, judicial or administrative action or interpretation, nor does it address any provincial, territorial or foreign tax considerations.

Taxation of Interest on Debentures

        A Canadian holder that is a corporation, partnership, unit trust or trust of which a corporation or a partnership is a beneficiary will be required to include in its income for a taxation year any interest on the debentures that accrued to it or was deemed to accrue to it to the end of the year or that became receivable or was received by it before the end of the year, except to the extent that such interest was included in computing its income for a preceding taxation year. Any other Canadian holder, including an individual (other than a trust), will be required to include in income for a taxation year any interest on the debentures received or receivable by such holder in the year (depending upon the method regularly followed by the holder in computing income), except to the extent that such amount was otherwise included in its income for the year or a preceding taxation year.

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        On a disposition or deemed disposition of a debenture, including a payment on maturity, a redemption or a purchase for cancellation, a Canadian holder will generally also be required to include in income the amount of interest accrued on the debenture from the date of the last interest payment to the date of disposition to the extent that such amount has not otherwise been included in the holder's income for the taxation year or a previous taxation year. For the tax treatment of any interest paid by MDC to a Canadian holder by the issuance of Class A subordinate voting shares upon the exercise of the conversion privilege, see "Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations—Exercise of Conversion Privilege".

Disposition of Debentures

        In general, the disposition or deemed disposition of a debenture, including a redemption, payment on maturity or purchase for cancellation, but not including the conversion of a debenture into Class A subordinate voting shares (or Class A subordinate voting shares and cash not in excess of $200 in lieu of a fraction of a share) pursuant to a Canadian holder's right of conversion, will give rise to a capital gain (or capital loss) to the extent that the proceeds of disposition, net of any accrued interest included in the holder's income, exceed (or are less than) the adjusted cost base of the debenture to the holder immediately before the disposition and any reasonable costs of disposition. Such capital gain (or capital loss) will be subject to the tax treatment described below under "Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations—Taxation of Capital Gains and Capital Losses".

        If MDC pays any amount upon the redemption, purchase or maturity of a debenture by issuing Class A subordinate voting shares to the Canadian holder, the holder's proceeds of disposition of the debenture will be equal to the fair market value, at the time of disposition of the debenture, of the Class A subordinate voting shares and any other consideration so received, which may result in a capital gain (or a capital loss). The cost to the Canadian holder of Class A subordinate voting shares so received will be equal to the fair market value of such Class A subordinate voting shares. The adjusted cost base to a Canadian holder of Class A subordinate voting shares at any time will be determined by averaging the cost of such Class A subordinate voting shares with the adjusted cost base of any other Class A subordinate voting shares owned by the holder as capital property at that time.

Exercise of Conversion Privilege

        Generally, a Canadian holder who converts a debenture into Class A subordinate voting shares pursuant to the conversion privilege will be deemed not to have disposed of the debenture and, accordingly, will not be considered to realize a capital gain (or capital loss) on such conversion. Under the current administrative practice of the CRA, a holder who, upon conversion of a debenture, receives cash not in excess of $200 in lieu of a fraction of a share may either treat this amount as proceeds of disposition of a portion of the debenture, thereby realizing a capital gain (or capital loss), or reduce the adjusted cost base of the Class A subordinate voting shares that the holder receives on the conversion by the amount of the cash received. Any interest paid by MDC to a Canadian holder by the issuance of Class A subordinate voting shares upon the exercise of the conversion privilege will be included in the holder's income for the taxation year of the conversion, except to the extent that such amount was included in the holder's income for a preceding taxation year.

        The aggregate cost to a Canadian holder of the Class A subordinate voting shares acquired on the conversion of a debenture will generally be equal to the aggregate of the holder's adjusted cost base of the debenture immediately before the conversion and the amount of interest accrued on the debenture to the date of conversion, if any, which is included in such holder's income. The adjusted cost base to a Canadian holder of Class A subordinate voting shares at any time will be determined by averaging the cost of such Class A subordinate voting shares with the adjusted cost base of any other Class A subordinate voting shares owned by the holder as capital property at the time.

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Taxation of Dividends on Class A Subordinate Voting Shares

        Dividends received or deemed to be received on the Class A subordinate voting shares will be included in a Canadian holder's income for purposes of the Tax Act. Such dividends received or deemed to be received by a Canadian holder that is an individual (other than certain trusts) will be subject to the gross-up and dividend tax credit rules generally applicable under the Tax Act in respect of dividends received on shares of taxable Canadian corporations. A Canadian holder that is a corporation will include such dividends in computing its income and will generally be entitled to deduct the amount of such dividends in computing its taxable income. A Canadian holder that is a "private corporation" or a "subject corporation" (as such terms are defined in the Tax Act), may be liable under Part IV of the Tax Act to pay a refundable tax of 331/3% on dividends received or deemed to be received on the Class A subordinate voting shares to the extent such dividends are deductible in computing the holder's taxable income.

Disposition of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares

        A disposition, or a deemed disposition, of a Class A subordinate voting share by a Canadian holder will generally give rise to a capital gain (or a capital loss) equal to the amount by which the proceeds of disposition of the Class A subordinate voting share, net of any reasonable costs of disposition, exceed (or are less than) the adjusted cost base of the Class A subordinate voting share to the holder. Such capital gain (or capital loss) will be subject to the treatment described below under "Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations—Taxation of Capital Gains and Capital Losses."

Additional Refundable Tax

        A Canadian holder that is a "Canadian-controlled private corporation" (as such term is defined in the Tax Act) may be liable to pay an additional refundable tax of ⁶²/3% on certain investment income including amounts in respect of interest and Taxable Capital Gains, as defined below.

Taxation of Capital Gains and Capital Losses

        In general, one half of any capital gain (a "Taxable Capital Gain") realized by a Canadian holder in a taxation year will be included in the holder's income in the year. Subject to and in accordance with the provisions of the Tax Act, one half of any capital loss (an "Allowable Capital Loss") realized by a Canadian holder in a taxation year must be deducted from Taxable Capital Gains realized by the holder in the year and Allowable Capital Losses in excess of Taxable Capital Gains may be carried back and deducted in any of the three preceding taxation years or carried forward and deducted in any subsequent taxation year against net taxable capital gains realized in such years.

        The amount of any capital loss realized by a Canadian holder that is a corporation on the disposition of a Class A subordinate voting share may be reduced by the amount of dividends received or deemed to be received by it on such Class A subordinate voting share (or on a share for which the Class A subordinate voting share has been substituted) to the extent and under the circumstances prescribed by the Tax Act. Similar rules may apply where a corporation is a member of a partnership or a beneficiary of a trust that owns Class A subordinate voting shares, directly or indirectly, through a partnership or a trust. A Taxable Capital Gain realized by a Canadian holder who is an individual may give rise to liability for alternative minimum tax.

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SELLING SHAREHOLDERS

        The debentures were originally issued by us and sold to Scotia Capital Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., TD Securities Inc. and GMP Securities Ltd., which we refer to as the "initial purchasers," and resold by the initial purchasers in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act under Regulation S under the Securities Act. The selling security holders, including their transferees, pledgees, donees, assignees or successors, may from time to time offer and sell pursuant to this prospectus any or all of the debentures listed below and the shares of common stock issued upon conversion of the debentures.

        Certain selling security holders may be deemed to be "underwriters" as defined in the Securities Act. Any profits realized by such selling security holders may be deemed to be underwriting commissions.

        The following table sets forth certain information concerning the principal amount of debentures beneficially owned and the number of shares of common stock issuable on conversion of those debentures that may be offered from time to time under this prospectus by the selling security holders named in the table. None of these selling security holders is a registered broker-dealer. MDC prepared this table based on the information supplied to it by the selling security holders named in the table and MDC have not sought to verify such information. This table only reflects information regarding selling security holders who have provided MDC with such information. To the extent that successors to the named selling security holders wish to sell under this prospectus, MDC will file a prospectus supplement identifying such successors as selling security holders. MDC expects that it will update this table as it receives more information from holders of the debentures who have not yet provided it with their information. MDC will supplement or amend this prospectus to include additional selling security holders on request and on provision of all required information to MDC. Information concerning the selling security holders may change from time to time and any changed information will be set forth in amendments or supplements to this prospectus if and when necessary.

        The number of shares of common stock issuable on conversion of the debentures shown in the table below assumes conversion of the full amount of debentures held by each selling security holder at an initial conversion rate of 71.4286 Class A subordinated voting shares per C$1,000 principal amount of debentures. This conversion rate is subject to adjustment in certain events. Accordingly, the number of conversion shares may increase or decrease from time to time. Because the selling security holders may offer all or some portion of the debentures or the shares of common stock issuable on conversion of the debentures pursuant to this prospectus, MDC has assumed for purposes of the table below that the selling security holders will sell all of the debentures and all of the Class A subordinated voting shares offered by this prospectus pursuant to this prospectus. In addition, the selling security holders identified below may have sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of all or a portion of their debentures in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act since the date on which they provided the information to us regarding their holdings. As of December 31, 2005, MDC had C$45,000,000 in principal amount of the debentures and 23,437,615 underlying Class A subordinated voting shares outstanding.

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        Based on information provided by the selling security holders, none of the selling security holders has held any position or office or has had any material relationship with us within the past three years except as described below.

		Aggregate Principal Amount of Debentures Beneficially Owned That May Be Sold(1)					Number of Shares of Class A Subordinate Voting Share
					Percentage of Debentures Outstanding Before Offering
													Percentage of Common Stock Outstanding After Offering
Name							Held Before Offering		That May Be Sold		Held After Offering
All holders of debentures and future transferees, distributees, pledges, donees and successors of such holders*		$	45,000,000		100.0	%	N/A		3,214,287		N/A		N/A

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*

Information concerning other selling security holders will be set forth in prospectus supplements or in an amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part if and when necessary.

(1)

Amounts indicated are in excess of the total amount registered due to sales or transfers exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act since the date upon which the selling security holders provided to us the information regarding their debentures and Class A subordinated voting shares.

(2)

Excludes any Class A subordinated voting shares owned by such selling security holder other than shares issuable upon conversion of the debentures.

(3)

Figures in this column represent the number of Class A subordinated voting shares issuable on conversion of all of the debentures owned by the security holders based on the initial conversion rate of 71.4286 shares per C$1,000 principal amount of debentures. This conversion rate is subject to adjustment as described under "Description of Debentures—Conversion Rights." Accordingly, the number of Class A subordinated voting shares to be sold may increase or decrease from time to time. Fractional shares will not be issued upon conversion of the debentures. Cash will be paid instead of fractional shares, if any. In no event will the aggregate principal amount of debentures offered by this prospectus exceed C$45,000,000. Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act, the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part also covers any additional shares of our class A subordinate voting stock which become issuable in connection with such shares because of any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization or other similar event or adjustment in the number of shares issuable as provided by the terms of the debentures.

        With respect to selling security holders that are affiliates of broker-dealers, we believe that such entities acquired their debentures or underlying Class A common stock in the ordinary course of business and, at the time of the purchase of the debentures or the underlying Class A subordinate voting stock, such selling security holders had no agreements or understandings, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the debentures or underlying Class A subordinate voting stock. To the extent that we become aware that such entities did not acquire their debentures or underlying Class A subordinate voting stock in the ordinary course of business or did have such an agreement or understanding, we will file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement or a prospectus supplement to this prospectus, to designate such affiliate as an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.

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        Unless otherwise disclosed in the footnotes to the table or in "Principal Stockholders" or "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions", no selling security holder has indicated that it has held any position or office or had any other material relationship with us or our affiliates during the past three years. The selling security holders listed in the above table may have sold or transferred, in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, some or all of their debentures since the date as of which the information is presented in the above table. Because the selling security holders may offer all or some of their debentures or the underlying class A subordinate voting stock from time to time, we cannot estimate the amount of the debentures or the underlying Class A subordinate voting stock that will be held by the selling security holders upon the termination of any particular offering. See "Plan of Distribution."

        Only selling security holders identified above who beneficially own the debentures set forth opposite each such selling security holder's name in the foregoing table on the effective date of the registration statement, of which this prospectus forms a part, may sell such securities pursuant to the registration statement. Prior to any use of this prospectus in connection with an offering of the debentures or the underlying Class A subordinate voting stock by any holder not identified above, this prospectus will be supplemented by a prospectus supplement to set forth the name and aggregate amount of debentures beneficially owned by the selling security holder intending to sell such debentures or the underlying Class A subordinate voting stock and the aggregate amount of debentures or the number of shares of the underlying Class A subordinate voting stock to be offered. The prospectus supplement will also disclose whether any selling security holder has held any position or office with, has been employed by or otherwise has had a material relationship with us during the three years prior to the date of the prospectus supplement if such information has not been disclosed herein.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

        The selling security holders, which term includes all transferees, pledges, donees or their successors, may from time to time sell the notes and the Class A subordinated voting shares into which the notes are convertible covered by this prospectus, which MDC collectively refers to in this section as the "securities", directly to purchasers or offer the securities through underwriters, broker-dealers or agents, who may receive compensation in the form of underwriting discounts, concessions or commissions from the selling security holders and/or the purchasers of securities for whom they may act as agent, which discounts, concessions or commissions as to any particular underwriter, broker-dealer or agent may be in excess of those customary in the types of transactions involved.

        The securities may be sold in one or more transactions:

•

at fixed prices;



•

at prevailing market prices at the time of sale;



•

at varying prices determined at the time of sale; or



•

at negotiated prices.

        These sales may be effected in transactions that may involve crosses or block transactions, in the following manner:

•

on any U.S. national securities exchange or quotation service on which the securities may be listed or quoted at the time of sale, including NASDAQ in the case of MDC's Class A subordinated voting shares;



•

in the over-the-counter-market;



•

in transactions otherwise than on these exchanges or services or in the over-the-counter market; or



•

through the writing and exercise of options, whether these options are listed on any options exchange or otherwise.

        In connection with the sale of the securities, the selling security holders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which may in turn engage in short sales of the securities in the course of hedging positions they assume. The selling security holders may sell the securities short and deliver securities to close out short positions, or loan or pledge the securities to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these securities.

        MDC's outstanding Class A subordinate voting shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MDZ.SV.A" and on the NASDAQ under the symbol "MDCA." Upon the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, MDC do not expect the debentures to be listed on any U.S. national securities exchange or in any automated quotation system. The debentures are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MDZ.DB." MDC cannot assure you as to the liquidity of any trading market for the notes that may develop.

        In order to comply with the securities laws of some jurisdictions, if applicable, the holders of securities may offer and sell those securities in such jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, under certain circumstances, in some jurisdictions the securities may not be offered or sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable jurisdiction or an exemption from registration or qualification requirements is available and is complied with.

        Any selling security holder that is a registered broker-dealer that participates in the sale of the securities will be considered to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the

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Securities Act. Each other selling security holder may be deemed to be an "underwriter" with respect to any securities that it sells pursuant to this prospectus. Any discounts, commissions, concessions or profit any selling security holder considered to be an "underwriter" earns on any sale of the securities may be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The selling security holders have acknowledged that they understand their obligations to comply with the provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules thereunder relating to stock manipulation, particularly Regulation M, and have agreed that they will not engage in any transaction in violation of such provisions.

        If required, at the time of a particular offering of securities by a selling security holder, a supplement to this prospectus will be circulated setting forth the name or names of any underwriters, broker-dealers or agents, any discounts, commissions or other terms constituting compensation for underwriters and any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to agents or broker-dealers.

        MDC entered into a registration rights agreement for the benefit of holders of the securities to register their securities under applicable federal and state securities laws under specific circumstances and at specific times. The registration rights agreements provided for cross indemnification of the selling security holders and us and their and MDC's respective directors, officers and controlling persons against specific liabilities in connection with the offer and sale of the securities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. In the event the selling security holders sell their securities through any underwriter, the registration rights agreement provides for indemnification by us of those underwriters and their respective directors, officers and controlling persons against specified liabilities in connection with the offer and sale of those securities. Pursuant to the registration rights agreement, MDC will bear all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the registration of the securities, except that selling security holders will pay all broker's commissions and, in connection with any underwritten offering, underwriting discounts and commissions.

LEGAL MATTERS

        Stikeman Elliott LLP has passed upon the validity of the Debentures and the Class A subordinated voting shares issuable upon conversion of the Debentures on behalf of us for this offering.

EXPERTS

        The consolidated financial statements of MDC as of and for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 included in this prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report of KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report appearing herein, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. The consolidated financial statements of MDC as of December 31, 2003 and for the year in the period ended December 31, 2003 included in this prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report of BDO Dunwoody LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report appearing herein, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement on Form S-1 with respect to the debentures and the Class A subordinate voting shares being sold in this offering. This prospectus, which constitutes a part of that registration statement, does not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules to the registration statement. For further information with respect to us, the debentures and the Class A subordinate voting shares, you should refer to the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed as part of that document. You may read and copy the registration statement and other documents and reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission without charge at the Securities and Exchange

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Commission "s principal office in Washington, D.C. Copies of all or any part of the registration statement may be obtained after payment of fees prescribed by the SEC from the SEC's Public Reference Room at the SEC's principal office, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information regarding the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

        The Securities and Exchange Commission maintains an Internet site that contains registration statements, reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants, including us. The Securities and Exchange Commission's Internet address is www.sec.gov.

        We are subject to the information and periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and, in accordance therewith, will file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such periodic reports, proxy statements and other information will be available for inspection and copying at the public reference room and web site of the Securities and Exchange Commission referred to above. We also intend to furnish our stockholders with annual reports containing our financial statements audited by an independent registered public accounting firm and quarterly reports containing our unaudited financial information. We maintain a web site at www.mdccorp.com. You may access our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission free of charge at our web site as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. The reference to our web address does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained at this site. You may also contact us at our principal executive offices at 45 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5R ZE3.

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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

		Page
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms		F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2005		F-4
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2004 and 2005		F-5
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2004 and 2005		F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2004 2005		F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		F-8
Financial Statement Schedules:
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the Three Years ended December 31, 2005		F-76

F-1

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders MDC Partners Inc.:

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of MDC Partners Inc. and subsidiaries ("the Company") as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule II for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

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

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MDC Partners Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule for the year ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

        As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 46R, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, effective March 31, 2004.

        We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 15, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion on management's assessment of, and an adverse opinion on the effective operation of, internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ KPMG LLP
Toronto, Ontario
March 15, 2006

F-2

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
MDC Partners Inc.:

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows of MDC Partners Inc and subsidiaries ("the Company") for the year ended December 31, 2003. We have also audited Schedule II for the year ended December 31, 2003. These consolidated financial statements and Schedule II are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and Schedule II based on our audit.

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

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of MDC Partners Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

        Also, in our opinion, the related Schedule II for the year ended December 31, 2003, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth herein.

        As explained in Note 11 to the financial statements, the Company has retroactively presented the operating and investing portions of the cash flows attributable to its 2004 discontinued operations, which in prior periods were reported on a combined basis as a single amount.

/s/ BDO Dunwoody LLP
Chartered Accountants
Toronto, Ontario

December 14, 2004

(April 15, 2005 as to the effects of the 2004 discontinued operations described in Note 11 and March 6, 2006 as to the changes in segmented information described in Note 16)

F-3

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

				December 31,
				2005			2004
ASSETS
Current Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents			$	12,923		$	22,644
	Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,250 and $1,521				117,319			110,932
	Expenditures billable to clients				7,838			8,296
	Inventories				10,359			10,792
	Prepaid expenses				4,401			3,036
	Other current assets				356			813
	Total Current Assets				153,196			156,513
Fixed assets					63,528			55,347
Investment in affiliates					10,929			10,771
Goodwill					195,026			146,494
Other intangible assets					57,139			47,273
Deferred tax assets					16,057			12,883
Assets held for sale					—			622
Other assets					11,440			7,438
Total Assets				$	507,315		$	437,341
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
	Bank debt			$	3,739		$	6,026
	Revolving credit facility				73,500			—
	Accounts payable				63,452			77,213
	Accrued and other liabilities				69,891			58,512
	Advance billings, net				38,237			45,623
	Current portion of long-term debt				2,571			3,218
	Deferred acquisition consideration				1,741			1,775
		Total Current Liabilities			253,131			192,367
Long-term debt					8,475			4,320
Revolving credit facility					—			46,000
Convertible notes					38,694			—
Liabilities related to assets held for sale					—			867
Other liabilities					7,937			4,857
Deferred tax liabilities					2,446			854
Total Liabilities					310,683			249,265
Minority interests					44,484			45,052
Commitments, contingencies and guarantees (Note 18) Shareholders' Equity:
	Preferred shares, unlimited authorized, none issued				—			—
	Class A Shares, no par value, unlimited authorized, 23,437,615 and 21,937,871 shares issued in 2005 and 2004, respectively				178,589			164,064
	Class B Shares, no par value, unlimited authorized, 2,502 and 2,502 shares issued in 2005 and 2004, respectively, convertible into one Class A share				1			1
	Share capital to be issued				4,209			3,909
	Additional paid-in capital				20,028			17,113
	Accumulated deficit				(53,075	)		(45,083	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income				2,396			3,020
Total Shareholders' Equity					152,148			143,024
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity				$	507,315		$	437,341

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

F-4

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MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts)

			Years Ended December 31,
			2005			2004			2003
Revenue:
	Services		$	363,362		$	247,073		$	164,850
	Products			80,100			69,739			113,927
				443,462			316,812			278,777
Operating Expenses:
	Cost of services sold*			211,811			158,965			105,908
	Cost of products sold			49,876			42,301			56,654
	Office and general expenses**			131,231			99,349			94,241
	Depreciation and amortization			27,483			13,738			8,485
	Other charges (recoveries)			—			(2,693	)		1,333
	Write—down of fixed assets			—			—			8,126
	Goodwill charges			473			—			10,012
				420,874			311,660			284,759
Operating Profit (Loss)				22,588			5,152			(5,982	)
Other Income (Expenses)
	Gain on sale of assets, settlement of long-term debt and other			615			14,844			43,792
	Foreign exchange loss			(887	)		(498	)		(2,023	)
	Interest expense			(9,260	)		(8,790	)		(17,673	)
	Interest income			369			685			937
				(9,163	)		6,241			25,033
Income from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in affiliates and minority interests				13,425			11,393			19,051
Income taxes				2,157			818			5,770
Income from continuing operations before equity in affiliates and minority interests				11,268			10,575			13,281
Equity in earnings of non consolidated affiliates				1,402			3,651			4,929
Minority interests in income of consolidated subsidiaries				(21,192	)		(9,235	)		(4,508	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations				(8,522	)		4,991			13,702
Income (loss) from Discontinued operations				573			(7,148	)		(1,271	)
Net income (loss)			$	(7,949	)	$	(2,157	)	$	12,431
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share:
Basic
	Continuing operations		$	(0.37	)	$	0.23		$	0.77
	Discontinued operations			0.03			(0.33	)		(0.07	)
	Net income (loss)		$	(0.34	)	$	(0.10	)	$	0.70
Diluted
	Continuing operations		$	(0.37	)	$	0.22		$	0.70
	Discontinued operations			0.03			(0.31	)		(0.05	)
	Net income (loss)		$	(0.34	)	$	(0.09	)	$	0.65
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:
	Basic			23,298,795			21,353,268			17,791,064
	Diluted			23,298,795			22,817,823			21,665,530

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*

Includes non cash stock-based compensation expense of $578, $339, and $330 during the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

**

Includes non cash stock-based compensation expense of $2,694, $8,049, and $5,852 during the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

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

F-5

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MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(thousands of United States dollars)

		2005					2004					2003
		Number of Shares		Amount			Number of Shares		Amount			Number of Shares		Amount
Class A Shares
Balance at beginning of year		21,937,871		$	164,064		18,369,451		$	115,861		16,464,871		$	91,426
Stock appreciation rights exercised		—			—		1,998			25		—			—
Share options exercised		5,258			31		241,755			3,507		458,987			3,031
Shares acquired and cancelled		—			—		(1,070,000	)		(8,719	)	(1,274,816	)		(8,131	)
Shares issued on privatization of Maxxcom		—			—		—			—		2,473,183			23,327
Shares issued as acquisition consideration		1,139,975			11,257		1,243,753			16,931		74,183			872
Shares issued as deferred acquisition consideration		354,511			3,237		—			—		173,043			1,786
Shares issued on private placement		—			—		120,919			1,406		—			—
Shares issued upon conversion of Class B shares		—			—		447,968			134		—			—
Shares issued on settlement of convertible notes		—			—		2,582,027			34,919		—			—
Share purchase loans repaid		—			—		—			—		—			3,550
Balance at end of year		23,437,615			178,589		21,937,871			164,064		18,369,451			115,861
Class B Shares
Balance at beginning of year		2,502			1		450,470			135		450,470			135
Shares converted to Class A shares		—			—		(447,968	)		(134	)	—			—
Balance at end of year		2,502			1		2,502			1		450,470			135
Share Capital to be Issued
Balance at beginning of year					3,909					—					—
Shares to be issued as deferred acquisition consideration					300					3,909					—
Balance at end of year					4,209					3,909					—
Additional Paid-In Capital
Balance at beginning of year					17,113					4,610					—
Stock-based compensation					775					6,347					888
Acquisition purchase price consideration					—					1,313					2,530
Warrants granted to service providers					—					—					1,192
Share appreciation rights plan					2,140					6,142					—
Share options exercised					—					(1,274	)				—
Share appreciation rights exercised					—					(25	)				—
Balance at end of year					20,028					17,113					4,610
Accumulated Deficit
Balance at beginning of year					(45,083	)				(39,169	)				(46,069	)
Premium paid on repurchase of Class A shares					—					(3,757	)				(5,531	)
Distribution to minority shareholder					(43	)				—					—
Net income (Loss) for the year					(7,949	)				(2,157	)				12,431
Balance at end of year					(53,075	)				(45,083	)				(39,169	)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance at beginning of year					3,020					(2,528	)				8,687
Foreign currency translation adjustments					(624	)				5,548					(11,215	)
Balance at end of year					2,396					3,020					(2,528	)
Total Shareholders' Equity				$	152,148				$	143,024				$	78,909

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

F-6

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

					Years Ended December 31,
					2005			2004			2003
								Revised Note 1			Revised Note 1
Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income (loss)				$	(7,949	)	$	(2,157	)	$	12,431
	Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to cash provided by operating activities:
		Stock-based compensation				3,272			8,388			6,182
		Depreciation and amortization				27,483			13,738			8,485
		Amortization and write-off of deferred finance charges				1,305			6,212			3,897
		Non-cash interest expense				—			—			4,557
		Deferred income taxes				(1,423	)		(2,712	)		4,630
		Foreign exchange				887			498			2,023
		(Gain) loss on disposition of assets and settlement of long-term debt				278			(18,741	)		(43,792	)
		Write-down of fixed assets and other				—			—			8,126
		Goodwill charges				473			—			10,012
		Earnings of non consolidated affiliates				(1,402	)		(3,651	)		(4,929	)
		Minority interest and other				(2,538	)		(3,258	)		(1,164	)
Changes in non-cash working capital
		Accounts receivable				(423	)		5,586			790
		Expenditures billable to clients				458			(16,083	)		1,188
		Inventories				433			(2,547	)		(921	)
		Prepaid expenses and other current assets				(250	)		1,148			(759	)
		Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities				(7,967	)		12,947			627
		Advance billings				(7,517	)		19,170			394
Discontinued operations						(450	)		1,716			551
			Net cash provided by operating activities			4,670			20,254			12,328
Cash flows from investing activities:
	Capital expenditures					(13,095	)		(15,552	)		(16,514	)
	Proceeds of dispositions					—			—			115,184
	Acquisitions, net of cash					(56,805	)		(17,569	)		(26,744	)
	Profit distributions from non consolidated affiliates					1,796			7,269			4,326
	Other assets					848			(1,804	)		4,227
Discontinued operations						(148	)		(23	)		(202	)
		Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities				(67,404	)		(27,679	)		80,277
Cash flows from financing activities:
	Increase (decrease) in bank indebtedness					(2,287	)		6,026			—
	Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt					27,501			63,405			37,472
	Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes					36,723			—			—
	Repayment of long-term debt					(6,336	)		(94,961	)		(88,970	)
	Deferred financing costs					(3,316	)		—			—
	Issuance of share capital					31			3,639			3,031
	Purchase of share capital					—			(12,476	)		(13,662	)
		Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities				52,316			(34,367	)		(62,129	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents						697			(898	)		5,536
		Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents				(9,721	)		(42,690	)		36,012
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year						22,644			65,334			29,322
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year					$	12,923		$	22,644		$	65,334
Supplemental disclosures:
	Cash paid to minority partners				$	17,559		$	5,354		$	5,513
	Cash income taxes paid (recovered)				$	918		$	2,968		$	(1,425	)
	Cash interest paid				$	5,762		$	4,708		$	6,795
	Non-cash transactions:
		Share capital issued, or to be issued, on acquisitions			$	14,794		$	20,840		$	25,985
		Share capital issued on settlement of convertible notes			$	—		$	34,919		$	—
		Stock-based awards issued, on acquisitions			$	—		$	1,319		$	2,530
		Capital leases			$	1,467		$	—		$	—
		Note receivable exchanged for shares of subsidiary			$	122		$	—		$	—
		Settlement of debt with investment in affiliate:
			Reduction in exchangeable securities		$	—		$	(33,991	)	$	—
			Proceeds on sale of investment		$	—		$	33,991		$	—

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

F-7

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MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands of United States dollars, unless
otherwise stated except share and per share amounts)

1.    Basis of Presentation

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

        In addition, certain reclassifications have been made to the December 31, 2004 and 2003 reported amounts to conform them to the December 31, 2005 presentation. One reclassification relating to 2004, consisted of $36,292 between "accrued and other liabilities and "advance billings, net" to properly reflect the nature of the liabilities related to pre-billed media. An additional reclassification relating to 2003, consisted of $6,404 between cost of services sold and office and general expenses.

        In 2005, the Company has revised the 2004 and 2003 statement of cash flows to separately disclose the operating, investing and financing portions of the cash flows attributable to its discontinued operations, which in prior periods were reported on a combined basis as a single amount.

        As of the quarter ended September 30, 2005, the Company changed the composition of its reportable segments as set out in Note 16. Accordingly, to reflect this change in composition, the Company has restated the previously reported segment information for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003.

Nature of Operations

        MDC Partners Inc., formerly MDC Corporation Inc., is incorporated under the laws of Canada. The Company commenced using the name MDC Partners Inc. on November 1, 2003 and legally changed its name through amalgamation with a wholly-owned subsidiary on January 1, 2004. The Company's operations are in primarily two business groups—Marketing Communications and Secure Products International. Both business groups operate in the United States ("US") and in Canada, while the Marketing Communications group also operates in the United Kingdom and the Secure Products International group also operates in Australia. See Note 16, "Segment Information", for further description of the two business groups and MDC's reportable segments.

Change in Methods of Accounting

        Effective January 1, 2004, the Company changed its method of accounting from Canadian GAAP to US GAAP. This change in accounting method resulted from the conversion of Class B multiple voting shares into Class A subordinate voting shares during the first quarter of 2004 (see Note 14). Due to the conversion of these shares, the majority of shareholder votes now belong to shareholders of the Company who reside in the US and, as a result, the Company is now deemed to be a US domestic issuer as defined under the SEC regulations to which the Company is subject.

        Under Canadian securities requirements, the Company is required to provide, for all years presented, a reconciliation setting out the differences between US and Canadian GAAP as applied to the Company's financial statements. This required disclosure is set out in Note 21.

F-8

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2.    Significant Accounting Policies

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

        Principles of Consolidation.    The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MDC Partners Inc. its domestic and international controlled subsidiaries that are not considered variable interest entities and variable interest entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.

        Use of Estimates.    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities including goodwill, intangible assets, valuation allowances for receivables and deferred tax assets, and the reporting of variable interest entities at the date of the financial statements 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 and secure products to over 200 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 as its largest client accounted for less than 10% of the Company's 2005 and 2003 consolidated revenue and 10.2% of the Company's 2004 consolidated revenue.

        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. Included in cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2005 is $1,301 (2004—$2,836) of cash restricted as to withdrawal pursuant to a collateral agreement and a customer's contractual requirement.

        Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.    Trade receivables, exclusive of sales tax are stated at invoiced amounts less allowances for doubtful accounts. The allowances represent estimated uncollectible receivables associated with potential customer defaults usually due to customers' potential insolvency. The allowances include amounts for certain customers where a risk of default has been specifically identified. The assessment of the likelihood of customer defaults is based on various factors, including the length of time the receivables are past due, historical experience and existing economic conditions.

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

        Inventories.    Work-in-process inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value and include certain capitalized manufacturing costs. Raw materials and supplies are valued at the lower of cost and replacement cost. Cost is determined on a first-in, first-out method.

F-9

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

        Impairment of Long-lived Assets.    In accordance with SFAS, No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets," ("SFAS No. 144") a long-lived asset or asset group is tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. When such events occur, the Company compares the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group to the carrying amount of the long-lived asset or asset group. If this comparison indicates that there is an impairment, the amount of the impairment is typically calculated using discounted expected future cash flows where observable fair values are not readily determinable. The discount rate applied to these cash flows is based on the Company's weighted average cost of capital, risk adjusted where appropriate. The Company incurred impairment charges related to fixed assets of $8,126 in 2003.

        Equity Method Investments.    The equity method is used to account for investments in entities in which the Company has an ownership interest of less than 50% and has significant influence, or joint control by contractual arrangement with all parties having an equity interest, over the operating and financial policies of the affiliate or has an ownership interest of greater than 50% however the substantive participating rights of the minority interest shareholders preclude the Company from exercising unilateral control over the operating and financial policies of the affiliate. The Company's investments accounted for using the equity method include Accumark Promotions Group Inc., 55% owned by the Company, Cliff Freeman & Partners, LLC ("CF"), 19.9% owned by the Company, Mono Advertising LLC, 49.9% owned by the Company, Zig, Inc., 49.9% owned by the Company, FuseProject, LLC, 20.0% owned by Crispin Porter Bogusky, LLC ("CPB") and a 50% undivided interest in a real estate joint venture. Until September 22, 2004, the Company's 49.0% interest in CPB was accounted for under the equity method. After this date, the Company commenced consolidating CPB under the accounting standards for variable interest entities (see Note 8). The Company's management periodically evaluates these investments to determine if there has been a decline in value that is other than temporary.

        Cost Method Investments.    The Company's cost-based investments at December 31, 2005 were primarily comprised of various interests in limited partnerships and companies where the Company does not exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee. The total net cost basis of these investments, which are included in Other Assets on the balance sheet, as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 was $756 and $328, respectively. These investments are periodically evaluated to determine if there have been any other than temporary declines below book value. A variety of factors are considered when determining if a decline in fair value below book value is other than temporary, including, among others, the financial condition and prospects of the investee, as well as the Company's investment intent.

F-10

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        Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangibles.    In accordance with SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets", ("SFAS No 142") goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets (trademarks) acquired as a result of a business combination which are not subject to amortization are tested for impairment annually, and more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset's fair value. For goodwill, this determination is made at the reporting unit level and consists of two steps. First, the Company determines the fair value of a reporting unit and compares it to its carrying amount. Second, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill over the implied fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation, in accordance with SFAS No. 141, "Business Combinations". The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. Impairment losses, where applicable, will be charged to operating profit (loss). The Company identifies certain intangible assets (trademarks) as indefinite life if there are no legal, regulatory, contractual or economic factors that limit the useful life. If the carrying amount of an indefinite life intangible exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for the excess. The Company incurred goodwill impairment charges of $473 in 2005 and $10,012 in 2003.

        Definite Lived Intangible Assets.    In accordance with SFAS No. 142, acquired intangibles, are subject to amortization over their useful lives. The method of amortization selected reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the specific intangible asset is consumed or otherwise used up. If that pattern cannot be reliably determined, a straight-line amortization method is used over the estimated useful life. Intangible assets that are subject to amortization are reviewed for potential impairment in accordance with SFAS 144 at least annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable. See also Note 9.

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

        Guarantees.    Guarantees issued or modified by the Company to third parties after January 1, 2003 are generally recognized, at the inception or modification of a guarantee, as a liability for the obligations it has undertaken in issuing the guarantee, including its ongoing obligation to stand ready to perform over the term of the guarantee in the event that the specified triggering events or conditions occur. The initial measurement of that liability is the fair value of the guarantee. The recognition of the liability is required even if it is not probable that payments will be required under the guarantee. The Company's liability associated with guarantees is not significant. (See Note 18)

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        Revenue Recognition.    The Company generates services revenue from its Marketing Communications Group and product revenue from its Secure Products International Group.

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

        In November 2002, EITF Issue No. 00-21, "Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables" (EITF 00-21) was issued. EITF 00-21 addresses certain aspects of the accounting by a vendor for 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. EITF 00-21 is effective for revenue arrangements entered into in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. Also, in July 2000, the EITF of the Financial Accounting Standards Board released Issue No. 99-19, "Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent" ("EITF 99-19"). This Issue summarized the EITF's views on when revenue should be recorded at the gross amount billed because it has earned revenue from the sale of goods or services, or the net amount retained because it has earned a fee or commission. In the Marketing Communications Group, the businesses at times, act as an agent and records revenue equal to the net amount retained, when the fee or commission is earned.

Marketing Communications Group

        The Marketing Communications businesses 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.

        Non refundable retainer fees are generally recognized on a straight line basis over the term of the specific customer contract. Commission revenue is earned and recognized upon the placement of advertisements in various media when the Company has no further performance obligations. Fixed fees for services are 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 the Company uses the Proportional Performance model, which results in delivery being considered to occur over a period of time.

        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 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.

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Secure Products International Group

        Substantially all of the Secured Products International businesses revenue is derived from the sale of products. There are no warranty or product return provisions in the Company's contracts that result in significant provisions. The Company has the following revenue recognition policies.

        Revenue derived from the stamp operations is recognized upon shipment or upon delivery of the product to the customer when the Company's obligations under the contractual arrangements are completed, the customer takes ownership and assumes the risk of loss of the product, the selling price is determinable and the collection of the related receivable is reasonably assured. The Company performs quality control testing procedures prior to shipment to ensure that its contractual obligations are met. Under these contractual arrangements, the Company has the ability to recover any costs incurred prior to shipment in the event of contract termination, accordingly, the Company accounts for the manufacturing costs incurred as inventory work-in-process, prior to completion of production.

        Revenue derived from secured printing arrangements whereby the Company manufactures and stores the printed product for a period of time at the direction of its customer with delivery at a future date within a 90 day period is accounted for on a "bill and hold" basis whereby the Company allocates the arrangement consideration on a relative fair value basis between the printing service and the storage service. The Company recognizes the printing revenue when the customized printed products moves to the secure storage facility, when the printing process is complete, when title transfers to the customer and the Company has no further obligations under the printing segment of the arrangement. The Company recognizes the storage fee revenue on a straight-line basis over the period to product delivery.

        Although amounts are generally not billed by the Company until the customized print product is delivered to the customer's premises, collection of the entire consideration is due under certain contracts within 90 days of completion of the printing segment of the arrangement and payment is not dependent on delivery. For other contracts where payment is dependent on delivery, revenue is recognized upon delivery to the customer's premises and when other criteria for revenue recognition have been met.

        Revenue derived from the design, manufacturing, inventory management and personalization of secured cards is recognized as a single unit of accounting when the secured card is shipped to the cardholder, the Company's service obligations to the card issuer are complete under the terms of the contractual arrangement, the total selling price related to the card is fixed or determinable and collection of the related receivable is reasonably assured. Any amounts billed and/or collected in advance of this date are deferred and recognized at the shipping date when all other criteria for revenue recognition have been met. Under these contractual arrangements, the Company has the ability to recover any costs incurred prior to shipping in the event of contract termination and accordingly the Company accounts for the costs incurred related to design and manufacturing as inventory work-in-process.

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

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        Stock-Based Compensation.    Effective January 1, 2003, the Company prospectively adopted fair value accounting for stock-based awards as prescribed by SFAS No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS No. 123"). Prior to January 1, 2003, the Company elected not to apply fair value accounting to stock-based awards to employees, other than for direct awards of stock and awards settleable in cash, which required fair value accounting. Prior to January 1, 2003, for awards not elected to be accounted for under the fair value method, the Company accounted for stock-based awards in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB 25"). APB 25 is based upon an intrinsic value method of accounting for stock-based awards. Under this method, compensation cost is measured as the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the stock issuance at the measurement date over the amount to be paid by the employee.

        The Company adopted fair value accounting for stock-based awards using the prospective application transitional alternative available in SFAS 148 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure". Accordingly, the fair value method is applied to all awards granted, modified or settled on or after January 1, 2003. Under the fair value method, compensation cost is measured at fair value at the date of grant and is expensed over the service period, that is the award's vesting period. When awards are exercised, share capital is credited by the sum of the consideration paid together with the related portion previously credited to additional paid-in capital when compensation costs were charged against income or acquisition consideration.

        Stock-based awards that are settled in cash or may be settled in cash at the option of employees are recorded as liabilities. The measurement of the liability and compensation cost for these awards is based on the intrinsic value of the award, and is recorded into operating income over the service period, that is the vesting period of the award in accordance with FASB Interpretation Number 28- "Accounting for Stock Appreciation Rights and Other Variable Stock Option or Award Plans—an interpretation of APB Opinions No. 15 and 25"("FIN 28"). Changes in the Company's payment obligation subsequent to vesting of the award and prior to the settlement date are recorded as compensation cost in operating income in the period of the change. The final payment amount for such awards is established on the date of the exercise of the award by the employee.

        Stock-based awards that are settled in cash or equity at the option of the Company are recorded at fair value on the date of grant and recorded as additional paid-in capital. The fair value measurement of the compensation cost for these awards is based on using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, and is recorded into operating income over the service period, that is the vesting period of the award.

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        The fair value of the stock options and similar awards at the grant date were estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for each of the following years:

        The table below summarizes the pro forma effect for the years ended December 31, had the Company adopted the fair value method of accounting for stock options and similar instruments for awards issued prior to 2003.

        Pension Costs.    Several of the Company's US and Canadian subsidiaries offer employees access to certain defined contribution pension programs. Under the defined contribution plans, these subsidiaries, in some cases, make annual contributions to participants' accounts based on individual base salaries and years of service. The Company's contribution expense pursuant to these plans was $1,586, $1,286 and $1,161 for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

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

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

        Gains and losses arising from the Company's foreign currency transactions are reflected in net earnings other than those unrealized gains or losses arising on the translation of certain intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature (that is settlement is not planned or anticipated in the future) and which are included as cumulative translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

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

        Effective June 28, 2005, the Company entered into a cross currency swap contract ("Swap"), a form of derivative. The Swap contract provides for a notional amount of debt fixed at C$45,000 and at $36,452, with the interest rates fixed at 8% per annum for the Canadian dollar amount and fixed at 8.25% per annum for the US dollar amount. Consequently, under the terms of this Swap, semi-annually, the Company will receive interest of C$1,800 and will pay interest of $1,503 per annum. The Swap contract matures June 30, 2008. At December 31, 2005, the Swap fair value was estimated to be a receivable of $180 and is reflected in other assets on the balance sheet at that date, with a corresponding reduction to interest expense. The Company only enters into derivatives for purposes other than trading.

        Effective July 1, 2002, management designated the Company's 10.5% US senior subordinated notes ("Notes") as an economic hedge against foreign exchange exposure of the US operation, Customer Direct, Inc. ("CDI"). The hedge was applied prospectively from the effective date whereby any foreign exchange translation adjustment of the Notes reduced any offsetting foreign exchange translation adjustment of the US operations, the net of which was reflected in the cumulative translation account within shareholders' equity. The application of hedge accounting ceased on the repayment of the

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Company's 10.5% US senior notes on June 30, 2003 which corresponded with the Company's sale of 80% of its investment in CDI.

        Put Options.    The minority interest shareholders of certain subsidiaries have the right to require the Company to acquire their ownership interest under certain circumstances pursuant to a contractual 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 18.

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

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3.    Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share

        The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations for the years ended December 31:

			2005			2004			2003
Numerator
Numerator for basic earnings (loss) per common share—income (loss) from continuing operations			$	(8,522	)	$	4,991		$	13,702
Effect of dilutive securities:
Interest expense on convertible notes, net of taxes of nil, nil and $897, respectively				—			—			1,552
Numerator for diluted earnings (loss) per common share—income (loss) from continuing operations plus assumed conversion			$	(8,522	)	$	4,991		$	15,254
Denominator
Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per common share—weighted average common shares				23,298,795			21,353,268			17,791,064
Effect of dilutive securities:
	Convertible Notes			—			—			3,381,643
	Warrants			—			59,462			—
	Employee stock options, warrants, and stock appreciation rights			—			1,393,277			492,823
	Employee restricted stock units			—			11,816			—
Dilutive potential common shares				—			1,464,555			3,874,466
	Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per common share—adjusted weighted shares and assumed conversions			23,298,795			22,817,823			21,665,530
Basic earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations			$	(0.37	)	$	0.23		$	0.77
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations			$	(0.37	)	$	0.22		$	0.70

        In 2003, the effect of the Convertible Notes in the diluted earnings per common share calculation is accounted for using the "if converted" method. Under that method, the Convertible Notes are assumed to be converted to shares (weighted for the number of days outstanding in the period) at a conversion price of 95% of the twenty day weighted average trading price of the Class A subordinate voting share on the Toronto Stock Exchange prior to conversion or year end, and interest expense, net of taxes, related to the Convertible Notes is added back to net income.

        At December 31, 2005, convertible notes, warrants, options and other rights to purchase 6,667,015 shares of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted loss per common share because doing so would have had an antidutive effect.

        Option and other rights to purchase 352,497 and 800,226 shares of common stock were outstanding during fiscal 2004 and 2003 respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares and, therefore, the effect would be antidilutive.

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4.    Acquisitions

2005 Acquisitions

Zyman Group

        On April 1, 2005, the Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, purchased approximately 61.6% of the total outstanding membership units of Zyman Group, LLC ("Zyman Group") for purchase price consideration of $52,389 in cash and 1,139,975 Class A shares of the Company, valued at $11,257 based on the share price on or about the announcement date. Related transaction costs of approximately $977 were also incurred. In addition, the Company may be required to pay up to an additional $12,000 to the sellers if Zyman Group achieves specified financial targets for the twelve month period ending June 30, 2006 and/or June 30, 2007. As part of this transaction, approximately 10% of the total purchase price was delivered to an escrow agent to be held in escrow for one year in order to satisfy potential future indemnification claims by the Company against the sellers under the purchase agreement.

        In connection with the Zyman Group acquisition, the Company, Zyman Group and the other unitholders of Zyman Group entered into a new Limited Liability Company Agreement (the "LLC Agreement"). The LLC Agreement sets forth certain economic, governance and liquidity rights with respect to Zyman Group. Zyman Group initially has seven managers, four of whom were appointed by the Company. Pursuant to the LLC Agreement, the Company will have the right to purchase, and may have an obligation to purchase, for a combination of cash and shares, additional membership units of Zyman Group from the other members of Zyman Group, in each case, upon the occurrence of certain events or during certain specified time periods.

        The Zyman Group name is well recognized for strategic marketing consulting and as such was acquired by the Company for its assembled workforce to enhance the creative talent within the Company's Strategic Marketing Service segment of businesses.

        The Zyman Group acquisition was accounted for as a purchase business combination. The purchase price of the net assets acquired in this transaction is $64,622. The final allocation of the cost of the acquisition to the fair value of net assets acquired and minority interests is as follows:

        Identifiable intangible assets of $20,143 are comprised primarily of customer relationships and related backlog and trademarks. The allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is based upon estimates of fair values and certain assumptions that the Company believes are

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reasonable under the circumstances. The Company's consolidated financial statements include Zyman Group's results of operations subsequent to its acquisition on April 1, 2005.

        During the first five years of the LLC Agreement, the Company's allocation of profits of the Zyman Group may differ from its proportionate share of ownership. On an annual basis, the Company receives a 20% priority return calculated based on its total investment in Zyman Group, which as of December 31, 2005 approximates a priority return of $12.7 million. Thereafter, based on calculations set forth in the LLC Agreement, the Company's share of remaining Zyman Group profits in excess of a predetermined threshold may be disproportionately less than its equity ownership in Zyman Group. Specifically, on an annual basis, if Zyman's operating results exceed a defined operating margin, the Company would be entitled to 25% of the excess margins in the first two years of the LLC Agreement, and 30% of the excess margins in the following three years of the LLC Agreement, rather than the Company's equity portion of 61.6%. After the first five years, the earnings of the Zyman Group will be allocated in a proportion equal to the respective equity interests of the members.

Neuwirth

        On December 1, 2005, the Company, through it's subsidiary Northstar Research Partners (USA) LLC ("NS LLC"), purchased the business of Neuwirth Research, Inc. ("Neuwirth") for purchase price consideration of $450 in cash, a 20% equity interest in NS LLC valued at $225 based on the estimated market value of NS LLC on or about the announcement date and $300 of MDC stock. Related transaction costs of approximately $100 were also incurred. In addition, the Company may be required to pay up to an additional $625 in cash to the seller if the acquired Neuwirth business achieves specified financial targets for the year ended December 31, 2005 and/or December 31, 2006. At December 31, 2005, the Company determined these targets will be achieved and accordingly, the $625 has been accrued.

        In connection with the Neuwirth acquisition, the Company and seller entered into agreements related to governance and certain put option rights with respect to the seller's 20% equity interest in NS LLC which becomes 50% exercisable in 2010 and 100% exercisable in 2015.

        Neuwirth is a recognized market research firm and was acquired by the Company for its list of blue chip clients and synergies with NS LLC existing business. This acquisition is part of the Specialized Communications Services segment of businesses.

        The Neuwirth acquisition was accounted for as a purchase business combination. The allocation of the cost of the acquisition to the fair value of net assets acquired is as follows:

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        Identifiable intangible assets, estimated to be $1,680, are being amortized on a straight-line basis over ten years. The allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is based upon preliminary estimates of fair values and certain assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances and may be adjusted in a subsequent period upon finalization of such estimates and assumptions. The Company's consolidated financial statements include Neuwirth's results of operations subsequent to its acquisition on December 1, 2005.

Powell

        On July 25, 2005, the Company, through its subsidiary Margeotes Fertitta Powell, LLC, ("MFP") purchased the business of Powell, LLC ("Powell") for purchase price consideration of $332 in cash and a 5% equity interest in MFP valued at $400 based on the estimated market value of MFP on or about the announcement date. The issuance of equity interests by MFP resulted in a loss of $103 on the dilution of the Company's equity interest in its subsidiary. Related transaction costs of approximately $20 were also incurred. In addition, the Company may be required to pay up to an additional $300 in cash to the seller if the acquired Powell business achieves specified financial targets for the year ended July 31, 2006. As of December 31, 2005, the Company has accrued $300 of the additional consideration as the financial targets have been met as of December 31, 2005.

        In connection with the Powell acquisition, the Company and seller entered into agreements related to governance and certain put option rights with respect to seller's 5% equity interest in MFP, which become exercisable in 2010.

        Powell is a well-recognized, highly creative advertising agency and as such was acquired by the Company for its creative talent to supplement existing creative agencies within the Company's Strategic Marketing Services segment of businesses.

        The Powell acquisition was accounted for as a purchase business combination. The allocation of the cost of the acquisition to the fair value of net assets acquired is as follows:

        Identifiable intangible assets, estimated to be $1,130, are being amortized on a straight—line basis over five years. The allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is based upon estimates of fair values and certain assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The Company's consolidated financial statements include Powell's results of operations subsequent to its acquisition on July 25, 2005.

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Other Acquisitions and Transactions

        On July 31, 2005, the Company acquired a further 20% equity interest in its existing subsidiary MFP pursuant to the exercise of a put obligation under the existing purchase agreement with a minority interest holder. The purchase price of $1,740 which includes $15 of acquisition costs was paid in cash. Of the purchase price, $500 was allocated to customer relationship intangible assets and $1,240 was allocated to goodwill. The allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is based upon certain assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances. As a result of this acquisition, and the Powell transaction discussed above, the Company retains a 95% equity interest in MFP.

        On September 1, 2005, the Company, through a consolidated variable interest entity, Crispin Porter + Bogusky, LLC ("CPB"), purchased 20% of the total outstanding membership units of Fuseproject, LLC ("Fuseproject") for purchase price consideration of $750 in cash and an additional $400 payable in cash on or before March 1, 2006. Fuseproject is a design firm acquired by CPB to complement its creative offerings. The Fuseproject acquisition was accounted for using the equity method as CPB has significant influence over the operations of Fuseproject. The purchase price of the net assets acquired in this transaction is $1,150. The allocation of the cost of the acquisition to the fair value of the net assets acquired resulted in a portion being attributed to intangible assets valued at $40 and $1,090 consisting of goodwill. The allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is based upon estimates of fair values and certain assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The Company's consolidated financial statements include Fuseproject's results of operations in equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates subsequent to its acquisition on September 1, 2005.

        During August 2005, Bryan Mills Group Ltd., ("BMG") a subsidiary whose operations are consolidated by the Company, completed the acquisition of 450 shares from a minority shareholder at a price of $515.00 per share, for a total purchase price of $232. This resulted in the Company's ownership interest in BMG increasing to 71.2% from 68.0%. Also as a result of the equity transaction by BMG, the Company recorded goodwill of $146.

        During the quarter ended March 31, 2005, the Company contributed $125 of cash as additional paid in capital to its existing consolidated subsidiary, Banjo Strategies Entertainment LLC. There was no change in the Company's ownership interest. This resulted in a loss on dilution of $61 and is reflected in the Company's consolidated statement of operations. During the quarter ended June 30, 2005, the Company acquired further equity interests in the existing consolidated subsidiaries of Allard Johnson Communications Inc. (0.3%) and Banjo Strategies Entertainment LLC (7.2%). In aggregate, the Company paid $143 in cash for these incremental ownership interests. During the quarter ended September 30, 2005, the Company acquired a further 0.7% equity interest in the existing consolidated subsidiary, Allard Johnson Communications Inc., for an amount payable in cash of $148.

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2004 Acquisitions

kirshenbaum bond + partners, LLC ("KBP")

        On January 29, 2004, the Company acquired a 60% ownership interest in KBP in a transaction accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. The Company paid $21,129 in cash, issued 148,719 shares of the Company's common stock to the selling interestholders of KBP (valued at approximately $2,027 based on the share price on or about the announcement date), issued warrants to purchase 150,173 shares of the Company's common stock to the selling interestholders of KBP (the fair value of which, using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, was approximately $955 based on the share price during the period on or about the announcement date) and incurred transaction costs of approximately $1,185.

        Under the terms of the agreement, the selling interestholders of KBP could receive additional cash and/or share consideration totaling an additional $735, based upon the achievement of certain pre-determined earnings targets. Effective December 31, 2004, this earnings contingency was resolved and the additional consideration of $735 and $47 in additional transaction costs incurred was recorded as goodwill. During the quarter ended June 30, 2005, as settlement of this obligation, $752 was paid in the form of 73,541 common shares of the Company, and $7 was paid in cash increasing the related goodwill by $24 in the same period.

        The recorded purchase price of the net assets acquired in the transaction was $26,031. The purchase price was allocated to the fair value of net assets acquired and minority interests as follows:

        Identifiable intangible assets of $10,370 are comprised primarily of customer relationships and trademarks. The Company's consolidated financial statements include KBP's results of operations subsequent to its acquisition on January 29, 2004. KBP is included in the Company's Strategic Marketing Services segment. During the year ended December 31, 2004, the operations of KBP contributed $46,027 of revenue and $2,543 of income from continuing operations to the Company's consolidated statement of operations.

Accent Marketing Services

        On March 29, 2004, the Company acquired an additional 39.3% ownership interest in Accent Marketing Services LLC ("Accent"), increasing its total ownership interest in this subsidiary from 50.1% to approximately 89.4%. The Company paid $1,444 in cash, issued, (or will issue), 1,103,331 shares of

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the Company's common stock to the selling interestholders of Accent (valued at approximately $16,833 based on the share price on or about the announcement date), and incurred transaction costs of approximately $99. The 2004 purchase price was allocated to the Company's increased share of working capital and the fair value of the net assets acquired including acquired intangibles and goodwill. Specifically $10,074 was allocated to tax deductible goodwill, $3,688 was allocated to intangible assets comprised of customer relationships and internally developed software. This acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and accordingly, the Company's consolidated financial statements, which have consolidated Accent's financial results since 1999, reflect a further 39% ownership participation subsequent to the additional acquisition on March 29, 2004.

        Under the terms of the agreement, the selling interestholders of Accent could receive up to a maximum additional consideration of 742,642 common shares of the Company, or the cash equivalent at the option of the Company, based upon achievement of certain pre-determined earnings targets for the year ended March 31, 2005. Based on the calculation of these targets, during the second quarter of 2005 additional consideration of $2,485 was paid in the form of 280,970 common shares of the Company which has been accounted for as additional goodwill.

VitroRobertson

        On July 27, 2004, the Company acquired a 68% ownership interest in VitroRobertson Acquisition, LLC ("VR") in a transaction accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. VR is located in San Diego, California, and is recognized for its expertise in brand market share management and has been included in the Company's Strategic Marketing Services segment. The Company paid $7,009 in cash, issued 42,767 Class A shares of the Company's common stock to the selling interestholders of VR (valued at approximately $473 based on the share price on the announcement date) and incurred transaction costs of approximately $122. Under the terms of the agreement, the selling interestholders of VR could receive additional cash consideration based upon achievement of certain pre-determined earnings targets to be measured at the end of 2005. Based on current earnings levels, additional consideration is $nil. Such contingent consideration will be accounted for as goodwill when the contingencies are resolved. Exclusive of the contingent consideration, the recorded purchase price of the net assets acquired in the transaction was $7,604.

        The purchase price was allocated to the fair value of net assets acquired and minority interest as follows:

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        Identifiable intangible assets of $2,718 are comprised primarily of customer relationships. The Company's consolidated financial statements include VR's results of operations subsequent to its acquisition on July 27, 2004. During the year ended December 31, 2004, the operations of VR contributed $3,744 of revenue and $372 of income from continuing operations to the Company's consolidated statement of operations.

Other Acquisitions and Transactions

Third Quarter 2004

        At August 31, 2004, the Company acquired a 49.9% ownership interest in Zig Inc ("Zig") in a transaction accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Zig is a Toronto, Canada-based advertising agency internationally recognized for its unique creative abilities. Also during the third quarter of 2004, the Company acquired further equity interests in the existing subsidiary Fletcher Martin Ewing LLC, as well as several other insignificant investments. In aggregate, the Company paid $2,462 in cash, issued 125,628 Class A shares of the Company's common stock to the selling interest holders (valued at approximately $1,507 based on the share price during the period on or about the date of closing and the announcement date) and incurred transaction costs of approximately $243. Under the terms of the Zig agreement, the selling interestholders were entitled to additional cash and share consideration totaling $624 based upon achievement of certain pre-determined earnings targets for 2004. Such contingent consideration was earned and has been accounted for as goodwill in 2004. The aggregate purchase price of the net assets acquired in these transactions was approximately $4,783. The purchase price was allocated to the net assets acquired. Specifically, $764 was allocated to goodwill, of which $739 is tax deductible, and $1,054 to intangible assets, $123 to other tangible assets and $2,842 to investment in affiliates.

        The Company's consolidated financial statements include the results of operations and balance sheet, accounted for on a consolidated basis except for Zig, which is accounted for on an equity basis due to the significant influence of the management of the operation obtained through ownership interest and contractual rights. During this period, the incremental effect of the aggregated operations of these acquisitions contributed $147 of net income to the Company's consolidated operating results.

Second Quarter 2004

        On April 14, 2004, the Company acquired a 65% ownership interest in henderson bas ("HB") in a transaction accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. HB is a Toronto, Canada-based agency providing interactive and direct marketing advertising services and has been included in the Company's Specialized Communications Services segment. On May 27, 2004, the Company acquired a 50.1% ownership interest in Bruce Mau Design Inc. ("BMD") in a transaction accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. BMD is a Toronto, Canada-based design studio providing visual identity and branding such as environmental graphics, exhibition development and design and cultural and business programming services and has been included in the Company's Specialized Communications Services segment. During the quarter ended June 30, 2004, the Company also acquired the following interests in three smaller agencies: a 49.9% interest in Mono Advertising LLC ("Mono"), a 51% interest in Hello Design, LLC ("Hello") and a 51% interest in Banjo, LLC

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("Banjo"), a variable interest entity in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. These transactions were all accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and are consolidated from the date of acquisition, with the exception of Mono, which is accounted for under the equity method. Hello and Banjo are included in the Company's Specialized Communications Services segment.

        For these acquisitions in aggregate, the Company paid $3,843 in cash and will pay a further $351 in cash in 2006, has issued warrants to purchase 90,000 shares of the Company's common stock to certain selling interestholders (valued at approximately $360 using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model assuming a 40% expected volatility, a risk free interest rate of 3.3% and an expected life of 3 years) and incurred transaction costs of approximately $349. Under the terms of the Mono, Hello Design, LLC, and BMD agreements, the selling interest holders could receive additional cash and/or share consideration after one to three years based on achievement of certain pre-determined cumulative earning targets. Based on current earning levels, the additional consideration would be $2,821. Such contingent consideration will be accounted for as goodwill when the contingency is resolved.

        The aggregate purchase price of the net assets acquired in these transactions was approximately $4,903. The purchase price was allocated to the fair value of the net assets acquired. Specifically, $1,070 was allocated to goodwill, of which $1,014 is tax deductible, and $1,537 to intangible assets and $2,296 of other tangible assets.

First Quarter 2004

        In March 2004, the Company acquired a 19.9% ownership interest in Cliff Freeman + Partners LLC ("CF") in a transaction accounted for under the equity method of accounting. CF is a New York based advertising agency recognized for its creative abilities. Also during the quarter ended March 31, 2004, the Company acquired further equity interests in the existing consolidated subsidiaries of Allard Johnson Communications Inc. (4.7%) and Targetcom LLC (20%), as well as several other insignificant investments. In aggregate, the Company paid $3,489 in cash and incurred transaction costs of approximately $213. Under the terms of the CF agreement, the selling interestholders could receive additional cash and/or share consideration after two years based upon achievement of certain pre-determined cumulative earnings targets. Based on current earnings levels, the additional consideration is nil. Such contingent consideration, if any, will be accounted for as goodwill when the contingency is resolved. Exclusive of future contingent consideration, the aggregate purchase price of the net assets acquired in these transactions was approximately $3,702. The purchase price was allocated based on the fair value of the net assets acquired. Of the purchase price, $2,141 was allocated to goodwill of which $1,242 is tax deductible, $306 to intangible assets, $472 to other tangible assets and $783 to investments in affiliates.

2003 Acqusitions

Maxxcom Inc.

        Effective July 31, 2003, the Company acquired an additional 26% ownership interest in the Maxxcom Inc. ("Maxxcom"), increasing its total ownership interest in this subsidiary from 74% to

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100%. Maxxcom had established itself as a holding company of several well known and notable marketing communications businesses. The Company issued 2,473,185 shares of the Company's common stock to the selling shareholders of Maxxcom (valued at approximately $23,327 based on the share price on or about the announcement date), issued fully vested stock options and warrants to purchase 681,469 shares of the Company's common stock to option and warrant holders of Maxxcom (the fair value of which, using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, was approximately $2,530 based on the share price during the period on or about the announcement date) and incurred transaction costs of approximately $784. This acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and accordingly, the Company's consolidated financial statements, which have consolidated Maxxcom's financial results since 2000, reflect a further 26% ownership participation subsequent to the additional acquisition on July 31, 2003.

        The purchase price was allocated based on the fair value of the net assets acquired as follows:

Other 2003 Acquisitions

        During the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company acquired several other ownership interests in existing subsidiaries. The Company acquired an additional 1.52% ownership interest in Toronto based Allard Johnson Communications Inc., increasing its total ownership interest in this subsidiary to 54.3%. The Company also acquired an additional 6.17% ownership interest in Westport, Connecticut based Source Marketing, increasing its total ownership interest in this subsidiary to 87.67%. Also during the year, the Company acquired further equity interests in several subsidiaries, increasing the Company's ownership to 100% in each case. The Company acquired the remaining 5.96% in Minneapolis based Colle & McVoy, Inc, the remaining 38.7% in London based Interfocus Network Limited (re-named Mr.Smith Agency in 2004) and the remaining 15% in Toronto based Metaca Corporation. Additionally, a further $500 was paid in 2004 related to the previously accrued $698 contingent consideration in 2003. All of these acquired interests, except for Metaca Corporation, which is a secure products business, are related to marketing communications businesses.

        The aggregate purchase price of the net assets acquired in these transactions was approximately $3,945. The purchase price was allocated based on the fair value of the net assets acquired. Specifically, $2,668 was allocated to goodwill of which $1,163 was tax deductible.

        The Company's consolidated financial statements include the results of operations and balance sheet, accounted for on a consolidated basis, with the exception of Interfocus Network Limited which is accounted for as a discontinued operation. During the year ended December 31, 2003, the aggregated operations of these other acquisitions had no material effect on net income in, the Company's consolidated operating results.

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Proforma Information

        The following unaudited pro forma results of operations of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 assume that the acquisition of the operating assets of the significant businesses acquired during 2005 and 2004 had occurred on January 1^st of the respective year in which the business was acquired and for the comparable period. These unaudited pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of either the actual results of operations that would have been achieved had the companies been combined during these periods, or are they necessarily indicative of future results of operations.

5.    Inventories

        The components of inventories at December 31, are listed below:

6.    Fixed Assets

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

		2005									2004
		Cost			Accumulated Depreciation			Net Book Value			Cost			Accumulated Depreciation			Net Book Value
Land		$	348		$	—			348		$	337		$	—		$	337
Buildings			2,663			(931	)		1,732			2,546			(829	)		1,717
Computers, furniture and fixtures			60,092			(40,462	)		19,630			51,938			(33,976	)		17,962
Machinery and equipment			46,570			(18,800	)		27,770			37,342			(14,289	)		23,053
Leasehold improvements			25,075			(11,027	)		14,048			21,522			(9,244	)		12,278
		$	134,748		$	(71,220	)	$	63,528		$	113,685		$	(58,338	)	$	55,347

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        Included in fixed assets are assets under capital lease obligations with a cost of $13,691 (2004—$14,639) and accumulated depreciation of $5,686 (2004—$4,960). Included in machinery and equipment is a plane acquired in the Zyman acquisition with a net book value of $5,164 at December 31, 2005. Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 was $13,818, $10,199, and $8,485, respectively.

7.    Financial Instruments

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

8.    Variable Interest Entities

        In December 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46 "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities Revised" ("FIN 46R"), which addresses how a business enterprise should evaluate whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity through means other than voting rights, and accordingly, whether it should consolidate the entity. The Company was required to apply FIN 46R to such variable interest entities ("VIEs") commencing with the quarter ended March 31, 2004. In addition, the Company is required, upon the occurrence of certain triggering events, to reconsider whether an entity is a VIE.

(i)

The Company acquired a 49% voting interest in Crispin Porter + Bogusky, LLC ("CPB"), a marketing services business, in 2001 and accounted for its investment under the equity method of accounting until September 22, 2004. The equity carrying value of the investment in CPB as of June 30, 2004 was $18,110. Pursuant to the terms of the CPB Shareholders' Agreement, the Company is entitled to 49% of earnings, plus an additional 8.5% of annual earnings in excess of $4,171. While CPB is a VIE, prior to September 22, 2004, the Company was not the primary beneficiary of its operations and thus, was not required to consolidate CPB under FIN 46R.

Effective September 22, 2004, in connection with the refinancing of the Company's bank credit facilities, the CPB Shareholders' Agreement was amended to permit all of the assets of CPB to be pledged by the Company as security for its new bank credit facilities and in addition, earlier in the third quarter of 2004, certain of the other investors in CPB became officers of a subsidiary of the Company. As a result of these changes, the Company became the primary beneficiary of CPB and is required to consolidate its operations under FIN 46R, commencing September 22, 2004.

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Under FIN 46R, for VIEs that must be consolidated, the assets, liabilities and minority interest of the VIE initially would be measured at their fair value as if the initial consolidation had resulted from a business combination on that date. Based on an independent valuation of the fair values of the assets, liabilities and non-controlling interests of CPB, the Company accounted for the following amounts in its balance sheet as at September 22, 2004 in connection with the consolidation of this VIE:

Upon consolidation, the Company eliminated its previously recorded investment in affiliate. The liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating CPB do not represent additional claims on the Company's general assets, rather, they represent claims against the specific assets of the VIE. While assets recognized as a result of consolidating CPB do not represent additional assets that could be used to satisfy claims against the Company's general assets, as a result of the amendments to the CPB Shareholders' Agreement and the Company's bank credit facility entered into September 22, 2004, the assets recognized have been pledged as security for the Company's borrowings under its bank credit facilities.

Summary financial information for CPB for the year ended 2005 is as follows:

(ii)

Based upon a review of the provisions of FIN 46R, the Company has identified Banjo, a business in which the Company acquired a majority voting interest in the second quarter of 2004, as a variable interest entity, for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. In 2004,

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the Company also identified an investee (LifeMed Media Inc.) in which the Company had a 45% investment as a variable interest entity for which the Company was the primary beneficiary, thereby requiring consolidation. To December 31, 2004, the Company funded $1.5 million to this start-up venture to finance the development of proprietary content-driven marketing material. The venture, which commenced operations in the second quarter of 2004, had no significant assets or liabilities and no revenues, and amounts expended by the venture have been principally in respect of salaries and related costs, and general and other operating costs. In July 2005, the Company's ownership interest was reduced to 18.3% and the Company seized consolidation of this investee. See Note 11 "Discontinued Operations".

(iii)

In addition the Company has identified Trapeze Media Limited as a variable interest entity, however the Company is not the primary beneficiary and Trapeze is therefore not consolidated. To date, the results of operations of Trapeze have not been material to the Company's consolidated financial statements. See Note 17(c).

9.    Goodwill and Intangible Assets

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

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        In accordance with the Company's accounting policy, the Company completed its annual impairment test of goodwill and intangible assets. As a result of this review, in 2005, the Company recorded an impairment charge related to goodwill in the Specialized Communication Services segment of $473. During the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company recorded goodwill impairment charges in the Specialized Communications Services Segment of $834, the Secure Paper Business Segment of $3,676 and the Secure Cards Business segment of $5,502. There was no goodwill impairment charge in 2004.

        The weighted average amortization periods for customer relationships and other intangible assets are 6 years and 7 years, respectively and 6 years in total. The amortization expense of amortizable intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2005, was $13,592 (2004—$3,145; 2003—$0) before tax and the estimated amortization expense for the five succeeding years before tax, per year is:

10.    Income Taxes

        The components of the Company's income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in affiliates and minority interests by taxing jurisdiction for the years ended December 31, were:

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        The provision (benefit) for income taxes by taxing jurisdiction for the years ended December 31, were:

        A reconciliation of income tax expense using the statutory Canadian federal and provincial income tax rate compared with actual income tax expense for the years ended December 31, is as follows:

		2005			2004			2003
Income from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in affiliates and minority interest		$	13,425		$	11,393		$	19,051
Statutory income tax rate			36.12	%		36.12	%		36.62	%
Tax expense using statutory income tax rate			4,849			4,115			6,976
Other taxes			2,640			1,898			(130	)
Non-deductible goodwill charges			—			—			3,666
Non-deductible stock-based compensation			1,182			3,129			259
Other non-deductible expense			538			590			163
Change to valuation allowance on items affecting taxable income			718			2,322			3,595
Non-taxable income and gains			—			(8,115	)		(6,998	)
Minority interests			(7,655	)		(3,178	)		(2,033	)
Change in enacted tax rates			—			324			—
Other, net			(115	)		(267	)		272
Income tax expense		$	2,157		$	818		$	5,770
Effective income tax rate			16.1	%		7.2	%		30.3	%

        Income taxes receivable were $213 and $535 at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and were included in accounts receivable on the balance sheet. Income taxes payable were $2,139 and $357 at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and were included in accrued and other liabilities on the balance sheet.

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        The tax effects of significant temporary differences representing deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, were as follows:

        Included in accrued and other liabilities at December 31, 2005 is a deferred tax liability of $159.

        The Company has US federal net operating loss carry forwards of $20,855 and non-US net operating loss carry forwards of $73,249 that expire in years 2006 through 2025, and indefinite loss carry forwards of $52,418, of which $30,122 is related to capital losses from the Canadian operations. The Company has net operating loss carry forwards for various state taxing jurisdictions of approximately $51,545.

        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 these factors could impact the estimated valuation allowance and income tax expense.

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        The valuation allowance has been recorded to reduce our deferred tax asset to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized, and is based upon the uncertainty of the realization of certain non-US and state deferred tax assets. The increase in the Company's valuation allowance charged to the statement of operations for each of the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003 was $718, $2,322, and $3,866, respectively.

        Deferred taxes are not provided for temporary differences representing earnings of non-Canadian subsidiaries that are intended to be permanently reinvested. The potential deferred tax liability associated with these undistributed earnings is not material.

11.    Discontinued Operations

        During July 2005, LifeMed Media, Inc., ("LifeMed") a variable interest entity whose operations had been consolidated by the Company, completed a private placement issuing approximately 12.5 million shares at a price of $0.4973 per share. LifeMed received net proceeds of approximately $6,200. Consequently, the Company's ownership interest in LifeMed was reduced to 18.3% from this transaction. As a result of the equity transaction of LifeMed, the Company recorded a gain of $1,300. This gain represents the Company's reversal of a liability related to funding obligations that the Company is no longer obligated to fund. The Company no longer has any significant continuing involvement in the management or operations of LifeMed, and has not participated in the purchase of significant new equity offerings of LifeMed. Consequently, as of July 2005, the Company no longer consolidates the operations of LifeMed, commenced accounting for its remaining investment in LifeMed on a cost basis, and has reported the results of operations of LifeMed as discontinued operations for all periods presented. In February 2006, the Company sold 27% of its remaining ownership in LifeMed as partial settlement of a put obligation (see Note 20).

        In November 2004, the Company's management reached a decision to discontinue the operations of a component of its business. This component is comprised of the Company's UK based marketing communications business, a wholly owned subsidiary Mr. Smith Agency, Ltd. (formerly known as Interfocus Networks Limited). The Company decided to dispose of the operations of this business due to its unfavorable economics. Substantially all of the net assets of the discontinued business were sold during the fourth quarter of 2004 with the disposition of all activities of Mr. Smith and remaining sale of assets was substantially complete by the end of the first quarter of 2005. No significant one-time termination benefits were incurred or are expected to be incurred. No further significant other charges are expected to be incurred.

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        Included in discontinued operations in the Company's consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31 were the following:

        With the exception of a tax benefit received in 2003, the effective tax rate reconciles to the statutory rate through the recording of a valuation allowance.

        As of December 31, 2005, Other Assets includes $100 and as of December 31, 2004, Accrued and Other Liabilities include $338 of the Company's net investment in LifeMed.

        As of December 31, 2004 the carrying value on the Company's balance sheet of the assets and liabilities to be disposed were as follows:

        There are no assets or liabilities held for sale as of December 31, 2005.

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12.    Comprehensive Income (Loss)

        Total comprehensive income (loss) and its components for the years ended December 31, were:

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

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

        Interest expense related to long-term debt for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 was $7,957, $6,411 and $13,731, respectively.

        The amortization of deferred finance costs were $1,305, $2,370 and $3,897 for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively.

        Short term debt represents the swing line under the revolving credit facility and outstanding checks at the end of the reporting period.

MDC Revolving Credit Facility

        On June 10, 2004, MDC Partners Inc. entered into a revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks providing for borrowings of up to C$25.0 million ($18.7 million) maturing in May of 2005. It was extinguished and replaced in September 2004.

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        On September 22, 2004, MDC Partners Inc. and certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into a revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks providing for borrowings of up to $100 million (including swing-line advances of up to $10 million) maturing in September 2007 (the "Credit Facility"). This facility bears interest at variable rates based upon the Eurodollar rate, US bank prime rate, US base rate, and Canadian bank prime rate, at the Company's option. Based on the level of debt relative to certain operating results, the interest rates on loans are calculated by adding between 200 and 325 basis points on Eurodollar and Bankers Acceptance based interest rate loans, and between 50 and 175 basis points on all other loan interest rates. The provisions of the facility contain various covenants pertaining to a minimum ratio of debt to net income before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), a maximum debt to capitalization ratio, the maintenance of certain liquidity levels and minimum shareholders' equity levels. The facility restricts, among other things, the levels of capital expenditures, investments, distributions, dispositions and incurrence of other debt. The facility is secured by a senior pledge of the Company's assets principally comprised of ownership interests in its subsidiaries and by the underlying assets of the businesses comprising the Company's Secure Products International Group and by a substantial portion of the underlying assets of the businesses comprising the Company's Marketing Communications Group, the underlying assets being carried at a value represented by the total assets reflected on the Company's consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2005. At December 31, 2005 and 2004, the aggregate amount of swing line advances, plus outstanding checks (disclosed as "Bank debt" in Current Liabilities on the balance sheet) was $3,739 and $6,026, respectively. At December 31, 2005, the unused portion of the total facility was $18,271.

        The Company has classified the swing-line component of this revolving credit facility as a current liability in accordance with EITF 95-22, "Balance Sheet Classification of Borrowings Outstanding under Revolving Credit Agreements that include both a Subjective Acceleration Clause and a Lock-Box Agreement". This component, reflected as bank debt on the balance sheet, is classified as a current liability in accordance with EITF 95-22 since the swing-line contains a lock box arrangement that requires the cash receipts of the Company to be used to repay amounts outstanding under the swing-line and the entire credit facility is subject to subjective acceleration clauses. Management believes that no conditions have occurred that would result in subjective acceleration by the lenders, nor do they believe that any such conditions will exist over the next twelve months. The weighted average interest rate on these current portions of debt was 6.7% and 6.4% as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

        Since securing the Credit Facility on September 22, 2004, the Credit Facility has been amended as follows:

(a)

On December 22, 2004 and March 14, 2005, the Company amended certain of the terms andconditions of the revolving credit facility ("Credit Facility"). Pursuant to such amendments, the lenders under the Credit Facility agreed, among other things, to (i) extend the due date for the Company to deliver to the lenders its annual financial statements; (ii) amend the pricing grid; (iii) modify the Company's total debt ratio, fixed charge ratio and capital expenditures covenants; and (iv) waive any potential default that may have occurred as a result of the Company's failure to comply with its total debt ratio and fixed charge coverage

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ratio covenants. This amendment was necessary in order to avoid an event of default under the Credit Facility and to permit the Company to continue to borrow under the Credit Facility.

(b)

On March 31, 2005, the Company received a limited waiver from the lenders under its Credit Facility, pursuant to which the lenders agreed to give the Company until April 15, 2005 to deliver its financial statements for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2004.



(c)

In order to finance the Zyman Group acquisition (see Note 3), the Company entered into an amendment to its Credit Facility on April 1, 2005. This amendment provided for, among other things, (i) an increase in the total revolving commitments available under the Credit Facility from $100,000 to $150,000, (ii) permission to consummate the Zyman Group acquisition, (iii) mandatory reductions of the total revolving commitments by $25,000 on June 30, 2005, $5,000 on September 30, 2005, $10,000 on December 31, 2005 and $10,000 on March 31, 2006, (iv) reduced flexibility to consummate acquisitions going forward and (v) modification to the fixed charges ratio and total debt ratio financial covenants retroactive to March 31, 2005.



(d)

On May 9, 2005, the Company further amended the terms of its Credit Facility. Pursuant to such amendment, among other things, the lenders (i) modified the Company's total debt ratio covenant; and (ii) waived the default that occurred as a result of the Company's failure to comply with its total debt ratio covenant solely with respect to the period ended March 31, 2005.



(e)

On June 6, 2005, the Company further amended its Credit Facility to permit the issuance of 8% convertible unsecured subordinated debentures (see below). In addition, pursuant to this amendment, the lenders (i) modified the definition of "Total Debt Ratio" to exclude the 8% convertible unsecured subordinated debentures from such definition, (ii) required a reduction of the revolving commitments under the Credit Facility from $150,000 to $116,200 effective June 28, 2005, the reduction being equal to the net proceeds received by the Company from the issuance of these debentures, (iii) imposed certain restrictions on the ability of the Company to amend the documentation governing the debentures, and (iv) modified the Company's fixed charges ratio covenant, effective upon issuance of these debentures.



(f)

On October 31, 2005, the Company further amended its Credit Facility. Pursuant to such amendment, among other things, the lenders (i) reduced the revolving commitments under the Credit Facility to $105,000, effective as of the date of the amendment, with a further reduction of $5,000 on December 31, 2005; (ii) modified the Company's "total debt ratio" and "fixed charges ratio" covenants; (iii) effective April 15, 2006, added a 1.0% per annum facility fee on the amount of the revolving commitments under the Credit Facility in excess of $65,000, which fee will be payable beginning on April 15, 2006 and for so long as the revolving commitments under the Credit Facility are in excess of $65,000; and (iv) waived the default that may have occurred as a result of the Company's failure to comply with its total debt ratio covenant and fixed charges covenant with respect to the test period ending September 30, 2005. In addition, in the event of a sale of the Company's secure products business, the Company must repay advances under the Credit Facility by an amount equal to the net proceeds received by the

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Company from such sale ("Sale Net Proceeds"), and the revolving commitments under the facility would be reduced by an amount equal to the Sale Net Proceeds.

(g)

On January 17, 2006, the Company further amended its Credit Facility. Pursuant to such amendment, the lenders agreed to permit the Company to continue to fund capital contributions to an investment to which the Company had a contractual commitment, in an aggregate amount not exceeding $700.

        The Company is currently in compliance with all of the terms and conditions of its amended Credit Facility and management believes that, based on its current financial projections, the Company will be in compliance with its financial covenants over the next twelve months. However, as a result of the need to obtain waivers and amend the Credit Facility in three of the past four reporting periods, the Company has classified the outstanding debt under the Credit Facility as current. Although such debt has been classified as current, the maturity of the Credit Facility remains September 22, 2007.

        As at December 31, 2005, $5,336 (2004—$6,609) of the consolidated cash position is held by subsidiaries, which, although available for the subsidiaries' use, does not represent cash that is available for use to reduce MDC Partners Inc. indebtedness.

8% Convertible Unsecured Subordinated Debentures

        On June 28, 2005, the Company completed an offering in Canada of convertible unsecured subordinated debentures amounting to $36,723 (C$45,000) (the "Debentures"). The Debentures will mature on June 30, 2010. The Debentures will bear interest at an annual rate of 8.00% payable semi-annually, in arrears, on June 30 and December 31 of each year, commencing December 31, 2005. The Company is required to use its reasonable best efforts to cause a resale registration statement to be declared effective as soon as practicable. The Company did not have an effective resale registration statement filed with the SEC on December 31, 2005, and as a result the rate of interest will increase by an additional 0.50% for the first six month period following December 31, 2005, and, if the Company does not have an effective resale registration statement filed with the SEC by June 30, 2006, additional amounts in respect of the Debentures will be payable such that the effect will be to increase the rate of interest by an additional 0.50%. Such additional rates of interest will continue until the earlier of (a) the end of the six month period in which the Company has an effective resale registration statement filed with the SEC, or (b) June 30, 2007, at which time the interest rate will return to 8.00%. Unless an event of default has occurred and is continuing, the Company may elect, from time to time, subject to applicable regulatory approval, to issue and deliver Class A subordinate voting shares to the Debenture trustee in order to raise funds to satisfy all or any part of the Company's obligations to pay interest on the Debentures in accordance with the indenture in which holders of the Debentures will be entitled to receive a cash payment equal to the interest payable from the proceeds of the sale of such Class A subordinate voting shares by the Debenture trustee.

        The Debentures are convertible at the holder's option into fully-paid, non-assessable and freely tradeable Class A subordinate voting shares of the Company, at any time prior to maturity or redemption, subject to the restrictions on transfer, at a conversion price of $11.42 (C$14.00) per

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Class A subordinate voting share being a ratio of approximately 71.4286 Class A subordinate voting shares per $816.00 (C$1,000.00) principal amount of Debentures.

        The Debentures may not be redeemed by the Company on or before June 30, 2008. Thereafter, but prior to June 30, 2009, the Debentures may be redeemed, in whole or in part from time to time, at a price equal to the principal amount of the Debenture plus accrued and unpaid interest, provided that the volume weighted average trading price of the Class A subordinate voting shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange during a specified period is not less than 125% of the conversion price. From July 1, 2009 until the maturity of the Debentures the Debentures may be redeemed by the Company at a price equal to the principal amount of the Debenture plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. The Company may elect to satisfy the redemption consideration, in whole or in part, by issuing Class A subordinate voting shares of the Company to the holders, the number of which will be determined by dividing the principal amount of the Debenture by 95% of the current market price of the Class A subordinate voting shares on the redemption date. Upon the occurrence of a change of control of the Company involving the acquisition of voting control or direction over 50% or more of the outstanding Class A subordinate voting shares prior to June 30, 2008, the Company shall be required to make an offer to purchase all of the then outstanding Debentures at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus an amount equal to the interest payments not yet received on the Debentures calculated from the date of the change of control to June 30, 2008, discounted at a specified rate. Upon the occurrence of a change of control on or after June 30, 2008, the Company shall be required to make an offer to purchase all of the then outstanding Debentures at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Debentures plus accrued and unpaid interest to the purchase date.

        In connection with the Zyman acquisition, the Company assumed the following note payable in the original amount of $6,275. The note bears interest of 5.73% and is due on June 8, 2009. The balance of the note payable was $5,589 at December 31, 2005. The note agreement is secured by an aircraft and related equipment with a net book value of $5,164. The remaining balance of $61 relates to a bank loan of a subsidiary.

        Future principal repayments, including capital lease obligations, for the years ended December 31, and in aggregate are as follows:

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Capital Leases

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

14.    Share Capital

        The authorized share capital of the Company is as follows:

(a)    Authorized Share Capital

Class A Shares

        An unlimited number, subordinate voting shares, carrying one vote each, entitled to dividends equal to or greater than Class B shares, convertible at the option of the holder into one Class B share for each Class A share after the occurrence of certain events related to an offer to purchase all Class B shares.

Class B Shares

        An unlimited number, carrying 20 votes each, convertible at any time at the option of the holder into one Class A share for each Class B share.

Preference Shares

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

        The Company has not paid dividends on any class of shares during the three years ended December 31, 2005.

(b)    2005 Share Capital Transactions

        During the year ended December 31, 2005, Class A share capital increased by $14,825, as the Company issued 1,494,486 shares related to business acquisitions and 5,258 shares related to the exercise of stock options

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(c)    2004 Share Capital Transactions

        During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company acquired and cancelled, pursuant to a normal course issuer bid, 1,070,000 Class A subordinate voting shares for $12,476. The premium paid on the repurchase of the Class A subordinate voting shares, in the amount of $3,757, was charged to accumulated deficit.

        During the third quarter, the Company issued 90,164 Class A subordinate voting shares for nil proceeds as additional consideration related to the maintenance of the market value of the same securities issued as purchase consideration for an acquisition completed in the first quarter of 2004. Including these 90,164 shares, 1,243,753 Class A subordinate voting shares were issued during 2004 as purchase consideration for acquisitions.

        On May 5, 2004, the Company settled in full the $34,919 (C$48,000) of 7% Convertible Notes with the issuance of 2,582,027 Class A subordinate voting shares.

        On March 17, 2004, the Company completed a private placement issuing 120,919 shares at an average price of $11.65 per share and issued 120,919 warrants with exercise prices ranging from C$15.72 to C$19.13 and expiring in March 2009. The Company undertook the private placement as a means to provide the Company's Board of Directors, Board of Advisors and potential Board members the ability to increase their share holdings in the Company in order to further align their interests with those of the Company. As a result of the offering, a stock-based compensation charge in the amount of $1.0 million was taken in the first quarter to account for the fair value of the benefits conveyed to the recipients of the awards on the granting of warrants and the issuing of shares at a price less than the trading value on the day of issuance.

        On February 26, 2004 the Company's then controlling shareholder, Miles S. Nadal (the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer) gave formal notice to the Company's Board of Directors that he had initiated the process to effect conversion of 100% of his Class B multiple voting shares into Class A subordinate voting shares on a one-for-one basis, without any cash or non-cash consideration. The conversion was completed during the first quarter of 2004. Mr. Nadal's equity interest in the Company prior to the conversion was approximately 20.2%, and he controlled 44.9% of the voting rights attached to the corporation. Prior to the conversion Mr. Nadal owned 447,968 Class B multiple voting shares, which represented 99% of the Class B shares and carry 20 votes per share, in addition to 3,400,351 Class A subordinate voting shares, which carry one vote per share. After the conversion, both Mr. Nadal's equity interest and voting interest in the Company were approximately 20.2%, or 3,848,319 Class A subordinate voting shares. As of March 1, 2006, Mr. Nadal beneficially owed 1,832,311 Class A subordinate voting shares or 7.8%.

(d)    2003 Share Capital Transactions

        During the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company acquired and cancelled 1,274,816 Class A subordinate voting shares for $13,662. The premium paid on the repurchase of the Class A subordinate voting shares, in the amount of $5,531, was charged to retained earnings. Also during 2003, the Company issued 2,720,409 Class A subordinate voting shares as purchase consideration for acquisitions in the current and prior years.

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(e)    Employee Stock Incentive Plan

        On May 26, 2005, the Company's shareholders approved the Company's 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2005 Incentive Plan"). The 2005 Incentive Plan authorizes the issuance of awards to employees, officers, directors and consultants of the Company with respect to 2,000,000 shares of MDC Partners' Class A Subordinate Voting Shares or any other security in to which such shares shall be exchanged. As of December 31, 2005, the only award made under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan was a grant of 25,000 options to a newly appointed independent Director, which option grant was for a ten-year term and vests over five (5) years from the grant date.

        The Company's Board of Directors adopted the 2005 Incentive Plan as a replacement for MDC Partners' Amended and Restated Stock Option Incentive Plan (the "Prior 2003 Plan"). Following approval of the 2005 Incentive Plan, the Company ceased making awards under the Prior 2003 Plan.

        Prior to adoption of the 2005 Incentive Plan, the Company's Prior 2003 Plan provided for grants of up to 1,890,786 options to employees, officers, directors and consultants of the Company. All the options granted were for a term of five years from the date of the grant and vest 20% on the date of grant and a further 20% on each anniversary date. In addition, the Company granted 534,960 options, on the privatization of Maxxcom, with a term of no more than 10 years from initial date of grant by Maxxcom and vest 20% in each of the first two years with the balance vesting on the third anniversary of the initial grant.

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

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        Share options outstanding as of December 31, 2005 are summarized as follows:

		Options Outstanding							Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices		Outstanding Number		Weighted Average Contractual Life		Weighted Average Price per Share			Exercisable Number		Weighted Average Price per Share
$3.32–$4.65		734,400		1.80		$	4.60		583,400		$	4.59
$4.66–$6.54		498,182		2.37		$	6.25		302,582		$	6.25
$6.55–$9.04		242,283		1.31		$	7.49		206,083		$	7.53
$9.05–$12.80		286,671		3.52		$	11.71		135,898		$	11.59
$12.81–$48.59		31,668		3.92		$	15.89		13,810		$	18.60

(f)    Stock Appreciation Rights

        During 2003, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved a stock appreciation rights ("SAR's") compensation program for senior officers and directors of the Company. SARS's have a term of four years and vest one-third on each anniversary date. During the year ended December 31, 2003, 1,650,479 SAR's were granted with rights prices ranging from $3.85 to $7.71 with an average price of $5.76. In 2003, the Company recorded compensation expense of $4,102 with respect to SAR's.

        During the second quarter of 2004, the Company amended its SAR plan to amend the method of settlement from cash exclusively to cash or equity settlement at the option of the Company. The amendment caused the existing SAR awards to be modified, triggering a remeasurement date for accounting purposes. The modification is accounted for as a settlement of the old awards through the issuance of new awards. As a result, the Company measured the settlement value of the SARs immediately prior to the modification date and adjusted the previously accumulated amortized expense and liability based on the revised calculation. The settlement value of $6,142 was reclassed from accounts payable and accrued liabilities to additional paid-in capital. The Company then measured the fair value of the equity settleable SAR awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model on the date of modification. The excess of the fair value calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model over the settlement value of $5,046 will be accounted for as additional compensation expense over the remaining vesting period of the SAR awards.

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        SAR's granted and outstanding are as follows:

			SAR's Outstanding					SAR's Exercisable
			Weighted Average Number Outstanding		Weighted Average Price per share			Number Outstanding		Price Per Share
Balance at December 31, 2002			—		$	—		—			—
	Granted		1,650,479			5.33		—			—
Balance at December 31, 2003			1,650,479			5.33		—			—
	Granted		295,000			10.85
	Exercised		(5,000	)		3.57
Balance at December 31, 2004			1,940,479			7.02		548,493		$	6.21
	Granted		285,000			9.87
	Exercised		—			—
	Expired and cancelled		(5,000	)		7.81
Balance at December 31, 2005			2,220,479		$	7.58		1,211,986		$	6.91

        SAR's outstanding as at December 31, 2005 are summarized as follows:

		SAR's Outstanding							SAR's Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices		Outstanding Number		Weighted Average Contractual Life		Weighted Average Price per Share			Exercisable Number		Weighted Average Price per Share
$4.31–$6.24		855,000		1.12		$	4.53		570,000		$	4.53
$6.25–$8.36		440,479		1.58		$	8.36		295,319		$	8.36
$8.37–$10.00		570,000		2.47		$	9.05		233,333		$	8.61
$10.01–$13.78		355,000		2.57		$	11.59		113,334		$	11.62

(g)    Restricted Stock Units

        During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company issued 50,000 restricted stock units of which 16,500 vest on each of the first and second anniversary dates with the remaining 17,000 vesting on September 6, 2007.

        On December 12, 2005, the recipient of these shares of restricted stock exercised his contractual right to receive a cash payment of $121 in lieu of the 16,500 shares of restricted stock that vested in 2005, and as a result the underlying 16,500 shares of restricted stock were cancelled.

        There were no restricted stock units issued during 2005.

        In February 2006, the Company, under the 2005 Incentive Plan, granted 722,500 restricted stock and restricted stock units and awards, which vest between one and three years based on defined performance targets. The value of this grant on the grant date was $6,134, which will result in stock-based compensation expense over the probable vesting period.

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(h)    Warrants

        The Company measures the fair value of warrants using the Black-Scholes option pricing model on the date of grant.

        Warrants outstanding as at December 31, 2005 are summarized as follows:

		Warrants Outstanding							Warrants Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices		Number Outstanding		Weighted Average Contractual Life		Weighted Average Price per Share			Exercisable Number		Weighted Average per Price Share
$11.30–$13.10		332,232		1.15		$	11.70		284,180		$	11.49
$13.11–$15.32		496,734		2.09		$	13.74		414,584		$	13.56
$15.33–$16.83		161,706		3.18		$	16.59		69,404		$	16.55

        During the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company issued 507,146 warrants with a weighted average exercise price of $10.61 and terms of three to five years. These warrants were issued as compensation to a lender and to an advisor.

        During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company issued 736,186 warrants with a weighted average exercise price of $13.55 and a term of five years. Of these warrants, 240,173 were issued as acquisition consideration and 456,013 (including 120,919 issued on the private placement) were issued as compensation for services and treated as such for accounting purposes.

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

			Warrants Outstanding					Warrants Exercisable
			Number Outstanding		Weighted Average Per Price Share			Number Outstanding		Weighted Average Per Price Share
Balance December 31, 2002			—			—		—			—
	Granted		250,000		$	11.92		—			—
	Granted on privatization of Maxxcom		257,146			9.34		—			—
Balance December 31, 2003			507,146			10.61		507,146		$	10.61
	Granted		736,186			13.55
	Expired and cancelled		(222,660	)		14.04
Balance December 31, 2004			1,020,672			13.10		648,159			12.20
	Granted		—
	Expired and cancelled		(30,000	)		13.54
Balance, December 31, 2005			990,672		$	13.53		768,168		$	13.06

        The Company has reserved a total of 6,280,379 Class A shares in order to meet its obligations under various conversion rights, warrants and employee share related plans. At December 31, 2005 there were 1,975,000 shares available for future option grants.

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15.    Gain on Sale of Assets and Settlement of Long-term Debt and Other

        The gain on sale of assets and settlement of long-term debt for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

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(a)

In February 2004, the Company sold its remaining 20% interest in Custom Direct Income Fund (the "Fund") through the exchange of its interest in the Fund for the settlement of the adjustable rate exchangeable debentures issued on December 1, 2003 with a face value of $26,344. Based on the performance of the Fund for the period ended December 31, 2003, the Company was entitled to exchange its shares of Custom Direct, Inc. ("CDI") for units of the Fund. On February 13, 2004, the adjustable rate exchangeable debentures were exchanged for units of the Fund in full settlement of the adjustable rate exchangeable debentures.

At the date of settlement, the fair value of the CDI units for which the debentures were exchangeable was $33,991, which exceeded the issue price of the debentures by $7,647. The total loss on settlement of the exchangeable debenture of $9,569 includes $1,922 in respect of the write off of unamortized deferred financing costs.

The embedded derivative within the exchangeable debentures had a fair value which was deemed not material at the date of issuance and an unrealized loss of $3,974 as at December 31, 2003. From January 1, 2004 to the date of settlement, the accrued loss on the derivative increased by $3,673 to a total of $7,647 at the date of settlement. The resulting fair value adjustment of $3,974 in 2004 represents the increase to the accrued loss net of the amount realized on settlement.

The fair value of the units of the Fund on February 13, 2004 received by the Company exceeded the Company's equity carrying value of the 20% interest in CDI of $12,085, accordingly the Company recognized a gain on the sale of the CDI equity of $21,906. In the second quarter of 2003, the Company completed an Initial Public Offering ("IPO") of the Fund and sold 80% of its interest in CDI to the Fund for cash and units of the Fund representing an 18.9% interest. Such units were sold in July 2003 for cash consideration equivalent to the IPO price per share. The net gain on asset dispositions includes charges for incentive payments to management including management of divested subsidiaries in the amount of $10,737.

(b)

On June 30, 2003, the Company completed the repurchase of the remaining 10.5% senior subordinated Notes for 103.5% of the face value of the Notes, resulting in a loss on redemption of $4,908, including the write-off of $1,672 of unamortized deferred financing costs.

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16.    Segmented Information

        During the quarter ended September 30, 2005, the Company has reassessed its reportable operating segments to consist of five segments plus corporate, instead of reporting only two segments plus corporate. The Company has recast its prior year disclosures to conform to the current year presentation. The segments are as follows:

•

The Strategic Marketing Services ("SMS") segment includes Crispin Porter & Bogusky, kirshenbaum bond + partners, Zyman Group LLC 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 SMS share similar economic characteristics, specifically related to the nature of their respective services, the manner in which the services are provided and the similarity of their respective customers. Due to the similarities in these businesses, they exhibit similar long term financial performance and have been aggregated together.



•

The Customer Relationship Management ("CRM") segment provides marketing services that interface directly with the consumer of a client's product or service. These services include the design, development and implementation of a complete customer service and direct marketing initiative intended to acquire, retain and develop a client's customer base. This is accomplished using several domestic and a foreign-based customer contact facilities.



•

The Specialized Communications Services ("SCS") segment includes all of the Company's other marketing services firms that are normally engaged to provide a single or a few specific marketing services to regional, national and global clients. These firms provide niche solutions by providing world class expertise in select marketing services.



•

The Secure Cards Business ("SCB") segment provides security products and services related to electronic transaction products such as credit, debit, telephone and smart cards. The businesses included in this segment have similar types of clients, risks and cost structures. Due to the similarities in these businesses, they exhibit similar long-term financial performance and have been aggregated together.



•

The Secure Paper Business ("SPB") segment produces secured specialty printed products which include stamps, labels and tickets. Products for each of these entities are only manufactured for specific customers. The businesses included in this segment have similar types of clients, risks and cost structures. Due to the similarities in these businesses, 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 SCS segment is an "Other" segment pursuant SFAS 131 "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information".

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

For the Year Ended December 31, 2005

		Strategic Marketing Services			Customer Relationship Management			Specialized Communications Services			Secure Cards Business			Secure Paper Business			Corporate			Total
		(thousands of United States dollars)
Revenue		$	217,329		$	67,240		$	78,793		$	31,707		$	48,393			—		$	443,462
Cost of services sold		$	106,997		$	51,913		$	52,901		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	211,811
Cost of products sold		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	17,595		$	32,281			—		$	49,876
Depreciation and amortization		$	18,311		$	3,578		$	892		$	1,931		$	2,409		$	362		$	27,483
Goodwill charges		$	—		$	—		$	473		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	473
Operating Profit (Loss)		$	32,888		$	1,322		$	11,249		$	(235	)	$	2,864		$	(25,500	)	$	22,588
Other Income (Expense):
Other income																				$	615
Foreign exchange loss																				$	(887	)
Interest expense, net																				$	(8,891	)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in affiliates and minority interest																				$	13,425
Income taxes																				$	2,157
Income from continuing operations before equity in affiliates and minority interests																				$	11,268
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates																				$	1,402
Minority interests in income of consolidated subsidiaries		$	(18,160	)	$	(84	)	$	(2,948	)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(21,192	)
Loss from continuing operations																				$	(8,522	)
Income from discontinued operations																				$	573
Net loss																				$	(7,949	)
Stock-based compensation		$	519		$	81		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	2,672		$	3,272
Capital expenditures		$	5,862		$	4,028		$	666		$	871		$	1,389		$	279		$	13,095
Goodwill and intangibles		$	199,596		$	28,761		$	23,747		$	—		$	61		$	—		$	252,165
Total assets		$	310,858		$	50,362		$	70,067		$	29,270		$	29,443		$	17,315		$	507,315

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For the Year Ended December 31, 2004 (Restated)

		Strategic Marketing Services			Customer Relationship Management			Specialized Communications Services			Secure Cards Business			Secure Paper Business			Corporate			Total
		(thousands of United States dollars)
Revenue		$	123,780		$	59,673		$	63,620		$	26,282		$	43,457		$	—		$	316,812
Cost of services sold		$	71,100		$	43,746		$	44,119		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	158,965
Cost of products sold		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	13,171		$	29,130		$	—		$	42,301
Depreciation and amortization		$	5,601		$	3,451		$	960		$	1,801		$	1,688		$	237		$	13,738
Operating Profit (Loss)		$	17,981		$	3,629		$	7,743		$	(2,827	)	$	3,320		$	(24,694	)	$	5,152
Other Income (Expense):
Other income																				$	14,844
Foreign exchange loss																				$	(498	)
Interest expense, net																				$	(8,105	)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in affiliates and minority interest																				$	11,393
Income taxes																				$	818
Income from continuing operations before equity in affiliates and minority interests																				$	10,575
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates																				$	3,651
Minority interests in income of consolidated subsidiaries		$	(6,591	)	$	(245	)	$	(2,399	)	$	—					$	—		$	(9,235	)
Income from continuing operations																					4,991
Loss from discontinued operations																				$	(7,148	)
Net Loss																				$	(2,157	)
Stock-based compensation		$	131		$	130		$	78		$	—		$	—		$	8,049		$	8,388
Capital Expenditures		$	3,478		$	4,305		$	449		$	3,764		$	3,478		$	78		$	15,552
Goodwill and intangibles		$	144,734		$	26,739		$	22,233		$	61		$	—		$	—		$	193,767
Total Assets		$	252,758		$	48,954		$	49,050		$	28,501		$	28,165		$	29,913		$	437,341

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For the Year Ended December 31, 2003 (Restated)

		Strategic Marketing Services			Customer Relationship Management			Specialized Communications Services			Secure Cards Business			Secure Paper Business			Corporate			Total
		(thousands of United States dollars)
Revenue		$	62,828		$	46,079		$	55,943		$	29,291		$	84,636		$	—		$	278,777
Cost of services sold		$	35,630		$	31,890		$	38,388		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	105,908
Cost of products sold		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	13,589		$	43,065		$	—		$	56,654
Depreciation and amortization		$	1,408		$	2,742		$	858		$	1,308		$	1,754		$	415		$	8,485
Goodwill and fixed asset impairment charges		$	—		$	—		$	834		$	6,812		$	10,492		$	—		$	18,138
Operating Profit (Loss)		$	10,004		$	3,779		$	6,587		$	(9,835	)	$	1,184		$	(17,701	)	$	(5,982	)
Other Income (Expense):
Other income																				$	43,792
Foreign exchange loss																				$	(2,023	)
Interest expense, net																				$	(16,736	)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in affiliates and minority interest																				$	19,051
Income taxes																				$	5,770
Income from continuing operations before equity in affiliates and minority interests																				$	13,281
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates																				$	4,929
Minority interests in income of consolidated subsidiaries		$	(2,563	)	$	(1,586	)	$	(1,895	)	$	1,536		$	—		$	—		$	(4,508	)
Income from continuing operations																				$	13,702
Loss from discontinued operations																				$	(1,271	)
Net Income																				$	12,431
Stock-based compensation		$	—		$	330		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	5,852		$	6,182
Capital Expenditures		$	1,004		$	3,430		$	349		$	2,919		$	8,809		$	3		$	16,514

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        A summary of the Company's revenue by geographic area, based on the location in which the goods or services originated, for the years ended December 31, is set forth in the following table.

        A summary of the Company's long-lived assets, comprised of fixed assets, net, as at December 31, is set forth in the following table.

17.    Related Party Transactions

(a)

The Company incurred fees totaling $2,375 (2004—$2,805, 2003—$8,006) to companies controlled by its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company in respect of services rendered pursuant to a management services agreement which provides for a minimum annual fee of $950 through October 2007.



(b)

In 2000, the Company agreed to provide to its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") Miles S. Nadal a bonus of C$10 million ($8.6 million) in the event that the average market price of the Company's Class A subordinate voting shares is C$30 ($26) per share or more for more than 20 consecutive trading days (measured as of the close of trading on each applicable date). This bonus is payable until the date that is three years after the date on which Mr.Nadal is no longer employed by the Company for any reason. The after-tax proceeds of such bonus are to be applied first as repayment of any outstanding loans due to the Company from this officer and his related companies in the amount of C$6,820 ($5,873) and C$3,000 ($2,583), respectively, as at December 31, 2005, both of which have been fully provided for in the Company's accounts.



(c)

In 2000, the Company purchased 1,600,000 shares in Trapeze Media Limited ("Trapeze") for $215. At the same time, the Company's CEO purchased 4,280,000 shares of Trapeze for $576, the Company's former Chief Financial Officer and a Managing Director of the Company each purchased 50,000 Trapeze shares for $7 and a Board Member of the Company purchased 75,000 shares of Trapeze for $10. In 2001, the Company purchased an additional 1,250,000 shares for $161, and the Company's CEO purchased 500,000 shares for $64. In 2002, the Company's CEO purchased 3,691,930 shares of Trapeze for $470. All of these purchases were

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made at identical prices (i.e., C$.20/share). In 2003, the Company and the CEO exchanged their units in Trapeze for non-voting shares and entered into a voting trust agreement.

In 2002, 2003 and 2004, the Company's CEO advanced an aggregate amount equal to $171 (C$205) to Trapeze, and such loans were secured by Trapeze's assets. In 2004, Trapeze repaid $108 (C$130) of the amounts owed to the Company's CEO. In February 2005, the Company's CEO provided Trapeze with a $203 (C$250) line of credit. The line of credit accrues interest at an annual interest rate equal to 15%. During 2005 total interest and fees paid were approximately $66. At December 31, 2005, Trapeze had borrowed $193 (C$225) under this line of credit. In January 2006, Trapeze repaid $146 (C$170) of these advances. In addition, in 2005, 2004 and 2003, Trapeze paid $31, $20 and $18, respectively, in fees for accounting and other services to an entity affiliated with the Company's CEO.

(d)

The Company also incurred fees totaling $nil, $276 and $252 in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively, to a company controlled by a director of the Company in respect of services provided related to the monetization of Custom Direct Inc. and Davis + Henderson.



(e)

A subsidiary of the Company charged fees of $147, $59 and $21 in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively, to a trust of which an officer of the Company is a trustee.

18.    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. Should the current level of earnings be maintained by these acquired companies, no additional consideration, in excess of the deferred acquisition consideration reflected on the Company's balance sheet at December 31, 2005, would be expected to be owing in 2006.

        Put Options.    Owners of interests in certain Marketing Communications 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" 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 2006 to 2013. It is not determinable, at this time, if or when the owners of these rights will exercise all or a portion of these rights.

        The amount payable by the Company in the event such rights are exercised is dependent on various valuation formulas and on future events, such as the average earnings of the relevant subsidiary through the date of exercise, the growth rate of the earnings of the relevant subsidiary during that period, and, in some cases, the currency exchange rate at the date of payment.

        Management estimates, assuming that the subsidiaries owned by the Company at December 31, 2005, perform over the relevant future periods at their 2005 earnings levels, that these rights, if all exercised, could require the Company, in future periods, to pay an aggregate amount of approximately

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$100,300 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 $20,400 by the issuance of share capital. 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.

        In February 2006, the Company settled the put option relating to Source Marketing LLC for approximately $2,287 (see Note 20). The Company also expects to settle an additional put option, which was exercised during 2005, during the first quarter of 2006 for approximately $1,329. These 2006 transactions reduce the put option obligations noted above as of December 31, 2005.

        Natural Disasters.    Certain of the Company's operations are located in regions of the United States which typically are subject to hurricanes. During the year ended December 31, 2005, these operations incurred costs of $128 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 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 opertations of the Company.

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        Commitments.    The Company has commitments to fund $727 in an investment fund over a period of up to three years and to fund another investment fund $138 over a period ending October 2006. At December 31, 2005, the Company has $4,490 of undrawn outstanding letters of credit.

        Leases.    The Company and its subsidiaries lease certain facilities and equipment. Gross premises rental expense amounted to $17,856 for 2005, $14,045 for 2004 and $10,968 for 2003, which was reduced by sublease income of $1,517 in 2005, $921 in 2004 and $898 in 2003. Where leases contain escalation clauses or other concessions, the impact of such adjustments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease period.

        Minimum rental commitments for the rental of office and production premises and equipment under non-cancellable leases, some of which provide for rental adjustments due to increased property taxes and operating costs for 2006 and thereafter, are as follows:

19.    New Accounting Pronouncements

Effective in Future Periods

        In October 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Staff Position ("FSP") FAS 13-1, which clarifies that rental costs incurred during the period of construction of an asset on leased property should not be capitalized. Rather they should be recognized as rental expense in the same manner as rental costs incurred after the construction period. FSP FAS 13-1 is effective for the first reporting period beginning after December 15, 2005, with earlier application permitted. The capitalization of rental costs must cease as of the effective date in respect of operating lease arrangements entered into prior thereto. Retroactive restatement of prior period financial statements is allowed, but not required. The Company does not expect its financial statements to be significantly impacted by this statement.

        In September 2005, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") on Issue 04-13, Accounting for Purchases and Sales of Inventory with the Same Counterparty ("EITF 04-13"). The Task Force addressed the situation in which an entity sells inventory to another entity that operates in the same line of business pursuant to a single arrangement (or multiple separate arrangements).

        The foregoing consensus is effective for new arrangements entered into and for modifications or renewals of existing arrangements beginning in the first interim or annual reporting period commencing

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after March 15, 2006, with early application permitted. The Company does not expect its financial statements to be significantly impacted by this statement.

        In September 2005, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the EITF on Issue 05-7, Accounting for Modifications to Conversion Options Embedded in Debt Instruments and Related Issues ("EITF 05-7"). According to EITF Issue 96-19, "Debtor's Accounting for a Modification or Exchange of Debt Instruments," an exchange of debt instruments having substantially different terms (or a substantial modification of the terms of existing debt) is deemed tantamount to a debt extinguishment. In EITF 05-7, the Task Force provides the following additional guidance in the application of EITF 96-19:

•

In determining whether a substantial modification has been made to a convertible debt instrument (and thus whether an extinguishment has occurred), the change in fair value of the related embedded conversion option should be included in the EITF 96-19 analysis, with such change calculated as the difference between the fair values of the option immediately before and after the modification.



•

The modification of a convertible debt instrument should affect subsequent recognition of interest expense with respect to changes in the fair value of the embedded conversion option.



•

A new beneficial conversion feature should not be recognized nor should an existing one be reassessed upon modification to a convertible debt instrument (i.e., the only value associated with the modification of the embedded conversion option to be accounted for should be the change in its fair value).

        The foregoing consensus is effective for future modifications of debt instruments beginning in the first interim or annual reporting period commencing after December 15, 2005, with early application permitted.

        In September 2005, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the EITF on Issue 05-8, Income Tax Consequences of Issuing Convertible Debt with a Beneficial Conversion Feature ("EITF 05-8"). The Task Force reached the following consensuses:

•

The issuance of convertible debt with a beneficial conversion feature results in a basis difference in applying FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. Recognition of such a feature effectively creates a debt instrument and a separate equity instrument for book purposes, whereas the convertible debt is treated entirely as a debt instrument for income tax purposes.



•

The resulting basis difference should be deemed a temporary difference because it will result in a taxable amount when the recorded amount of the liability is recovered or settled.



•

Recognition of deferred taxes for the temporary difference should be reported as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital.

        The foregoing consensus is effective in the first interim or annual reporting period commencing after December 15, 2005, with early application permitted. The effect of applying the consensus should be accounted for retroactively to all debt instruments containing a beneficial conversion feature that are

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subject to EITF 00-27, "Application of Issue No. 98-5 to Certain Convertible Debt Instruments" (and thus is applicable to debt instruments converted or extinguished in prior periods but which are still presented in the financial statements). The Company does not expect its financial statements to be significantly impacted by this statement.

        In June 2005, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the EITF on Issue 05-2, "The Meaning of Conventional Convertible Debt Instrument" in EITF Issue 00-19, "Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially, Settled in, a Company's Own Stock". SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," specifically provides that contracts issued or held by a reporting entity that are both indexed to its own stock and classified as equity in its balance sheet should not be considered derivative instruments. EITF Issue 00-19 provides guidance in determining whether an embedded derivative should be classified in stockholders' equity if it were a freestanding instrument. Issue 00-19 contains an exception to its general requirements for evaluating whether, pursuant to SFAS No. 133, an embedded derivative indexed to a company's own stock would be classified as stockholders' equity. The exception applies to a "conventional convertible debt instrument" in which the holder may realize the value of the conversion option only by exercising the option and receiving all proceeds in a fixed number of shares or in the equivalent amount of cash (at the discretion of the issuer). The Task Force reached the following consensuses:

•

The exception for "conventional convertible debt instruments" should be retained in Issue 00-19.



•

Instruments providing the holder with an option to convert into a fixed number of shares (or an equivalent amount of cash at the issuer's discretion) for which the ability to exercise the option feature is based on the passage of time or on a contingent event should be considered "conventional" for purposes of applying Issue 00-19.



•

Convertible preferred stock having a mandatory redemption date may still qualify for the exception if the economic characteristics indicate that the instrument is more like debt than equity.

        The foregoing consensuses should be applied to new instruments entered into and instruments modified in periods beginning after June 29, 2005. The Company's financial statements were not materially impacted by this statement.

        In June 2005, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the EITF on Issue 05-6 "Determining the Amortization Period for Leasehold Improvements Purchased after Lease Inception or Acquired in a Business Combination". SFAS No. 13, Accounting for Leases, requires that assets recognized under capital leases that do not (1) transfer ownership of the property to the lessee at the end of the lease term, or (2) contain a bargain purchase option, be amortized over a period limited to the lease term (which includes reasonably assured renewal periods). Though SFAS No. 13 does not explicitly address the amortization period for leasehold improvements on operating leases, in practice, leasehold improvements placed in service at or near the beginning of the initial lease term are amortized over the lesser of the lease term itself or the useful life of the leasehold improvement. The EITF reached the

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following consensuses regarding the amortization period for leasehold improvements on operating leases that are placed in service significantly after the start of the initial lease term:

•

Such leasehold improvements acquired in a business combination should be amortized over the shorter of (1) the useful life of the underlying asset, or (2) a term that includes required lease periods and reasonably assured renewal periods.



•

Such other leasehold improvements (i.e., those not acquired in a business combination) placed in service significantly after the beginning of the lease term should be amortized over the lesser of (1) the useful life of the underlying asset, or (2) a term that includes required lease periods and reasonably assured renewal periods, as of the date on which the leasehold improvements are purchased.

        The foregoing consensuses should be applied to covered leasehold improvements acquired (either in a business combination or otherwise) in periods beginning after June 29, 2005; earlier application is permitted for periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued. In September 2005, the EITF modified the above consensus to clarify that the guidance in EITF 05-6 does not apply to pre-existing leasehold improvements and should not be used to justify the re-evaluation of the amortization periods thereof in respect to additional renewal periods, when new leasehold improvements are placed into service significantly after the initial lease terms and that were not contemplated at or near the inception of the lease term. The Company's financial statements were not materially impacted by this statement.

        In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, Inventory Costs—an amendment to ARB No. 43, Chapter 4. This statement amends the guidance in Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) No. 43, Chapter 4, "Inventory Pricing", to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage). ARB 43 previously stated that these expenses may be so abnormal as to require treatment as current period charges. SFAS No. 151 requires that those items be recognized as current-period charges regardless of whether they meet the criterion of "so abnormal". In addition, SFAS No. 151 requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. Prospective application of this statement is required by the Company beginning January 1, 2006. The Company does not expect its financial statements to be significantly impacted by this statement.

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        In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123(R) "Share Based Payment". ("SFAS 123(R)") On April 14, 2005, the SEC amended the effective date such that the standard is effective no later than the first fiscal year beginning on or after June 15, 2005 (fiscal 2006 for the Company), the adoption of this SFAS requires the Company to recognize compensation costs for all equity-classified awards granted, modified or settled after the effective date using the fair-value measurement method. In addition, public companies using the fair value method will recognize compensation expense for the unvested portion of awards outstanding as of the effective date based on their grant date fair value as calculated under the original provisions of SFAS 123. In September 2005, the FASB issued Staff Position ("FSP") FAS 123(R)-1, which defers the provisions of SFAS 123(R) that make a freestanding financial instrument originally issued in a share-based compensation arrangement with employees subject to other GAAP when the holder ceases to be an employee, unless the terms of the instrument have been subsequently modified. Further, in October 2005, the FASB issued FSP FAS 123(R)-2, which provides practical guidance for determining the date of grant of an award pursuant to SFAS 123(R). Additionally, in October 2005, the FASB issued FSP FAS 123(R)-3, which permits a simplified transition method for computing the available excess tax benefits in additional paid-in capital at the time SFAS 123(R) is adopted. In March 2005, Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, ("SAB107"), "Share-Based Payment", was issued to address the application of SFAS 123(R). Although the Company is still evaluating the impact, due to the limited number of unvested awards granted prior to 2003 and outstanding as of the effective date, the provisions of this pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

        In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, "Exchanges of Non-monetary Assets—an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29". This statement amends Opinion 29 to eliminate the exception for non-monetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception for exchanges of non-monetary assets that do not have commercial substance. A non-monetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. Prospective application of this statement is required by the Company beginning January 1, 2006. The Company does not expect its financial statements to be significantly impacted by this statement.

        In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154 which replaces APB No.20, Accounting Changes, and SFAS No. 3, Reporting Changes in Interim Financial Statements. The Statement changes the accounting for, and reporting of, a change in accounting principle. SFAS 154 requires retrospective application to prior period's financial statements of voluntary changes in accounting principle and changes required by new accounting standards when the standard does not include specific transition provisions, unless it is impracticable to do so. SFAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. Early application is permitted for accounting changes and corrections of errors during fiscal years beginning after June 1, 2005. The Company does not expect its financial statements to be significantly impacted by this statement.

        During 2005, the SEC staff revised EITF D-98, primarily to provide guidance on (1) the earnings per share treatment of redeemable common stock and (2) the application of EITF D-98 to share-based payment arrangements with employees. The guidance on the earnings per share treatment of redeemable common stock provided in this Announcement should be applied in the first fiscal period

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beginning after September 15, 2005. The guidance on the application of EITF D-98 to share-based payment arrangements with employees should be applied concurrent with adoption of SFAS 123(R). The Company does not expect its financial statements to be significantly impacted by this statement.

        In 2004, FASB issued EITF Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments". The consensus requires certain quantitative and qualitative disclosures with respect to investments accounted for under SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity, and SFAS No. 124, Accounting for Certain Investments Held by Not-for-Profit Organizations. It also requires certain disclosures for cost method investments. The consensus reached on this Issue is effective for reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2004, except for the measurement and recognition guidance contained in paragraphs 10-20 of this Issue in EITF Abstracts, which was deferred by FSP EITF Issue 03-1-1, "The Effective Date of Paragraphs 10-20 of EITF Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments,"' posted on September 30, 2004. The guidance in paragraphs 10-20 of EITF 03-1 has subsequently been replaced by guidance in FSP FAS 115-1 and FAS 124-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments." Although the guidance in EITF 03-1 has been replaced by the FSP as described below, the requirement to recognize other-than-temporary impairments under other authoritative guidance, and the disclosure requirements of EITF 03-1 continue to be effective.

        FSP FAS 115-1 and FAS 124-1 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005 and amends EITF 03-1 as follows:

•

Nullifies the requirements of paragraphs 10-18 of EITF 03-1;



•

Carries forward the requirements of paragraphs 8 and 9 of EITF 03-1 with respect to cost-method investments;



•

Carries forward the disclosure requirements included in paragraphs 21 and 22 of EITF 03-1 and related examples; and



•

References existing other-than-temporary impairment guidance.

        The Company does not expect its financial statements to be significantly implaced by this statement.

20.    Subsequent Events

        On February 7, 2006, the Company purchased 12.33% of Source Marketing LLC, ("Source") pursuant to an exercise of a put in October 2005. The purchase price of $2,287 consisted of cash of $1,830 and the delivery of 1,063,516 shares of LifeMed valued at $457. The Company's current carrying value of these LifeMed shares is $27, thus the Company will record a gain on the disposition of these shares of $430. After this disposition the Company's ownership in LifeMed is 13.4%.

        On February 15, 2006, Source issued 15% of its currently outstanding shares to certain members of management. The purchase price for these shares was $1,540 which consisted of cash of $385 and recourse notes of $1,155. An amended and restated LLC agreement was entered into with these new

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shareholders. The agreement also provides for these shareholders to put to the Company these shares from December 2008-2012. As a result of the above transactions the Company now owns 85% of Source.

21.    Canadian GAAP Reconciliation

        The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("US GAAP") which differ in certain respects from generally accepted accounting principles in Canada.

        Effective January 1, 2004 under Canadian securities requirements, the Company is required to provide a reconciliation setting out the differences between US and Canadian GAAP as applied to the Company's financial statements for the interim and annual periods through fiscal 2005.

        During the third quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company changed its reporting currency from Canadian dollars to US dollars. The change in reporting currency had no impact on the measurement of earnings under Canadian GAAP.

        The reconciliation from US to Canadian GAAP, of the Company's results of operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, and the Company's financial position as at December 31, 2005 and 2004 are set out below:

Stock-based Compensation

        Under US GAAP, the Company accounted for the 2004 modification of the SAR awards as a settlement, measuring the incremental value of the awards based on the fair value of the modified awards on the date of modification. Under Canadian GAAP, the Company measures the incremental value based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant. The difference in measurement date results in a lower amount of additional compensation recorded under Canadian GAAP and a corresponding lower amount credited to additional paid-in capital.

Foreign Exchange

        Under US GAAP and Canadian GAAP, foreign currency translation adjustments are not included in determining net income for the period but are disclosed and accumulated in a separate component of consolidated equity. Under US GAAP, such adjustments remain in this separate component of consolidated equity until sale or until complete, or substantially complete, liquidation of the net investment, including the intercompany balances of a long term investment nature, that generated the adjustment. However, under Canadian GAAP, an appropriate portion of the foreign currency translation adjustments accumulated in the separate component of consolidated equity is included in the determination of net income when there is any reduction in the related net investment resulting in a loss for Canadian GAAP purposes of $122 and $5,186 for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 respectively.

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8% Convertible Debentures

        Under US GAAP, the Debentures are classified entirely as debt as no beneficial conversion feature was determined at the date of issue. Accordingly, interest expense is recorded based upon the effective interest rate associated with the underlying debt.

        Under Canadian GAAP, the Debenture has been presented as a compound financial instrument. Under Canadian GAAP, the Company is required to measure the convertible debenture in its component parts as a liability and as equity in accordance with the substance of the arrangement. The Company has recorded an amount in equity representing the option value, as determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, of the conversion feature of the Debentures. The residual amount has been allocated to the debt, being the present value of the principal repayments, resulting in a discount that is amortized to interest expense over the term to maturity of the Debenture.

Proportionate Consolidation of Affiliates

        Under US GAAP, the Company has joint control of several joint ventures that are required to be accounted for using the equity method. Under Canadian GAAP, these joint ventures are accounted for using the proportionate consolidation method whereby the Company consolidates on a line-by-line basis their interest in the financial position and results of operations and cash flows of the joint ventures.

7% Convertible Debentures

        During the quarter ended June 30, 2004, the 7% convertible debentures were converted to equity. Therefore, the adjustments reflected in 2004 pertain only to the interest adjustment up to the date of conversion and the accumulated reclassification from retained earnings to share capital.

Exchangeable Debentures

        Under Canadian GAAP, EIC 117 prohibits the bifurcation of an embedded derivative within an exchangeable debenture instrument. In addition under EIC 56, until such time as the exchange right is no longer contingent upon future events, no adjustment to the carrying value of the debentures to fair value of the underlying CDI units is necessary. In February 2004, the debentures became exchangeable for CDI units and at that time the carrying value of the debenture was required to be increased by $7,647 to reflect the underlying market value of the CDI units, for which the debentures are exchangeable, with a corresponding charge to the statement of operations.

        Under US GAAP, the Company must recognize in earnings each period the changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative within the contingently exchangeable debentures and such amount cannot be deferred. This resulted in a loss on the derivative of $3,974 in the fourth quarter of 2003 and a further loss in 2004 of $3,673 immediately prior to settlement.

Goodwill Charge

        Historically, under US GAAP, the Company expensed as incurred certain costs related to existing plant closures where production was shifted to acquired facilities. Historically, under Canadian GAAP,

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the expenditures were accrued as part of the business acquired and allocated to goodwill. Accordingly, the timing of the recognition of such costs in the statement of operations is different under Canadian GAAP. The resulting gain on sale of such assets in the year ended December 31, 2004 is lower under Canadian GAAP than under US GAAP by $2,780.

Other Adjustments

        Other adjustments represent cumulative translation differences as a result of timing differences between recognition of certain expenses under US and Canadian GAAP.

New Accounting Pronouncements under Canadian GAAP

Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities

        In September 2004, the CICA revised Accounting Guideline ("AcG-15"), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" ("VIEs") to be substantially consistent with FIN 46R. AcG-15 is effective for interim or annual periods beginning on or after November 1, 2004. The Company early adopted AcG-15 for Canadian GAAP purposes effective January 1, 2004. See Note 8 of the consolidated financial statements for the impact the effective provisions of the equivalent US GAAP requirements, FIN 46R, had on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Financial Instruments

        In January 2005, the CICA issued Section 3855, "Financial Instruments—Recognition and Measurement," Section 1530, "Comprehensive Income," and Section 3865, "Hedges." The new standards will be effective for interim and annual financial statements commencing in 2007. Most significantly for the Company, the new standards will require presentation of a separate statement of comprehensive income. Foreign exchange gains and losses on the translation of the financial statements of self-sustaining subsidiaries previously recorded in a separate section of shareholders' equity will be presented in comprehensive income. The Company has not yet determined the impact of these standards on the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP.

        During 2005, the CICA issued Section 3251, "Equity" Section 3251 establishes standards for the presentation of equity and changes in equity during the reporting period. The requirements of this Section are in addition to those in Sections 1530, 3240, and 3260. The Section is generally applicable to interim and annual financial statements relating to fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2006. The Company has not yet determined the impact of this standard on the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP.

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        During 2005, the CICA issued Section 3831, "Non-Monetary Transactions" Section 3831 was issued to supersede Section 3830 and is consistent with SFAS No 153. Section 3831 establishes standards for the measurement and disclosure of non-monetary transactions. It requires non-monetary transactions to be measured at the more reliably measurable of the fair value of the asset given up and the fair value of the asset received, unless:

•

the transaction lacks commercial substance;



•

the transaction is an exchange of a product or property held for sale in the ordinary course of business for a product or property to be sold in the same line of business to facilitate sales to customers other than the parties to the exchange;



•

neither fair value of the asset received nor the fair value of the asset given up is reliably messurable; or



•

the transaction is a non-monetary non-reciprocal transfer to owners to which Section 3831.14 applies.

        Section 3831 applies to all non-monetary transactions initiated in periods beginning on or after January 1, 2006. The Company does not expect its Canadian GAAP financial statements to be significantly impacted by this standard.

F-65

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Year Ended December 31, 2005

			US GAAP			Stock-based Compensation and Other		Convertible Debenture		Proportionate Consolidation of Affiliates		Canadian GAAP
			(thousands of United States dollars)
Revenue:
	Services			363,362		—		—		12,060		375,422
	Products			80,100		—		—		—		80,100
				443,462		—		—		12,060		455,522
Operating Expenses:
	Cost of services sold			211,811		—		—		7,986		219,797
	Cost of products sold			49,876		—		—		—		49,876
	Office and general expenses			131,231		(785	)	—		1,890		132,336
	Depreciation and amortization			27,483		—		—		281		27,764
	Goodwill charges			473		—		—		—		473
				420,874		(785	)	—		10,157		430,246
Operating Profit (Loss)				22,588		785		—		1,903		25,276
Other Income (Expenses):
	Gain on sale of assets and settlement of long-term debt			615		—		—		197		812
	Foreign exchange Loss			(887	)	(122	)	—		—		(1,009	)
	Interest expense			(9,260	)	—		(989	)	(376	)	(10,625	)
	Interest income			369		—		—		67		436
				(9,163	)	(122	)	(989	)	(112	)	(10,386	)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes, Equity in Affiliates and Minority Interests				13,425		663		(989	)	1,791		14,890
Income Taxes				2,157		—		—		26		2,183
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Equity in Affiliates and Minority Interests				11,268		663		(989	)	1,765		12,707
Equity in Affiliates				1,402		—		—		(1,765	)	(363	)
Minority Interests in Income of Consolidated Subsidiaries				(21,192	)	—		—		—		(21,192	)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations				(8,522	)	663		(989	)	—		(8,848	)
Income (Loss) on Discontinued Operations				573		—		—		—		573
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting policy				—		—		—		—		—
Net Income (Loss)				(7,949	)	663		(989	)	—		(8,275	)
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
Basic
	Continuing Operations		$	(0.37	)							(0.38	)
	Discontinued Operations			0.03								0.03
	Net Income (Loss)		$	(0.34	)							(0.35	)
Diluted
	Continuing Operations		$	(0.37	)							(0.38	)
	Discontinued Operations			0.03								0.03
	Net Income (Loss)		$	(0.34	)							(0.35	)

F-66

---

Year Ended December 31, 2004

			US GAAP			Stock-based Compensation and Other			Embedded Derivative and Goodwill Charges			Proportionate Consolidation of Affiliates			Canadian GAAP
			(thousands of United States dollars)
Revenue:
	Services		$	247,073		$	—		$	—		$	23,383		$	270,456
	Products			69,739			—			—			—			69,739
				316,812			—			—			23,383			340,195
Operating Expenses:
	Cost of services sold			158,965			—			—			12,524			171,489
	Cost of products sold			42,301			—			—			—			42,301
	Office and general expenses			99,349			(2,050	)		—			3,554			100,853
	Depreciation and amortization			13,738			—			—			526			14,264
	Other charges (recoveries)			(2,693	)		—			—			—			(2,693	)
				311,660			(2,050	)		—			16,604			326,214
Operating Profit				5,152			2,050			—			6,779			13,981
Other Income (Expenses):
	Gain on sale of assets and settlement of long-term debt			14,844			—			(6,754	)		—			8,090
	Foreign exchange loss			(498	)		(5,186	)		—			—			(5,684	)
	Interest expense			(8,790	)		718			—			(364	)		(8,436	)
	Interest income			685			—			—			21			706
				6,241			(4,468	)		(6,754	)		(343	)		(5,324	)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes, Equity in Affiliates and Minority Interests				11,393			(2,418	)		(6,754	)		6,436			8,657
Income Taxes				818			—			—			2,389			3,207
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Equity in Affiliates and Minority Interests				10,575			(2,418	)		(6,754	)		4,047			5,450
Equity in Affiliates				3,651			—			—			(4,047	)		(396	)
Minority Interests in Income of Consolidated Subsidiaries				(9,235	)		—			—			—			(9,235	)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations				4,991			(2,418	)		(6,754	)		—			(4,181	)
Loss on discontinued operations				(7,148	)		—			—			—			(7,148	)
Net Income (Loss)			$	(2,157	)	$	(2,418	)	$	(6,754	)	$	—		$	(11,329	)
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
Basic
	Continuing Operations		$	0.23											$	(0.29	)
	Discontinued Operations			(0.33	)											(0.27	)
	Net Income (Loss)		$	(0.10	)										$	(0.56	)
Diluted
	Continued Operations		$	0.22											$	(0.29	)
Discontinued Operations				(0.31	)											(0.27	)
Net Income (Loss)			$	(0.09	)										$	(0.56	)

F-67

---

Year Ended December 31, 2003

			US GAAP			Stock-based Compensation and Other			Embedded Derivative & Goodwill Charges			Proportionate Consolidation of Affiliates			Canadian GAAP
			(thousands of United States dollars)
Revenue:
	Services		$	164,850		$	—		$	—		$	19,426		$	184,276
	Products			113,927			—			—			—			113,927
				278,777			—			—			19,426			298,203
Operating Expenses:
	Cost of services sold			105,908			—			—			10,155			116,063
	Cost of products sold			56,654			—			—			—			56,654
	Office and general expenses			94,241			—			—			3,708			97,949
	Depreciation and amortization			8,485			741			—			396			9,622
	Other charges			1,333			—			—			—			1,333
	Write-down fixed assets			8,126			—			—			—			8,126
	Goodwill charges			10,012			—			—			—			10,012
				284,759			741			—			14,259			299,759
Operating Profit (Loss)				(5,982	)		(741	)		—			5,167			(1,556	)
Other Income (Expenses):
	Gain on sale of assets and settlement of long-term debt			43,792			—			(7,147	)		89			36,734
	Foreign exchange loss			(2,023	)		—			—			—			(2,023	)
	Interest expense			(17,673	)		1,692			—			(327	)		(16,308	)
	Interest income			937			—			—			35			972
				25,033			1,692			(7,147	)		(203	)		19,375
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes, Equity in Affiliates and Minority Interests				19,051			951			(7,147	)		4,964			17,819
Income Taxes				5,770			319			—			1,885			7,974
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Equity in Affiliates and Minority Interests				13,281			632			(7,147	)		3,079			9,845
Equity in Affiliates				4,929			—			—			(3,079	)		1,850
Minority Interests in Income of Consolidated Subsidiaries				(4,508	)		—			—			—			(4,508	)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations				13,702			632			(7,147	)		—			7,187
Loss on discontinued operations				(1,271	)		—			—			—			(1,271	)
Net Income (Loss)			$	12,431		$	632		$	(7,147	)	$	—		$	5,916
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share:
Basic
	Continuing Operations		$	0.77											$	0.34
	Discontinued Operations			(0.07	)											(0.07	)
	Net Income		$	0.70											$	0.27
Diluted
	Continuing Operations		$	0.70											$	0.33
	Discontinued Operations			(0.05	)											(0.07	)
	Net Income		$	0.65											$	0.26

F-68

---

As at December 31, 2005

				US GAAP		Stock-based Compensation and Other		Convertible Debenture		Proportionate Consolidation of Affiliates		Canadian GAAP
				(thousands of United States dollars)
ASSETS
Current Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents			12,923		—		—		1,850		14,773
	Accounts receivable, net			117,319		—		—		2,092		119,411
	Expenditures billable to clients			7,838		—		—		437		8,275
	Inventories			10,359		—		—		—		10,359
	Prepaid and other current assets			4,757		—		—		55		4,812
		Total Current Assets		153,196		—		—		4,434		157,630
Fixed Assets, net				63,528		—		—		3,510		67,038
Investment in Affiliates				10,929		—		—		(7,579	)	3,350
Goodwill				195,026		—		—		5,437		200,463
Intangibles				57,139		—		—		693		57,832
Deferred Tax Assets				16,057		—		—		(1	)	16,056
Other Assets				11,440		—		—		82		11,522
Total Assets				507,315		—		—		6,576		513,891
LIABILITES AND SHARHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
		Short term debt		3,739		—		—		—		3,739
		Revolving credit facility		73,500		—		—		—		73,500
		Accounts payable		63,452		—		—		962		64,414
		Accruals and other liabilities		69,891		—		—		197		70,088
		Advance billings		38,237		—		—		1,045		39,282
		Current portion of long-term debt		2,571		—		—		141		2,712
		Deferred acquisition consideration		1,741		—		—		—		1,741
		Total Current Liabilities		253,131		—		—		2,345		255,476
	Long-Term Debt			47,169		—		(8,595	)	4,134		42,708
	Other Liabilities			7,937		—		—		97		8,034
	Deferred Tax Liabilities			2,446		—		—		—		2,446
Total Liabilities				310,683		—		(8,595	)	6,576		308,664
Minority Interests				44,484		—		—		—		44,484
Shareholders' Equity
	Share capital			178,590		1,296		—		—		179,886
	Share capital to be issued			4,209		—		—		—		4,209
	Additional paid-in capital			20,028		(2,835	)	9,105		—		26,298
	Retained earnings (deficit)			(53,075	)	(3,769	)	(989	)	—		(57,833	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income				2,396		5,308		479		—		8,183
	Total Shareholders' Equity			152,148		—		8,595		—		160,743
		Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity		507,315		—		—		6,576		513,891

F-69

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As at December 31, 2004

				US GAAP			Stock-based Compensation and Other			Proportionate Consolidation of Affiliates			Canadian GAAP
				(thousands of United States dollars)
ASSETS
Current Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents			$	22,644		$	—		$	1,978		$	24,622
	Accounts receivable, net				110,932			—			1,928			112,860
	Expenditures billable to clients				8,296			—			299			8,595
	Inventories				10,792			—			—			10,792
	Prepaid and other current assets				3,849			—			52			3,901
		Total Current Assets			156,513			—			4,257			160,770
Fixed Assets, net					55,347			—			4,101			59,448
Investment in Affiliates					10,771			—			(8,289	)		2,482
Goodwill					146,494			—			5,876			152,370
Intangibles					47,273			—			779			48,052
Deferred Tax Assets					12,883			—			21			12,904
Assets Held for Sale					622			—			—			622
Other Assets					7,438			—			106			7,544
Total Assets				$	437,341		$	—		$	6,851		$	444,192
LIABILITES AND SHARHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
		Short term debt		$	6,026		$	—		$	—		$	6,026
		Accounts payable			77,213			—			1,467			78,680
		Accruals and other liabilities			58,512			—			60			58,572
		Advance billings			45,623			—			1,011			46,634
		Current portion of long-term debt			3,218			—			125			3,343
		Deferred acquisition consideration			1,775			—			—			1,775
		Total Current Liabilities			192,367			—			2,663			195,030
	Long-Term Debt				50,320			—			4,136			54,456
	Liabilities Related to Assets Held for Sale				867			—			—			867
	Other Liabilities				4,857			—			52			4,909
	Deferred Tax Liabilities				854			—			—			854
Total Liabilities					249,265			—			6,851			256,116
Minority Interests					45,052			—			—			45,052
Shareholders' Equity
	Share capital				164,065			1,296			—			165,361
	Share capital to be issued				3,909			—			—			3,909
	Additional paid-in capital				17,113			(2,050	)		—			15,063
	Retained earnings (deficit)				(45,083	)		(4,432			—			(49,515	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income					3,020			5,186			—			8,206
Total Shareholders' Equity					143,024			—			—			143,024
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity				$	437,341		$	—		$	6,851		$	444,192

F-70

---

Year Ended December 31, 2005

				US GAAP		Stock-based Compensation and Other		Convertible Debenture		Proportionate Consideration of Affiliates		Canadian GAAP
				(thousands of United States dollars)
Cash flows from operating activities
	Net income (loss)			(7,949	)	663		(989	)	—		(8,275	)
	Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to cash provided by operating activities:
		Stock-based compensation		3,272		(785	)	—		—		2,487
		Depreciation and amortization		27,483		—		—		281		27,764
		Amortization and write-off of deferred finance charges		1,305		—		—		—		1,305
		Non-cash interest expense		—		—		989		—		989
		Deferred income taxes		(1,423	)	—		—		26		(1,397	)
		Foreign exchange		887		122		—		—		1,009
		Gain on sale of assets and settlement of long-term debt		278		—		—		(197	)	81
		Write-down of fixed assets and other assets		—		—		—		—		—
		Goodwill charges		473		—		—		—		473
		Earnings of non consolidated affiliates		(1,402	)	—		—		1,765		363
		Minority interest and other		(2,538	)	—		—		—		(2,538	)
Changes in non-cash working capital				(15,266	)	—		—		(142	)	(15,408	)
Discontinued operations				(450	)	—		—		—		(450	)
Net cash provided by operating activities				4,670		—		—		1,733		6,403
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures				(13,095	)	—		—		(229	)	(13,324	)
Proceeds of dispositions				—		—		—		185		185
Acquisitions, net of cash				(56,805	)	—		—		—		(56,805	)
Distributions from non consolidated affiliates				1,796		—		—		(1,844	)	(48	)
Other assets				848		—		—		—		848
Discontinued operations				(148	)	—		—		—		(148	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities				(67,404	)	—		—		(1,888	)	(69,292	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Increase (decrease) in bank indebtedness				(2,287	)	—		—		—		(2,287	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt				64,224		—		—		14		64,238
Repayment of long-term debt				(6,336	)	—		—		—		(6,336	)
Deferred financing costs				(3,316	)	—		—		—		(3,316	)
Issuance of share capital				31		—		—		—		31
Purchase of share capital				—		—		—		—		—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities				52,316		—		—		14		52,330
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents				697		—		—		—		697
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents				(9,721	)	—		—		(141	)	(9,862	)
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of year				22,644		—		—		1,991		24,635
Cash and cash equivalents end of year				12,923		—		—		1,850		14,773

F-71

---

Year Ended December 31, 2004

				US GAAP			Stock-based Compensation and Other			Embedded Derivative and Goodwill Charges			Proportionate Consolidation of Affiliates			Canadian GAAP
				(revised)												(revised)
				(thousands of United States dollars)
Operating Activities
	Net income (loss)			$	(2,157	)	$	(2,418	)	$	(6,754	)	$	—		$	(11,329	)
	Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to cash provided by operating activities:
		Stock-based compensation			8,388			(2,050	)		—			—			6,338
		Depreciation and amortization			13,738			—			—			526			14,264
		Amortization and writeoff of deferred finance charges			6,212			—			—			—			6,212
		Non-cash interest			—			—			—			—			—
		Deferred income taxes			(2,712	)		—			—			2,265			(447	)
		Foreign exchange			498			5,186			—			—			5,684
		Gain on sale of assets			(18,741	)		—			6,754			—			(11,987	)
		Write-down of fixed assets and other assets			—			—			—			—			—
		Goodwill charges			—			—			—			—			—
		Earnings of non consolidated affiliates			(3,651	)		—			—			4,047			396
		Minority interest and other			(3,258	)		—			—			—			(3,258	)
	Changes in non-cash working capital				20,221			—						(3,107	)		17,114
	Discontinued operations				1,716			—			—			—			1,716
					20,254			718			—			3,731			24,703
Investing activities
	Capital expenditures				(15,552	)		—			—			(938	)		(16,490	)
	Proceeds of disposition				—			—			—			—			—
	Acquisitions, net of cash				(17,569	)		—			—			377			(17,192	)
	Distributions from non consolidated affiliates				7,269			—			—			(6,650	)		619
	Other assets, net				(1,804	)		—			—			(93	)		(1,897	)
	Discontinued operations				(23	)		—			—			—			(23	)
					(27,679	)		—			—			(7,304	)		(34,983	)
Financing activities
	Increase in bank indebtedness				6,026			—			—			—			6,026
	Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt				63,405			—			—			—			63,405
	Repayment of long-term debt				(94,961	)		(718	)		—			(107	)		(95,786	)
	Deferred financing costs
	Issuance of share capital				3,639			—			—			—			3,639
	Purchase of share capital				(12,476	)		—			—			—			(12,476	)
					(34,367	)		(718	)		—			(107	)		(35,192	)
Effect of exchange rate charges on cash and cash equivalents					(898	)		—			—			—			(898	)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents					(42,690	)		—			—			(3,680	)		(46,370	)
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period					65,334			—			—			5,671			71,005
Cash and cash equivalents end of period				$	22,644		$	—		$	—		$	1,991		$	24,635

F-72

---

Year Ended December 31, 2003

				US GAAP			Stock-based Compensation and Other			Embedded Derivative and Goodwill Charges			Proportionate Consolidation of Affiliate			Canadian GAAP
				(revised)												(revised)
				(thousands of United States dollars)
Operating Activities
	Net income			$	12,431		$	632		$	(7,147	)	$	—		$	5,916
	Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to cash provided by operating activities:
		Stock-based compensation			6,182			—			—			—			6,182
		Depreciation and amortization			8,485			741			—			396			9,622
		Amortization and write-off of deferred finance charges			3,897			—			—			—			3,897
		Non-cash interest			4,557			—			—			—			4,557
		Deferred income taxes			4,630			319			—			1,663			6,612
		Foreign exchange gain			2,023			—			—			—			2,023
		Gain on sale of assets and settlement of long-term debt			(43,792	)		—			7,147			(89	)		(36,734	)
		Write-down of fixed assets and other assets			8,126			—			—			—			8,126
		Goodwill charges			10,012			—			—			—			10,012
		Earnings of non consolidated affiliates			(4,929	)		—			—			3,079			(1,850	)
		Minority interest and other			(1,164	)		—			—			—			(1,164	)
	Changes in non-cash working capital				1,319			—			—			(2,049	)		(730	)
	Discontinued operations				551			—			—			—			551
					12,328			1,692			—			3,000			17,020
Investing activities
	Capital expenditures, net				(16,514	)		—			—			(1,712	)		(18,226	)
	Proceeds of dispositions				115,184			—			—			—			115,184
	Acquisitions, net of cash				(26,744	)		—			—			—			(26,744	)
	Distributions from non consolidated affiliates				4,326			—			—			(1,710	)		2,616
	Other assets, net				4,227			—			—			(19	)		4,208
	Discontinued operations				(202	)		—			—			—			(202	)
					80,277			—			—			(3,441	)		76,836
Financing activities
	Proceeds on issuance of long-term debt				37,472			—			—			—			37,472
	Repayment of long-term debt				(88,970	)		(1,692	)		—			(99	)		(90,761	)
	Repayment of long-term debt
	Issuance of share capital				3,031			—			—			—			3,031
	Purchase of share capital				(13,662	)		—			—			—			(13,662	)
					(62,129	)		(1,692	)		—			(99	)		(63,920	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents					5,536			—			—			—			5,536
Increase in cash and cash equivalents					36,012			—			—			(540	)		35,472
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period					29,322			—			—			6,211			35,533
Cash and cash equivalents end of period				$	65,334		$	—		$	—		$	5,671		$	71,005

F-73

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MDC Partners Inc. and Subsidiaries Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

        The following table sets forth a summary of the Company's consolidated unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts.

				Quarters
				First			Second			Third			Fourth
Revenue—Services:
		2005			73,710			90,355			96,977			102,320
		2004			50,336			57,488			62,108			77,140
Revenue—Products:
		2005			17,171			16,687			21,921			24,321
		2004			18,037			17,233			20,038			14,430
Cost of services sold:
		2005			47,191			52,480			55,509			56,631
		2004			36,592			34,614			39,217			48,542
Cost of products sold:
		2005			10,883			11,469			13,489			14,035
		2004			11,175			10,386			12,433			8,307
Income (loss) from continuing operations:
		2005			(3,712	)		(732	)		(2,525	)		(1,553	)
		2004			9,865			3,656			(898	)		(7,632	)
Net income (loss):
		2005			(3,783	)		(964	)		(1,655	)		(1,548	)
		2004			8,465			932			(2,874	)		(8,680	)
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic
	Continuing operations:
		2005		$	(0.17	)	$	(0.03	)	$	(0.11	)	$	(0.07	)
		2004		$	0.52		$	0.17		$	(0.04	)	$	(0.34	)
Net income:
		2005		$	(0.17	)	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.07	)
		2004		$	0.45		$	0.04		$	(0.13	)	$	(0.39	)
Diluted
	Continuing operations:
		2005		$	(0.17	)	$	(0.03	)	$	(0.11	)	$	(0.07	)
		2004		$	0.44		$	0.15		$	(0.04	)	$	(0.34	)
Net income:
		2005		$	(0.17	)	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.07	)
		2004		$	0.41		$	0.04		$	(0.13	)	$	(0.39	)

F-74

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        The above revenue, cost of services sold, cost of products sold and income (loss) from continuing operations have primarily been affected by acquisitions, divestitures and discontinued operations.

        Historically, with some exceptions, the Marketing Communications Group's fourth quarter generates the highest quarterly revenues in a year. The fourth quarter has historically been the period in the year in which the highest volumes of media placements and retail related consumer marketing occur.

        Income (loss) from continuing operations and net income (loss) have been affected as follows:

•

2004 first quarter affected by a gain on sale of assets of $16,322



•

2004 third quarter affected by a recovery of charges of $2,350 and a loss on settlement of debt of $2,291.

F-75

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Financial Statements and Schedules

        The Financial Statements and schedules listed in the accompanying index to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 are filed as part of this report. Schedules not included in the index have been omitted because they are not applicable.

Schedule II

MDC PARTNERS INC. & SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND
QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

For the Three Years Ended December 31, 2005 (Dollars in Thousands)

											Column E
		Column B			Column C			Column D						Column F
Column A											Translation Adjustments Increase (decrease)
		Balance at Beginning of Period			Charged to Costs and Expenses			Removal of Uncollectable Receivables						Balance at the End of Period
Description
Valuation accounts deducted from assets to which they apply—allowance for doubtful accounts:
December 31, 2005		$	1,521		$	595		$	(1,002	)	$	136		$	1,250
December 31, 2004		$	497		$	780		$	(99	)	$	343		$	1,521
December 31, 2003		$	709		$	439		$	(612	)	$	(39	)	$	497

MDC PARTNERS INC. & SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND
QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

For the Three Years Ended December 31, 2005 (Dollars in Thousands)

											Column E
		Column B			Column C									Column F
Column A								Column D			Translation Adjustments Increase (decrease)
		Balance at Beginning of Period			Charged to Costs and Expenses									Balance at the End of Period
Description								Other
Valuation accounts deducted from assets to which they apply—valuation allowance for deferred income taxes:
December 31, 2005		$	42,555		$	718		$	—		$	1,448		$	44,721
December 31, 2004		$	31,283		$	2,322		$	6,617		$	2,333		$	42,555
December 31, 2003		$	22,799		$	3,866		$	—		$	4,618		$	31,283

F-76

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$36,723,000 (C$45,000,000)

MDC PARTNERS INC.

8.00% Convertible Unsecured Subordinate Debentures due June 30, 2010
and
Class A Subordinate Voting Shares Issuable upon Conversion of the Debentures

Prospectus dated                        , 2006

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Part II
Information Not Required in Prospectus

Item 13.    Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

        The following sets forth the estimated expenses and costs (other than underwriting discounts and commissions) expected to be incurred in connection with the issuance and distribution of the debentures and Class A subordinate voting shares registered hereby:

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*

To be provided by amendment.

Item 14.    Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

        MDC's bylaws provided that, subject to Section 124 of the Canada Business Corporations Act, as amended, every director and officer of the Company and his or her heirs, executors, administrators and other legal personal representatives shall from time be indemnified and saved harmless by the Company from and against, (a) any liability and all costs, charges and expenses that he or she sustains or incurs in respect of any action, suit or proceeding that is proposed or commenced against him or her for or in respect of anything done or permitted by him or her in respect of the execution of the duties of his or her office; and (b) all other costs, charges and expenses that he or she sustains or incurs in respect of the affairs of the Company. The Company shall also indemnify such person in such other circumstances as the Canada Business Corporations Act permits or requires.

Item 15.    Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.

        On June 28, 2005, MDC issued an aggregate of C$45,000,000 (including C$5.0 million sold pursuant to an over-allotment option) of our 8.00% convertible unsecured subordinate debentures (the "Debentures") in a private placement to Scotia Capital Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., TD Securities Inc. and GMP Securities Inc. (collectively, the "Initial Purchasers"), pursuant to a Purchase Agreement dated June 30, 2005 between MDC Partners Inc. and the Initial Purchasers. The Debentures were issued to the Initial Purchasers pursuant to Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, the Initial Purchasers were granted an over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional C$10,000,000 of Debentures through July 28, 2005 and are entitled to indemnification from us in certain circumstances. Each $1,000 of Debentures is convertible at the holder's option at any time into 71.4286 shares of our Class A subordinate voting stock, subject to adjustment, which represents an initial conversion price of C$14.00 per Class A subordinate voting share.

        During the third quarter of 2004, MDC issued 90,164 Class A subordinate voting shares for nil proceeds as additional consideration related to the maintenance of the market value of the same securities issued as purchase consideration for an acquisition completed in the first quarter of 2004. Including these 90,164 shares, 1,243,753 Class A subordinate voting shares were issued in private placements during 2004 as purchase consideration for acquisitions.

II-1

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        On March 17, 2004, MDC completed a private placement issuing 120,919 shares at an average price of $11.65 per share and issued 120,919 warrants with exercise prices ranging from C$15.72 to C$19.13 and expiring in March 2009.

        During the year ended December 31, 2004, MDC issued 50,000 restricted stock units of which 16,500 vest on each of the first and second anniversary dates with the remaining 17,000 vesting on September 6, 2007.

        During the year ended December 31, 2004, MDC issued 736,186 warrants with a weighted average exercise price of $13.56 and a term of five years. Of these warrants, 240,173 were issued as acquisition consideration and 496,013 (including 120,919 issued on the private placement) were issued as compensation for services and treated as such for accounting purposes.

        During 2003, MDC issued 2,720,409 Class A subordinate voting shares in private placements as purchase consideration for acquisitions in the current and prior years.

        During the year ended December 31, 2003, MDC issued 507,146 warrants with a weighted average exercise price of $10.61 and terms of three to five years. These warrants were issued as compensation to a lender and to an advisor.

Item 16.    Exhibits

        See the Exhibits Index, which follows the signature pages and is incorporated herein by reference.

II-2

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.		Description
3.1		Articles of Amalgamation, dated January 1, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004);
3.1.1		Articles of Continuance, dated June 28, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on August 4, 2004);
3.2		General By-law No. 1, dated June 9, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed August 4, 2004, as amended by resolution of the shareholders of the Company at the Annual Meeting of the Company held on May 26, 2005);
4.1		Trust Indenture, dated as of June 28, 2005, by and between the Company and Computershare Trust Company of Canada Inc. relating to the issuance of the Company's 8% convertible debentures (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2005);
4.2		MDC Corporation Inc., Custom Direct Income Fund and CIBC Mellon Company (as Trustee) Trust Indenture dated December 8, 2003, providing for the issuance of adjustable rate exchangeable securities due December 31, 2028 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004);
4.3		Registration Rights Agreement dated June 28, 2005, among MDC Partners Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., TD Securities Inc. and GMP Securities Inc.;
5.1		Opinion of Stikeman Elliott LLP;*
10.1.1		Underwriting Agreement made as of November 20, 2003 between MDC Corporation Inc., among others, and the Underwriters to issue adjustable rate exchangeable securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004);
10.1.2		Underwriting Agreement made as of July 18, 2003 between MDC Corporation Inc., among others, and the Underwriters to sell Custom Direct Income Fund Trust units (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1.2 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004);
10.1.3		Amending Agreement made July 25, 2003 to the Underwriting Agreement made July 18, 2003 between MDC Corporation Inc, among others, and the Underwriters (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1.5 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004);
10.1.4		Acquisition Agreement made as of May 15, 2003 between MDC Corporation Inc. and Custom Direct Income Fund, among others (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1.3 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004) ;
10.1.5		Amending Agreement to the Acquisition Agreement dated May 15, 2003, made as of May 29, 2003 between MDC Corporation Inc. and Custom Direct Income Fund, among others (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1.4 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004);
10.2		Underwriting Agreement, dated June 10, 2005, by and among the Company and four underwriters, for the purchase of 8% convertible unsecured debentures of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on June 16, 2005);

II-3

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10.3		Management Services Agreement between MDC Partners Inc. and Peter M. Lewis, dated May 20, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on August 4, 2004);
10.4		Employment Agreement between the Company and Robert Dickson, dated July 26, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004);
10.5		Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and Graham Rosenberg, dated as of December 26, 2005 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2006);
10.6		Employment Agreement between the Company and Walter Campbell, dated May 24, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004);
10.7		Management Services Agreement relating to employment of Miles Nadal, dated January 1, 2000, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004);
10.7.1		Letter Agreement between the Company and Miles Nadal, dated April 11, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6.1 to the Company's Form 10-K filed on April 18, 2005);
10.8		Employment Agreement between the Company and Steven Berns, dated August 25, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on December 20, 2004);
10.8.1		Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement between the Company and Steven Berns, dated as of March 6, 2006 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2006);
10.9		Employment Agreement between the Company and Mitchell Gendel, dated November 17, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Form 10-K filed on April 18, 2005);
10.10		Employment Agreement between the Company and Michael Sabatino, dated April 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's Form 10-K filed on April 18, 2005);
10.11		Amended and Restated Stock Option Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004);
10.12		Stock Appreciation Rights Plan dated as of April 22, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004);
10.13.1		2005 Stock Incentive Plan of the Company, adopted by the shareholders of the Company on May 26, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit B of the Company's Proxy Statement on Form DEF 14A filed on April 29, 2005);
10.13.2		Form of Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2005);
10.13.3		Form of Restricted Stock Grant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2005);

II-4

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10.13.4		Form of Financial Performance-Based Restricted Stock Grant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2006);
10.13.5		Form of Financial Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2006);
10.14.1		Membership Unit Purchase Agreement (the "Zyman Purchase Agreement"), dated as of April 1, 2005 among the Company, and ZG Acquisition Inc., Zyman Group, LLC, Zyman Company, Inc. and certain employees of Zyman Group, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on April 1, 2005);
10.14.2		Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Zyman Group, LLC dated as of April 1, 2005, by and among the Company, ZG Acquisition Inc., Zyman Group, LLC, Zyman Company, Inc. and certain employees of Zyman Group,  LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on April 1, 2005);
10.14.3		Amendment No. 1, dated as of August 8, 2005, to the Zyman Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3.2 to the Company's Form 10-K filed on August 9, 2005);
10.14.4		Amendment, dated January 31, 2006, to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Zyman Group, LLC (incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2006);
10.15		Credit Agreement made September 22, 2004 between MDC Partners Inc., a Canadian corporation, Maxxcom Inc., an Ontario corporation, and Maxxcom Inc., a Delaware corporation, as borrowers, the Lenders (as defined therein) and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as US Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, Toronto Branch, as Canadian Administrative Agent, and Schedules thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on December 20, 2004);
10.15.1		Amendment No. 1 dated as of November 19, 2004 to the Credit Agreement made September 22, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on November 24, 2004);
10.15.2		Amendment No. 2 dated as of March 14, 2005 to the Credit Agreement made September 22, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on March 16, 2005);
10.15.3		Amendment No. 3 dated as of April 1, 2005 to the Credit Agreement made September 22, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on April 1, 2005);
10.15.4		Amendment No. 4 dated as of May 9, 2005 to the Credit Agreement made September 22, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on May 9, 2005);
10.15.5		Amendment No. 5 dated as of June 6, 2005 to the Credit Agreement made September 22, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on June 6, 2005);
10.15.6		Amendment No. 6 dated as of October 31, 2005 to the Credit Agreement made September 22, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on October 31, 2005);

II-5

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10.15.7		Amendment No. 7 dated as of January 17, 2006 to the Credit Agreement made September 22, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on January 17, 2006);
12.		Statement of computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges;
14.1		Code of Conduct of MDC Partners Inc. (2005) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to the Company's Form 10-K filed on April 18, 2005);
14.2.		MDC Partners' Corporate Governance Guidelines adopted on March 6, 2006 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2006);
21.		Subsidiaries of Registrant (incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2006);
23.1		Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm [KPMG LLP];
23.2		Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm [BDO];
23.3		Consent of Stikeman Elliot LLP (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 5.1);*
24.1		Power of Attorney (incorporated by reference to the signature page of this Registration Statement);
25.1		Statement of Eligibility of Trustee*

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*

To be filed by amendment

Item 17.    Undertakings

(a)

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.



(b)

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:



(1)

For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.



(2)

For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.



(c)

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriter at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

II-6

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SIGNATURES AND POWER OF ATTORNEY

        Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

		MDC PARTNERS INC.
Date: March 27, 2006		By:	/s/  MILES S. NADAL       Name: Miles S. Nadal Title: Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

        Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Steven Berns and Mitchell Gendel, or any of them, as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full power of substitution and resubstitution, in any and all capacities, to sign this registration statement or amendments (including, without limitation, post-effective amendments and registration statements filed pursuant to Rule 462 under the Securities Act of 1933) thereto and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and conforming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registration statement has been signed below on March 27, 2006 by the following persons in the following capacities and on the date indicated.

Signature		Title		Date
/s/  MILES S. NADAL       Miles S. Nadal		Director, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer		March 27, 2006
/s/  STEVEN BERNS       Steven Berns		Director, President Chief Financial Officer		March 27, 2006
/s/  THOMAS N. DAVIDSON       Thomas N. Davidson		Presiding Director		March 27, 2006
/s/  RICHARD R. HYLLAND       Richard R. Hylland		Director		March 27, 2006

II-7

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/s/  ROBERT KAMERSCHEN       Robert Kamerschen		Director		March 27, 2006
/s/  MICHAEL J. KIRBY       Michael J. Kirby		Director		March 27, 2006
/s/  STEPHEN M. PUSTIL       Stephen M. Pustil		Director and President, Secure Products International Group		March 27, 2006
/s/  FRANCOIS R. ROY       Francois R. Roy		Director		March 27, 2006
/s/  THOMAS E. WEIGMAN       Thomas E. Weigman		Director		March 27, 2006
/s/  MICHAEL SABATINO       Michael Sabatino		Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer		March 27, 2006

II-8

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(a)

EXHIBITS

        The following exhibits are included or incorporated herein by reference:

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.		Description
3.1		Articles of Amalgamation, dated January 1, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004);
3.1.1		Articles of Continuance, dated June 28, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on August 4, 2004);
3.2		General By-law No. 1, dated June 9, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed August 4, 2004, as amended by resolution of the shareholders of the Company at the Annual Meeting of the Company held on May 26, 2005);
4.1		Trust Indenture, dated as of June 28, 2005, by and between the Company and Computershare Trust Company of Canada Inc. relating to the issuance of the Company's 8% convertible debentures (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2005);
4.2		MDC Corporation Inc., Custom Direct Income Fund and CIBC Mellon Company (as Trustee) Trust Indenture dated December 8, 2003, providing for the issuance of adjustable rate exchangeable securities due December 31, 2028 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004);
4.3		Registration Rights Agreement dated June 28, 2005, among MDC Partners Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., TD Securities Inc. and GMP Securities Inc.;
5.1		Opinion of Stikeman Elliott LLP*;
10.1.1		Underwriting Agreement made as of November 20, 2003 between MDC Corporation Inc., among others, and the Underwriters to issue adjustable rate exchangeable securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004);
10.1.2		Underwriting Agreement made as of July 18, 2003 between MDC Corporation Inc., among others, and the Underwriters to sell Custom Direct Income Fund Trust units (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1.2 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004);
10.1.3		Amending Agreement made July 25, 2003 to the Underwriting Agreement made July 18, 2003 between MDC Corporation Inc, among others, and the Underwriters (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1.5 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004);
10.1.4		Acquisition Agreement made as of May 15, 2003 between MDC Corporation Inc. and Custom Direct Income Fund, among others (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1.3 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004);
10.1.5		Amending Agreement to the Acquisition Agreement dated May 15, 2003, made as of May 29, 2003 between MDC Corporation Inc. and Custom Direct Income Fund, among others (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1.4 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004);
10.2		Underwriting Agreement, dated June 10, 2005, by and among the Company and four underwriters, for the purchase of 8% convertible unsecured debentures of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on June 16, 2005);

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10.3		Management Services Agreement between MDC Partners Inc. and Peter M. Lewis, dated May 20, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on August 4, 2004);
10.4		Employment Agreement between the Company and Robert Dickson, dated July 26, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004);
10.5		Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and Graham Rosenberg, dated as of December 26, 2005 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2006);
10.6		Employment Agreement between the Company and Walter Campbell, dated May 24, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004);
10.7		Management Services Agreement relating to employment of Miles Nadal, dated January 1, 2000, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004);
10.7.1		Letter Agreement between the Company and Miles Nadal, dated April 11, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6.1 to the Company's Form 10-K filed on April 18, 2005);
10.8		Employment Agreement between the Company and Steven Berns, dated August 25, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on December 20, 2004);
10.8.1		Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement between the Company and Steven Berns, dated as of March 6, 2006 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2006);
10.9		Employment Agreement between the Company and Mitchell Gendel, dated November 17, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Form 10-K filed on April 18, 2005);
10.10		Employment Agreement between the Company and Michael Sabatino, dated April 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's Form 10-K filed on April 18, 2005);
10.11		Amended and Restated Stock Option Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004);
10.12		Stock Appreciation Rights Plan dated as of April 22, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004);
10.13.1		2005 Stock Incentive Plan of the Company, adopted by the shareholders of the Company on May 26, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit B of the Company's Proxy Statement on Form DEF 14A filed on April 29, 2005);
10.13.2		Form of Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2005);
10.13.3		Form of Restricted Stock Grant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2005);
10.13.4		Form of Financial Performance-Based Restricted Stock Grant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2006);

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10.13.5		Form of Financial Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2006);
10.14.1		Membership Unit Purchase Agreement (the "Zyman Purchase Agreement"), dated as of April 1, 2005 among the Company, and ZG Acquisition Inc., Zyman Group, LLC, Zyman Company, Inc. and certain employees of Zyman Group, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on April 1, 2005);
10.14.2		Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Zyman Group, LLC dated as of April 1, 2005, by and among the Company, ZG Acquisition Inc., Zyman Group, LLC, Zyman Company, Inc. and certain employees of Zyman Group, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on April 1, 2005);
10.14.3		Amendment No. 1, dated as of August 8, 2005, to the Zyman Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3.2 to the Company's Form 10-K filed on August 9, 2005);
10.14.4		Amendment, dated January 31, 2006, to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Zyman Group, LLC (incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2006);
10.15		Credit Agreement made September 22, 2004 between MDC Partners Inc., a Canadian corporation, Maxxcom Inc., an Ontario corporation, and Maxxcom Inc., a Delaware corporation, as borrowers, the Lenders (as defined therein) and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as US Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, Toronto Branch, as Canadian Administrative Agent, and Schedules thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on December 20, 2004) ;
10.15.1		Amendment No. 1 dated as of November 19, 2004 to the Credit Agreement made September 22, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on November 24, 2004);
10.15.2		Amendment No. 2 dated as of March 14, 2005 to the Credit Agreement made September 22, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on March 16, 2005);
10.15.3		Amendment No. 3 dated as of April 1, 2005 to the Credit Agreement made September 22, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on April 1, 2005);
10.15.4		Amendment No. 4 dated as of May 9, 2005 to the Credit Agreement made September 22, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on May 9, 2005);
10.15.5		Amendment No. 5 dated as of June 6, 2005 to the Credit Agreement made September 22, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on June 6, 2005);
10.15.6		Amendment No. 6 dated as of October 31, 2005 to the Credit Agreement made September 22, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on October 31, 2005);
10.15.7		Amendment No. 7 dated as of January 17, 2006 to the Credit Agreement made September 22, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on January 17, 2006);
12.		Statement of computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges;

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14.1		Code of Conduct of MDC Partners Inc. (2005) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to the Company's Form 10-K filed on April 18, 2005);
14.2.		MDC Partners' Corporate Governance Guidelines adopted on March 6, 2006 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2006);
21.		Subsidiaries of Registrant (incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2006)*;
23.1		Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm [KPMG LLP];
23.2		Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm [BDO];
23.3		Consent of Stikeman Elliot LLP (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 5.1);*
24.1		Power of Attorney (incorporated by reference to the signature page of this Registration Statement);
25.1		Statement of Eligibility of Trustee*

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*

To be filed by amendment.

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QuickLinks

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
RISK FACTORS
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INDUSTRY DATA
USE OF PROCEEDS
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
PRICE RANGE OF THE CLASS A SUBORDINATE VOTING SHARES
DIVIDEND POLICY
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
BUSINESS
MANAGEMENT
Comparison of 5 Years' Cumulative Total Return among MDC, the S&P 500 Index and Peer Group
MDC Partners Inc. Comparison of 5-Year Cumulative Total Return
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBENTURES
DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL
TAXATION
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
LEGAL MATTERS
EXPERTS
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (thousands of United States dollars)
MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts)
MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (thousands of United States dollars)
MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (thousands of United States dollars)
MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated except share and per share amounts)
MDC PARTNERS INC. & SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
MDC PARTNERS INC. & SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Part II Information Not Required in Prospectus

Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.
Item 16. Exhibits

EXHIBIT INDEX

Item 17. Undertakings

SIGNATURES AND POWER OF ATTORNEY
EXHIBIT INDEX