ITEM 3 APPROVAL OF THE 2016 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
General
The Board has adopted, subject to stockholder approval, the 2016 Stock Incentive Plan (the
2016 Incentive Plan
), a copy of which is annexed hereto as
Exhibit C
. The purpose of the 2016 Incentive Plan is to promote the interests of MDC Partners and its shareholders by providing incentives to the non-employee directors and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries who are largely responsible for the management, growth and protection of the business of the Company. The 2016 Incentive Plan is designed to meet this intent by providing such employees and eligible non-employee directors with a
proprietary interest in pursuing the long-term growth, profitability and financial success of the Company.
The Board adopted the 2016 Incentive Plan as a replacement for the Companys 2011 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, which was approved by shareholders on June 1, 2011 (the
Prior Plan
). The 2016 Incentive Plan contains terms and conditions that reflect developments in corporate governance and other rules and regulations since the adoption of the Prior Plan and is designed to replenish the number of shares available to the Company.
The 2016 Incentive Plan authorizes the issuance of awards with respect to 1,500,000 shares of MDC Partners Class A Subordinate Voting Shares or any other security into which such shares may be exchanged (
Shares
). This amount represents approximately 2.98% of the Companys issued and outstanding shares as of March 31, 2016. As of April 1, 2016, the aggregate number of Shares remaining available under the Prior Plan is 428,507. With respect to the shareholder approval of the 2016 Incentive Plan, approximately 1,300,000 Shares will be excluded from voting on the resolution to approve the 2016
Incentive Plan.
The material terms of the 2016 Incentive Plan are summarized below. The summary is not intended to be a complete description of the terms of the 2016 Incentive Plan. The full text of the 2016 Incentive Plan is attached hereto as Exhibit C. In the event of any inconsistency between the summary set forth below and the terms of the 2016 Incentive Plan, the terms of the 2016 Incentive Plan will govern.
Eligible Participants and Types of Awards
The 2016 Incentive Plan provides for the grant to non-employee directors and employees of the Company and, at the discretion of any of the foregoing persons and subject to any required regulatory approvals and conditions, any personal holding company controlled by such person, of non-qualified stock options (Options), tandem and stand-alone stock appreciation rights (SARs) and restricted stock and other stock-based awards (collectively referred to herein as Incentive Awards). Incentive Awards may be settled in cash or in Shares. Approximately 6,000 persons are currently eligible to
participate in the 2016 Incentive Plan.
Shares Available for Awards and Award Limitations
Shares issued under the 2016 Incentive Plan may be either authorized and unissued Shares or treasury Shares. In addition to the limit on the aggregate number of Shares that are authorized to be issued pursuant to the 2016 Incentive Plan described above, the maximum number of Shares that may be covered by Incentive Awards granted to any single participant in the 2016 Incentive Plan (a Participant) in any fiscal year shall not exceed 300,000 Shares (representing significantly less than 1% of the current issued and outstanding Shares of the Company), prorated on a daily basis for any fiscal year that is shorter than
365 days, and the aggregate equity awards that may be issued under the 2016 Incentive Plan to executive officers in a given fiscal year may not exceed 2% of the Companys issued and outstanding Shares. In addition, each independent Director shall not receive Incentive Awards (including option grants) with a current market value in excess of $150,000 or option grants with a current market value in excess of $100,000 in any given fiscal year. There are no other limits on the number of Shares that may be granted under the 2016 Incentive Plan.
Minimum Vesting Period of One (1) Year for all Incentive Awards
In no event shall any new Incentive Award granted under the 2016 Stock Incentive Plan vest or otherwise become payable earlier than one (1) year following the date on which it is granted, other than upon the occurrence of a permitted acceleration event.
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Effect of Change in Control
Any new Incentive Award granted under the 2016 Stock Incentive Plan that is subject to time-based vesting terms and conditions shall not become fully and immediately vested and exercisable solely as a result of the occurrence of a change of control, absent a termination of employment without cause or for good reason following any such change of control. In addition, any new Incentive Award granted under the 2016 Stock Incentive Plan that is subject to performance-based vesting terms and conditions shall not become fully and immediately vested and exercisable solely as a result of the occurrence of change of control, absent a
termination of employment without cause or for good reason following any such change of control and shall be adjusted on a pro-rata basis as determined by the Committee.
Prohibition on Substitutions and Repricing
In no event will any new Incentive Awards be issued in substitution for outstanding Incentive Awards previously granted to Participants, and no repricing of Incentive Awards is permitted at any time under any circumstances, unless the shareholders of the Company expressly approve such substitution or repricing.
Administration
The 2016 Incentive Plan will be administered by the Human Resources & Compensation Committee of the Companys Board, or such other committee as the Board shall appoint from time to time (the Committee). The Committee shall from time to time designate those persons who shall be granted Incentive Awards and the amount, type and other terms and conditions of such Incentive Awards. All of the powers and responsibilities of the Committee under the 2016 Incentive Plan may be delegated by the Committee, in writing, to any subcommittee thereof. In addition, the Committee may from time to time authorize a committee
consisting of one or more Directors to grant Incentive Awards to persons who are not executive officers of the Company (within the meaning of such term pursuant to Rule 16a-1 of the Exchange Act), subject to such restrictions and limitations as the Committee may specify.
The Committee will have full authority to administer the 2016 Incentive Plan, including authority to interpret and construe any provision of the 2016 Incentive Plan and the terms of any Incentive Award issued under it and to adopt such rules and regulations for administering the 2016 Incentive Plan, as it may deem necessary. On or after the date of grant of an Incentive Award under the 2016 Incentive Plan, the Committee may (i) extend the term of any Incentive Award, including, without limitation, extending the period following a termination of a Participants employment during which any Incentive Award may remain
outstanding, (ii) waive any conditions to the exercisability or transferability of any Incentive Award or (iii) provide for the payment of dividends or dividend equivalents with respect to any Incentive Award. Decisions of the Committee shall be final and binding on all Participants. No member of the Committee shall be liable for any action, omission or determination relating to the 2016 Incentive Plan, and MDC Partners indemnifies and holds harmless each member of the Committee and each other director or employee of the Company to whom any duty or power relating to the administration or interpretation of the 2016 Incentive Plan has been delegated against any cost or expense (including counsel fees) or liability (including any sum paid in settlement of a claim with the approval of the Committee) arising out of any action, omission or determination relating to the 2016 Incentive Plan, unless, in either case, such action, omission or determination was taken or made by such member,
director or employee in bad faith and without reasonable belief that it was in the best interests of the Company.
Incentive Awards That Will Be Granted
The number and type of Incentive Awards that will be granted in the future under the 2016 Incentive Plan, or that would have been granted had the 2016 Incentive Plan been in effect during the Companys last fiscal year, are not determinable.
Significant Features of Incentive Awards
Options
. Each Option shall entitle the holder thereof to purchase a specified number of Shares. The exercise price of each Option will be equal to at least 100% of the fair market value of a Share on the date on which the Option is granted. Fair Market Value means, as of the applicable date of determination, the closing sales price of the Shares on the immediately preceding business day as reported on the principal
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securities exchange on which such Shares are then listed or admitted to trading. Options will have terms that do not exceed ten years and will have vesting periods of at least one year, except that vesting may occur in less than one year in the event that certain performance conditions attached to the Option (or with respect to other Incentive Awards) are satisfied, there is an increase or decrease in the number of issued Shares resulting from a subdivision or consolidation or the payment of a stock dividend on the Shares or any other increase or decrease in the number of such Shares effected without receipt or payment of
consideration by the Company, a merger, consolidation, dissolution or liquidation of MDC Partners, or there is a termination of the employment of a Participant other than for cause or voluntary resignation prior to retirement (Permitted Acceleration Events). Each Option shall be subject to earlier termination, expiration or cancellation as provided in the 2016 Incentive Plan or in the agreement evidencing such Option.
Tandem Stock Appreciation Rights
. The Human Resources & Compensation Committee of the Companys Board, or such other committee as the Board shall appoint from time to time, which administers the 2016 Incentive Plan, may grant, in connection with any Option, a tandem SAR (Tandem SAR). The exercise price per Share of any Tandem SAR will be equal to at least 100% of the fair market value of a Share on the date on which the Tandem SAR is granted, except that the exercise price of a Tandem SAR that is granted after the grant of the related Option may be less than such amount if it is at least
equal to the exercise price of the related Option. In general, the exercise of a Tandem SAR by a Participant entitles the Participant to an amount (in cash, Shares or a combination of cash and Shares), with respect to each Share subject thereto, equal to the excess of the fair market value of a Share on the exercise date over the exercise price of the Tandem SAR. The exercise of a Tandem SAR with respect to a number of Shares causes the cancellation of its related Option with respect to an equal number of Shares, and the exercise, cancellation or expiration of an Option with respect to a number of Shares causes the cancellation of its related Tandem SAR with respect to an equal number of Shares.
Stand-Alone Stock Appreciation Rights
. The Committee may grant SARs that do not relate to Options (Stand-Alone SARs). The exercise price per Share of any Stand-Alone SAR will be at least 100% of the fair market value of a Share on the date on which the Stand-Alone SAR is granted. In general, the exercise of a Stand-Alone SAR by a Participant entitles the Participant to an amount (in cash, Shares or a combination of cash and Shares), with respect to each Share subject thereto, equal to the excess of the fair market value of a Share on the exercise date over the exercise price of the Stand-Alone
SAR.
Other Stock Based Awards
. The Committee may grant equity-based or equity-related Incentive Awards other than Options and SARs in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee determines. Each such Incentive Award may (i) involve the transfer of actual Shares, either at the time of grant or thereafter, or payment in cash or otherwise of amounts based on the value of Shares, (ii) be subject to performance-based and/or service-based conditions and (iii) be in the form of phantom stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, or share-denominated performance units.
No such Incentive Award will vest or otherwise become payable earlier than three years following the date on which it is granted, other than upon the occurrence of a Permitted Acceleration Event.
Performance Based Compensation.
The Committee may grant Incentive Awards that are intended to qualify under the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Tax Code as qualified performance-based compensation.
The performance goals upon which the payment or vesting of any Incentive Award (other than Options and SARs) that is intended to so qualify will relate to one or more of the following performance measures: revenue growth, achievement of EBITDA targets, operating income, operating cash flow, net income, earnings per share, cash earnings per share, return on sales, return on assets, return on equity, return on invested capital and total shareholder return. In the event that the requirements of Section 162(m) and the regulations thereunder change to permit Committee discretion to alter the performance measures, the Committee will
have discretion to make such changes. Performance periods may be equal to or longer than, but not less than, one fiscal year of the Company. Within 90 days after the beginning of a performance period, and in any case before 25% of the performance period has elapsed, the Committee shall establish (a) performance goals and
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objectives for the Company for such performance period, (b) target awards for each Participant, and (c) schedules or other objective methods for determining the applicable performance percentage to be applied to each such target award.
The measurement of any performance measure may exclude the impact of charges for restructurings, discontinued operations, extraordinary items, and other unusual or non-recurring items, and the cumulative effects of accounting changes, each as defined by generally accepted accounting principles and as identified in the Companys audited financial statements, including the notes thereto. Any performance measures may be used to measure the performance of the Company or a subsidiary as a whole or any business unit of the Company or any subsidiary or any combination thereof, as the Committee may deem appropriate, or any of the
above performance measures as compared to the performance of a group of comparator companies, or a published or special index that the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate.
General Plan Provisions
Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization
. The 2016 Incentive Plan provides for an adjustment in the number of Shares available to be issued under the 2016 Incentive Plan, the number of Shares subject to Incentive Awards and the exercise prices of certain Incentive Awards upon a change in the capitalization of the Company, a stock dividend or split, a merger, consolidation, combination or exchange of Shares and certain other similar events.
Tax Withholding
. The 2016 Incentive Plan provides that Participants may elect to satisfy certain federal income tax withholding requirements by remitting to the Company cash or, subject to certain conditions, Shares or by instructing the Company to withhold Shares payable to the Participant.
Assignment and Transfer
. Options and SARs may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Participant, only by the Participant.
Amendment
. The Board may at any time suspend or discontinue the 2016 Incentive Plan or revise or amend it in any respect whatsoever, except that, in general, no revision or amendment may, without the approval of shareholders of the Company, (i) increase the number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan or (ii) materially modify the requirements as to eligibility for participation in the 2016 Incentive Plan. No action may, without the consent of the Participant, reduce the Participants rights under any previously granted and outstanding Incentive Award.
Term of the Plan
. No grants may be made under the 2016 Incentive Plan after April 22, 2026.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a summary of the principal U.S. federal income tax consequences generally applicable to the Company and to participants upon the grant and exercise of Incentive Awards under the Plan under the now applicable provisions of the Code and the regulations thereunder.
Tax Consequences to a Participant
. In general, a participant will not be deemed to receive any income nor will he be taxed upon grant of an Option or SAR. Generally, a participant will have ordinary income upon exercise of an Option in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value on the date of exercise of the shares purchased over the exercise price paid upon exercise. A participant generally will not recognize income at the time a restricted stock award is granted. When the restrictions lapse and the stock vests, the participant will recognize ordinary income equal to the fair market value of the
common stock as of that date (less the amount he or she paid for the stock, if any). A participant may make a special election under Section 83(b) of the Code to be taxed on restricted stock at the time of grant, in which case subsequent appreciation will be taxable at capital gains rates. A participant generally will not recognize income upon grant of the restricted stock unit. Upon issuance of cash or shares of common stock in settlement of a restricted stock unit award, the participant will recognize ordinary income equal to the fair market value of the common stock underlying such award as of that date.
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If the participant surrenders previously-owned shares in payment of any or all of the exercise price of an Option, the shares received upon exercise of such Option equal in number to the previously-owned shares so surrendered would have the tax basis and capital gain holding period applicable to such surrendered shares. The additional shares received upon exercise would have a tax basis equal to the amount taxable as ordinary income upon such exercise (as described in the immediately preceding paragraph) plus the cash paid on exercise (if any) and a new capital gain holding period commencing on the date following the date of
exercise.
Tax Consequences to the Company
. As a general matter, the Company or an affiliate of the Company that employs a participant will be entitled to take a deduction in an amount equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the participant at the time the participant recognizes ordinary income in respect of Incentive Awards. For example, with respect to an Option or SAR, the grant and vesting do not have tax consequences to the Company. The Company or an affiliate of the Company that employs a participant generally will be entitled to a federal income tax deduction in an amount equal to the amount of
compensation income, taxable as ordinary income, recognized by the participant as a result of the exercise of an Option or SAR in the year of recognition by the participant, subject to any applicable limitations under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The Resolution
The resolution approving the 2016 Incentive Plan requires a simple majority of the votes cast at the Meeting, excluding approximately 1,300,000 votes of insiders of the Company who are entitled to participate in the 2016 Incentive Plan and their associates. Broker non-votes are not permitted to be voted on this matter. The resolution is also subject to acceptance by NASDAQ. The Board therefore seeks your approval and support for the following resolution:
RESOLVED:
THAT the 2016 Incentive Plan of the Company, which authorizes the issuance of 1,500,000 Class A Subordinate Voting Shares of the Company, is hereby approved; and
THAT any director or executive officer of the Company be and is hereby authorized to notify and/or to seek approval of NASDAQ if required, of the approval of the 2016 Stock Incentive Plan and to do all such acts and things and to execute and file such other documents, whether under the corporate seal of the Company or otherwise, that may be necessary or desirable to give effect to this resolution.
YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS
A VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE 2016 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN.
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ITEM 4 ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The guiding principles of the Companys compensation policies and decisions include aligning each executives compensation with our business strategy and the interests of our shareholders and providing incentives needed to attract, motivate and retain key executives who are important to our long-term success. Consistent with this philosophy, a significant portion of the total incentive compensation for each of our executives is directly related to the Companys earnings and to other performance factors that measure our progress against the goals of our strategic and operating plans, as well as performance
against our peers.
Shareholders are urged to read the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this Proxy Statement, as well as the Summary Compensation Table and other related compensation tables and narrative, which discuss how our compensation design and practices reflect our compensation philosophy. The Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors believe that our compensation design and practices are effective in implementing our guiding principles.
In accordance with Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and as a matter of good corporate governance, we are asking shareholders to approve the following advisory resolution at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders:
RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the Companys named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and narrative discussion contained in this Proxy Statement, is hereby APPROVED.
This advisory resolution, commonly referred to as a say-on-pay resolution, is non-binding on the Board of Directors. Although non-binding, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee value the opinions of our shareholders and will review and consider the voting results when making future decisions regarding our executive compensation program. The Company currently intends to hold such votes annually. The next such vote will be held at the Companys 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS
A VOTE FOR THE ADVISORY RESOLUTION TO APPROVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
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SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, the Companys directors, executive officers and any persons holding 10% or more of the common stock are required to report their ownership of common stock and any changes in that ownership to the SEC within a prescribed period of time and to furnish the Company with copies of such reports. To the Companys knowledge, based solely upon a review of copies of such reports received by the Company which were filed with the SEC for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, and upon written representations from such persons that no other reports were required, the Company has been
advised that all reports required to be filed under Section 16(a) have been timely filed with the SEC.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A copy of the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by MDC Partners with the Securities and Exchange Commission for 2015 is available, without charge, to shareholders at MDC Partners website at
www.mdc-partners.com
, on the Securities and Exchange Commissions website at
www.sec.gov
, on the SEDAR website at
www.sedar.com
, or upon written request to 745 Fifth Avenue, 19
th
Floor, New York, NY 10151, Attention: Investor Relations. Financial information is provided in MDC Partners consolidated financial statements and Managements Discussion & Analysis for the year ended December
31, 2015. A copy of MDC Partners most recent consolidated financial statements, interim financial statements, and proxy statement and management information circular may also be obtained by shareholders, without charge, upon written request from the Secretary of MDC Partners or from the Securities and Exchange Commissions website at
www.sec.gov
or the SEDAR website at
www.sedar.com
.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2017 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Under certain circumstances, stockholders are entitled to present proposals at stockholder meetings. The 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is expected to be held on or about June 2, 2017. In accordance with the rules established by the SEC, any shareholder proposal submitted pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act (Rule 14a-8) intended to be included in the proxy materials for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must be received by the Secretary of the Company, 745 Fifth Avenue, 19
th
Floor, New York, NY 10151, by December 23, 2016, in a form that complies with the Companys Bylaws and
applicable requirements. Any proposal submitted after December 23, 2016, will not be considered timely for the purposes of Rule 14a-8.
Moreover, unless a shareholder who wishes to present a proposal at the Annual Meeting outside the processes of Rule 14a-8 has submitted such proposal to us by the close of business on March 8, 2017, subject to applicable rules, we will have discretionary authority to vote on any such proposal with respect to all proxies submitted to us even when we do not include in our proxy statement advice on the nature of the matter and how we intend to exercise our discretion to vote on the matter.
GENERAL
Management knows of no matter to come before the Meeting other than the matters referred to in the accompanying Notice. If any matters which are not now known should properly come before the Meeting, the accompanying proxy instrument will be voted on such matters in accordance with the best judgment of the person voting it.
The contents and sending of this Proxy Statement and Management Information Circular have been approved by the Board as of the date hereof.
By Order of the Board
Mitchell S. Gendel
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
New York, N.Y.
April 22, 2016
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EXHIBIT A
CHARTER OF THE
AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF MDC PARTNERS INC.
AS ADOPTED AND AMENDED BY THE BOARD
OCTOBER 28, 2015
I. AUTHORITY
The Board of Directors (the Board) of MDC Partners Inc. (the Corporation) has established an Audit Committee (the Committee). The Committee shall be comprised of three or more directors, as determined from time to time by resolution of the Board. Consistent with the appointment of other Board committees, the members of the Committee shall be elected by the Board at the annual organizational meeting of the Board or at such other time as may be determined by the Board. The Chairman of the Committee shall be designated by the Board, provided that if the Board does not so designate a Chairman,
the members of the Committee, by majority vote, may designate a Chairman. The presence in person or by telephone of a majority of the Committees members shall constitute a quorum for any meeting of the Committee. All actions of the Committee will require the vote of a majority of its members present at a meeting of the Committee at which a quorum is present.
II. PURPOSE OF THE COMMITTEE
The Committees purpose is to provide assistance to the Board in fulfilling its fiduciary obligations and oversight responsibilities with respect to (1) the integrity of the Corporations financial statements, (2) the Corporations compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (3) the independent auditors qualifications and independence, and (4) the performance of the Corporations internal audit function and independent auditors. The Committee will also prepare the report that SEC rules require to be included in the Corporations annual proxy statement.
The Committee is directly responsible for the appointment (subject to shareholder approval), compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the Corporations independent auditor engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Corporation. In accordance with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) and the rules promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and the rules of the Nasdaq, the independent auditor
must report directly to the Committee and is accountable to the Committee (as representatives of the shareholders of the Corporation). The Committees oversight responsibilities include the authority to approve all audit engagement fees and terms, as well as all permitted non-audit engagements and resolution of disagreements between management and the independent auditor regarding financial reporting.
It is the objective of the Committee to maintain free and open means of communications among the Board, the independent auditor, internal audit and the financial and senior management of the Corporation.
III. COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE
Independence
Each member of the Committee shall be an independent director within the meaning of Section 10A(m)(3) of the Exchange Act, Rule 10A-3(b)(1) thereunder, and Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 4200(a)(15) subject to applicable exceptions.
Financial Literacy and Expertise
All members of the Committee must be able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including a companys balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement. At least one member of the Committee shall be an audit committee financial expert as defined in Item 16A of SEC Form 20-F and at least one member shall have accounting or related financial experience as required under applicable Nasdaq rules.
The Committee shall ensure that the Corporation provides to applicable regulatory authorities any required certification relating to adequacy of this Charter and composition of the Committee.
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IV. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMITTEE
In carrying out its duties and responsibilities, the Committees policies and procedures should remain flexible, so that it may be in a position to best react or respond to changing circumstances or conditions. While there is no blueprint to be followed by the Committee in carrying out its duties and responsibilities, the following should be considered within the authority of the Committee (it being understood that the Committee may diverge from such matters as considered appropriate given the circumstances):
Selection and Evaluation of Auditors
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(a)
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Select the firm of independent public accountants to audit the books and accounts of the Corporation and its subsidiaries for each fiscal year;
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(b)
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Annually review and approve the terms of engagement and approve the remuneration of Corporations independent auditor; and
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(c)
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Review the performance of the Corporations independent auditor and terminate or replace the independent auditor when circumstances warrant.
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Independence of Auditors
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(a)
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Ensure that the Corporations independent auditor is independent and capable of exercising impartial judgment on all issues encompassed within its engagement. Regard shall be had to all applicable rules and regulations relating to independence, including those with respect to financial relationships, employment relationships, business relationships, the provision of non-audit services, contingent fees, partner rotation and compensation;
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(b)
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Ensure that the independent auditor delivers to the Committee on a periodic basis a formal written statement delineating all relationships between the independent auditor and the Corporation, consistent with the PCAOB Independence Standards Board Standard 1;
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(c)
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Actively engage in a dialogue with the independent auditor with respect to any disclosed relationships or services that may impact the objectivity and independence of the independent auditor; and
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(d)
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Take appropriate action to satisfy itself of the auditors independence.
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General Responsibility for Oversight of Auditors
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(a)
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The Corporations independent auditor shall be ultimately accountable to the Committee and the Committee shall be responsible for the appointment (subject to shareholder approval), compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the Corporations independent auditor;
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(b)
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Pre-approve all audit and permitted non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditor. The Committee may approve policies and procedures for the pre-approval of services to be rendered by the independent auditor, which policies and procedures are detailed as to the particular service. All non-audit services to be provided to the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries by the independent auditor or any of its subsidiaries which are not covered by pre-approval policies and procedures approved by the Committee shall be subject to pre-approval by the Committee; and
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(c)
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Resolve all disagreements between management and the independent auditor regarding financial reporting.
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Oversight of Annual Audit and Quarterly Financial Statements
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(a)
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Review and approve the annual audit plan of the Corporations independent auditor, including the audit and non-audit services that the auditor is providing for the Corporation and its subsidiaries, the level of responsibility assumed by the auditor under generally accepted auditing standards and a summary of the audit approach;
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(b)
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Before the release of annual financial statements, discuss with the independent auditor all matters required by AICPA AU Section 380 (including the independent auditors responsibility under GAAP, the selection of and changes in significant accounting policies or their application, management judgments and accounting estimates, significant audit adjustments, the independent auditors responsibility for information other than financial statements, disagreements with management, consultation with other accountants, and difficulties encountered in performing the audit) and CICA Handbook section 5751 (which governs the communications between the independent auditors and the Committee);
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(c)
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Receive a report from the Corporations independent auditor, prior to the filing of the audit report with the SEC regarding:
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(i)
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all critical accounting policies and practices used by the Corporation; and
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(ii)
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other material communications between the independent auditor and management;
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(d)
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Review and discuss with management the quarterly financial statements. Discuss with the independent auditor the results of its procedures on the statements.
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(e)
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Prior to any disclosure, review and recommend to the Board for approval:
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(i)
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the annual financial statements and related documents (MD&A, AIF, etc.);
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(ii)
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the quarterly financial reports and related documents (including MD&A); and
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(iii)
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other disclosure documents containing financial information that would likely be material to either the quarterly or annual financial statements.
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Oversight and Monitoring of Other Financial Disclosures
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(a)
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Review and recommend to the Board for approval all financial information of the Corporation contained in any prospectus, annual information form, information circular or similar document of the Corporation, and any earnings press release to be issued in conjunction with the annual and quarterly results;
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(b)
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Annually or more frequently as required, discuss with management the types of financial and operational information and earnings guidance to be disclosed to credit rating agencies that are subject to confidentiality agreements. The Committee need not discuss in advance with management each instance in which the Corporation gives earnings guidance to credit rating agencies, unless the substance of a presentation to any credit rating agency constitutes a material shift in the Corporation strategy not previously approved by the Board;
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(c)
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Annually or more frequently as required, discuss with management the types of financial and operational information and earnings guidance to be disclosed to analysts or shareholders (in groups or one-on-one) and the processes for ensuring that new material information is first or simultaneously disseminated in the public domain and subsequently included on the Corporations website. The Committee need not discuss in advance with management each instance in which the Corporation gives earnings guidance to analysts, unless the substance of a presentation to any analyst constitutes a material shift in the Corporation strategy not previously approved by the Board; and
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(d)
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Review the public disclosure required in connection with the Committees pre-approval of audit and non-audit services provided by the independent auditor.
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Oversight of Financial Reporting Processes and Internal Controls
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(a)
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Review with management, internal audit and the independent auditor the adequacy and effectiveness of the Corporations accounting and internal control policies and procedures, including controls and security of the computerized information systems.
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(b)
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Review with management its compliance with prescribed policies, procedures and internal control;
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(c)
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Review with management, internal audit and the independent auditor any reportable conditions and material weaknesses affecting internal control;
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(d)
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Establish and maintain free and open means of communication between and among the Board, the Committee, the Corporations independent auditor, internal audit and the Corporations management; and
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(e)
|
Review with management major financial and asset related risks and the steps taken to monitor and control such risks.
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Oversight of Internal Audit
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(a)
|
Review and discuss with the SVP, Compliance & Risk Management the scope of work of the internal audit function, its plans and the issues identified as a result of its work and how management is addressing these issues;
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(b)
|
Review the budget, qualifications, activities, effectiveness and organizational structure of the internal audit function;
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(c)
|
Review and approve the Internal Audit charter and any proposed amendments thereto;
|
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(d)
|
Review the performance and approve the appointment or dismissal of the SVP, Compliance & Risk Management;
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(e)
|
Meet separately with the SVP, Compliance & Risk Management at least quarterly basis; and
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(f)
|
Review summaries of significant internal audit reports and managements responses.
|
Other Matters
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(a)
|
Meet with outside counsel when appropriate, to review legal and regulatory matters, including any matters that may have a material impact on the financial statements of the Corporation;
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(b)
|
Establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Corporation regarding accounting, internal controls or auditing matters and the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Corporation of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters;
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(c)
|
Review and approve all related party transactions with any director or nominee, executive officer, holder of more than 5% of any class of the Corporations voting securities or any family member of the foregoing persons, other than those related party transactions in respect of which the Board has delegated review and approval to a special committee of independent directors.
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(d)
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Conduct or authorize investigations into any matters within the Committees scope of responsibilities, including retaining outside counsel or other consultants or experts for this purpose.
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(e)
|
Discuss with management the Corporations policies and processes with respect to risk assessment and risk management, and recommend appropriate modifications (if any); and
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(f)
|
Perform such additional activities, and consider such other matters, within the scope of its responsibilities, as the Committee or the Board deems necessary or appropriate.
|
With respect to the duties and responsibilities listed above, the Committee should:
|
(a)
|
Report regularly to the Board on its activities, as appropriate;
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(b)
|
Exercise reasonable diligence in gathering and considering all material information;
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(c)
|
Understand and weigh alternative courses of conduct that may be available;
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(d)
|
Focus on weighing the benefit versus harm to the Corporation and its shareholders when considering alternative recommendations or courses of action;
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(e)
|
If the Committee deems it appropriate, secure independent expert advice and understand the experts findings and the basis for such findings, including retaining independent counsel, accountants or others to assist the Committee in fulfilling its duties and responsibilities;
|
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(f)
|
Provide management and the Corporations independent auditor with appropriate opportunities to meet privately with the Committee; and
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(g)
|
Review the Charter of the Audit Committee annually and recommend it to the Board.
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V. MEETINGS OF THE COMMITTEE
The Committee shall meet with such frequency and at such intervals as it shall determine is necessary to carry out its duties and responsibilities. As part of its purpose to foster open communications, the Committee shall meet at least quarterly with management, internal audit and the Corporations independent auditor in separate executive sessions to discuss any matters that the Committee or each of these groups or persons believe should be discussed privately. The Chairman should work with the Chief Financial Officer, General Counsel and management to establish the agendas for Committee meetings. The Committee, in its
discretion, may ask members of management or others to attend its meetings (or portions thereof) and to provide pertinent information as necessary. The Committee shall maintain minutes of its meetings and records relating to those meetings and the Committees activities and provide copies of such minutes to the Board.
VI. ADVISORS AND FUNDING
The Committee shall have the authority to engage independent counsel and other advisors as it determines necessary to carry out its duties and responsibilities. The Corporation shall provide for appropriate funding, as determined by the Committee, for payment of any compensation (i) to any independent auditor engaged for the purpose of rendering or issuing an audit report or related work or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Corporation, and (ii) to any independent advisors employed by the Committee.
VII. DISCLOSURE AND REVIEW OF CHARTER
The charter shall be (1) published in the Corporations annual report or information circular once every three years or following a material amendment to it; or (2) be posted in an up-to-date format on the Corporations web site. The Committee should review and reassess annually the adequacy of this Charter as required by the applicable rules of Nasdaq.
While the Committee has the duties and responsibilities set forth in this Charter, the Committee is not responsible for planning or conducting the audit or for determining whether the Corporations financial statements are complete and accurate and are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Management has the responsibility for preparing the financial statements and implementing internal controls and the independent auditor have the responsibility of auditing the financial statements. Similarly, it is not the responsibility of the Committee to resolve disagreements, if any, between management and the
independent auditor or to ensure that the Corporation complies with all laws and regulations.
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EXHIBIT B
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
DISCLOSURE OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES
(CANADIAN NATIONAL INSTRUMENT 58-101)
The directors of MDC Partners Inc. consider good corporate governance to be central to the effective and efficient operation of the Company. The business of the Company is supervised by its Board of Directors, directly and through its committees. The Canadian Securities Administrators require disclosure on an annual basis of the Companys corporate governance practices in accordance with Form 58-101
Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices
. The Companys corporate governance practices are set out below.
The Board of Directors
In determining whether a particular director is independent, the Board examines the factual circumstances in the context of that particular year. The Board proposed for election in this Circular is composed of five (5) members, all of whom are considered to be independent directors with the exception of Mr Kauffman, who is a member of management. The following directors of MDC Partners also serve as directors (or senior executive officers) of companies that are reporting issuers (or the equivalent) in Canada or the U.S.:
Scott L. Kauffman
: currently serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. He is also Chairman of several venture-backed internet companies.
Clare Copeland
: currently serves as Vice Chairman of Falls Management Company. He is also a trustee of RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust, Chesswood Income Fund, and Telesat, and a director of Entertainment One Ltd.
Larry Kramer
: currently serves as Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer of The Street Inc. He is also a director of Gannett and a trustee at both Syracuse University and Harvard Business School Publishing.
Anne Marie ODonovan
: currently serves as President and director of ODonovan Advisory Services Ltd. She is also a director of Indigo Books & Music Inc.
Irwin D. Simon
: currently serves as President, Chief Executive Officer and director of The Hain Celestial Group.
All independent directors frequently meet at the beginning or end of each regularly scheduled quarterly Board or Committee meeting without non-independent directors and management present. The Board has access to information independent of management through MDC Partners auditor who reports to the Audit Committee. The specific responsibilities of the Board include reviewing and approving all major strategic decisions, including any change in the strategic direction of MDC Partners and acquisitions and/or divestitures and other matters (such as guarantees) in excess of $5 million; reviewing and approving annual budgets,
including capital expenditure plans; reviewing and approving operating results for each quarter and year to date. As part of its ongoing activities, the Board regularly receives and comments upon reports of management as to the performance of MDC Partners business and managements expectations. The Board is therefore of the view that the appropriate structures and procedures are in place to ensure that it can function independent of management.
Effective as of July 20, 2015, the Board appointed Mr. Irwin Simon as the Presiding Director of the Board. Mr. Simon is independent.
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Board Mandate
The Board of Directors recently adopted a set of Corporate Governance Guidelines as a framework within which the Board and its Committees will conduct its business. A copy of the Guidelines is available free of charge at MDC Partners website at
http://www.mdc-partners.com/#investors/corporate-governance
.
Position Descriptions
The Companys bylaws and the Charters of each Board committee provide a detailed description of the roles and responsibilities of the Board (including the Chairman), management and each committee of the Board and their respective chairs.
The primary functions of the CEO are to lead the management of our businesses and affairs in accordance with the Companys strategic plan and operating and capital budgets, as approved by the Board.
The Board has developed a written position description and mandate, which sets forth the CEOs key responsibilities. These responsibilities include the following: (a) develop and recommend to the Board a long-term strategy and vision for the Company that leads to creation of shareholder value; (b) develop and recommend to the Board annual business plans and budgets that support the Companys long-term strategy; (c) consistently strive to achieve the Companys financial and operating goals and objectives; and (d) develop the corporate and partner management teams and succession plans.
The Human Resources & Compensation Committee (described below) is responsible for establishing, monitoring and evaluating objectives and standards of performance for the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers on an annual basis. Salary, bonus, loans or other payments for the benefit of the Chief Executive Officer must be reviewed and approved by the Human Resources & Compensation Committee. Related party expenses for services rendered and in the nature of expense reimbursement must also be approved by the Human Resources & Compensation Committee.
Orientation and Continuing Education
New directors to MDC Partners have generally been executives with extensive business experience and directorship responsibilities on the boards of other public and private institutions. Orientation for these individuals is provided through a review of past Board materials and other private and public documents concerning MDC Partners. In addition, Board members are encouraged to attend (at the cost and expense of the Company) continuing education programs identified by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee each year to ensure that they maintain the skills necessary for them to meet their obligations as directors.
Ethical Business Conduct
The Company has adopted a Code of Conduct, which applies to all directors, officers (including the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Code of Conduct was adopted in order to help directors, officers and employees resolve ethical issues. The Code of Conduct covers topics including, but not limited to, conflicts of interest, confidentiality of information and compliance with laws. The Companys policy is to not permit any waiver of the Code of Conduct for any director or executive officer, except in extremely limited circumstances. The
Board, through the Audit Committee, monitors and assesses and claims alleged under the Code of Conduct. Any waiver of this Code of Conduct for directors or officers of the Company must be approved by the Companys Board of Directors. Amendments to and waivers of the Code of Conduct will be publicly disclosed as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations. The Code of Conduct is available free of charge on the Companys website at
http://www.mdc-partners.com
, or by writing to MDC Partners Inc., 745 Fifth Avenue, 19
th
Floor, New York, NY 10151, Attention: Investor Relations.
Nomination of Directors
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is composed of three (3) members, all of whom are considered to be independent. 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
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is also responsible for evaluating the performance of the Board as a whole and for reporting to the Board with respect to appropriate candidates for nominations to the Board. The current members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are Irwin Simon (Chairman), Larry Kramer and Anne Marie ODonovan. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees current charter is available at
http://www.mdc-partners.com/#/corporate_info/committees.
The Company will disclose any amendments to, or waivers of, the charter on its website at
www.mdc-partners.com
in accordance with applicable law and the
requirements of the NASDAQ corporate governance standards.
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. In identifying candidates for nominations to the Board, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee seeks to maintain at all times a Board with a diverse range of experience, talent, expertise and background appropriate for the business of the Company. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not require any specific minimum qualifications or specific qualities or skills, but reviews
each persons qualifications on the whole, including a candidates particular experience, skills, expertise, diversity, personal and professional integrity, character, business judgment, time availability in light of other commitments, dedication, conflicts of interest and such other relevant factors that the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers appropriate in the context of the needs of the Board. 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 members 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 implemented any particular
additional policies or procedures with respect to suggestions received from shareholders 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 with its scope of responsibilities and may retain, at the Companys 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 the Company bearing the cost of such fees.
Director Term Limits
The Board believes that the need to have experienced directors who are familiar with the business of the Company must be balanced with the need for fresh perspectives and a proactive approach. The Board has not adopted formal director term limits or other mechanisms of board renewal, in part, because the imposition of director term limits on a board implicitly discounts the value of experience and continuity among board members and runs the risk of excluding experienced and potentially valuable board members as a result of an arbitrary determination. In addition, imposing this restriction means the Board would lose the
contributions of longer serving directors who have developed a deeper knowledge and understanding of the Company over time. The Board does not believe that long tenure impairs a directors ability to act independently of management.
Policies Regarding the Representation of Women on the Board
The Company has not adopted a written policy relating to the identification and nomination of women directors to the Companys board of directors but rather has an informal, unwritten policy. The Company generally considers diversity of race, ethnicity, gender, age, cultural background and professional experience in evaluating candidates for board membership. As evidence of this approach, the Board nominated Ms. ODonovan to join the Board in 2016.
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Consideration of the Representation of Women in the Director Identification and Selection Process
In identifying and nominating candidates for election or re-election to the board of directors, the Board considers the level of representation of women on the board, in addition to the competencies, skills and personal and other diverse qualities required for new directors in order to add value to the Company in light of opportunities and risks facing the Company. Selection of female candidates to the board will be, in part, dependent upon the pool of female candidates with the necessary skills, knowledge and experience. The ultimate decision will be based on merit and contribution the chosen candidate will bring to the
board.
Consideration of the Representation of Women in Executive Officer Appointments
In appointing executive officers to the management team, the Company considers the level of representation of women in executive officer positions, and also takes into account the following factors: the competencies, skills and personal and other diverse qualities required for new executive officers in order to add value to the Company in light of opportunities and risks facing the Company.
Issuers Targets Regarding the Representation of Women on the Board and in Executive Officer Positions
The Company has not adopted a target for women on the board of directors because the Company does not believe that any director nominee should be chosen nor excluded because of gender. In selecting a director nominee, such as recently appointed Ms. ODonovan, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee focuses on skills, expertise and background that would complement the existing Board. Directors will be recruited based on their ability and potential for meaningful contributions.
Similarly, the Company has not adopted a target for women in executive officer positions because the Company does not believe that any candidate for an executive officer position should be chosen nor excluded because of gender. In selecting candidates, the Company considers the skills, expertise and background that would complement the existing management team. Executive officers will be recruited based on their ability and contributions.
Number of Women on the Board and in Executive Officer Positions
As of the date of this Proxy Statement and Management Information Circular, (i) there is one woman on the Companys Board of Directors, representing 16.7% of the directors and (ii) six (6) of the Companys executive officers are women, representing 30% of the Companys executive officers.
Compensation
The Human Resources & Compensation Committee is composed of four members, all of whom are considered to be independent. 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 2011 Stock Incentive Plan, the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan and the SARs Plan. Salary, bonus or other payments for the benefit of senior management are reviewed
and approved by the Human Resources & Compensation Committee. The Human Resources & Compensation Committee reviews the compensation of members of the Board on an annual basis and makes recommendations to the Board. The Board considers their remuneration appropriate given the time commitment, risk and responsibilities associated with the position. The current members of the Human Resources & Compensation Committee are Clare Copeland (Chairman), Larry Kramer, Anne Marie ODonovan and Irwin Simon. The Human Resources & Compensation Committees current charter is available at
http://www.mdc-partners.com/#investors/corporate-governance.
The Company will disclose any amendments to, or waivers of, the charter on its website at
www.mdc-partners.com
in accordance with applicable law and the requirements of the NASDAQ corporate governance standards.
Other Board Committees
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. Copies of the charters of these committees are available, free of charge at MDC Partners website located at
http://www.mdc-partners.com/#investors/corporate-governance
.
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In addition, from time to time, special committees may be established under the direction of the Board when necessary to address specific issues.
Assessments
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for developing and recommending standards of performance of the Board, its committees and the individual directors through administration of an annual questionnaire. It is the responsibility of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to assess the effectiveness of the Board as a whole and the committees of the Board. Participation of directors is expected at all Board and committee meetings. Directors are asked to notify MDC Partners if they are unable to attend, and attendance at meetings is duly recorded.
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EXHIBIT C
MDC PARTNERS INC.
2016 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
(As Adopted )
1. Purpose of the Plan
This MDC Partners Inc. 2016 Stock Incentive Plan is intended to promote the interests of the Company and its shareholders by providing the employees and consultants of the Company and eligible non-employee directors of MDC Partners Inc., who are largely responsible for the management, growth and protection of the business of the Company, with incentives and rewards to encourage them to continue in the service of the Company. The Plan is designed to meet this intent by providing such employees, consultants and eligible non-employee directors with a proprietary interest in pursuing the long-term growth, profitability and
financial success of the Company.
2. Definitions
As used in the Plan, the following definitions apply to the terms indicated below:
|
(a)
|
Board of Directors means the Board of Directors of MDC Partners Inc.
|
|
(b)
|
Change in Control means the occurrence of any of the following:
|
|
(i)
|
Any Person becoming the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, a Beneficial Owner) of fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of MDCs then outstanding voting securities (Voting Securities); provided, however that a Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur by reason of an acquisition of Voting Securities directly from MDC or by (i) an employee benefit plan (or a trust forming a part thereof) maintained by (A) MDC or any Person of which a majority of its voting power or its voting equity securities or equity interest is owned, directly or indirectly, by MDC (the MDC Group), (B) any member of the MDC Group, or (C) any Person in connection with a Non-Control Transaction (as such term is hereinafter defined);
|
|
(ii)
|
The individuals who, as of April 22, 2016, are members of the Board of Directors (the Incumbent Board), cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board of Directors; provided, however that if the election, or nomination for election by MDCs shareholders, of any new director was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent Board, such new director shall, for purposes of the Plan, be considered as a member of the Incumbent Board; provided, further, however, that no individual shall be considered a member of the Incumbent Board if such individual initially assumed office as a result of an actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board (a Proxy Contest) including by reason of any agreement intended to avoid or settle any Election Contest or Proxy Contest; or
|
|
(iii)
|
The consummation of:
|
|
(A)
|
A merger, consolidation or reorganization with or into MDC or in which securities of MDC are issued, unless such merger, consolidation or reorganization is a Non-Control Transaction. A Non-Control Transaction is a merger, consolidation or reorganization with or into MDC or in which securities of MDC are issued where:
|
|
(I)
|
the stockholders of MDC, immediately before such merger, consolidation or reorganization, own, directly or indirectly immediately following such merger, consolidation or reorganization, at least sixty percent (60%) of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the corporation resulting from such merger or consolidation or reorganization (the Surviving Corporation) in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the Voting Securities immediately before such merger, consolidation or reorganization,
|
C-1
|
(II)
|
the individuals who were members of the Incumbent Board immediately prior to the execution of the agreement providing for such merger, consolidation or reorganization constitute at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Surviving Corporation, or a corporation beneficially owning a majority of the voting securities of the Surviving Corporation,
|
|
(III)
|
no Person other than (1) any member of the MDC Group, (2) any employee benefit plan (or any trust forming a part thereof) maintained immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or reorganization by any member of the MDC Group, or (3) any Person who, immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or reorganization Beneficially Owns twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the then outstanding Voting Securities, owns, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the Surviving Corporations voting securities outstanding immediately following such transaction;
|
|
(B)
|
A complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company; or
|
|
(C)
|
The sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to any Person (other than a member of the MDC Group).
|
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur solely because any Person (the Subject Person) becomes the Beneficial Owner of more than the permitted amount of the outstanding Voting Securities as a result of the acquisition of Voting Securities by the Company which, by reducing the number of Voting Securities outstanding, increases the proportional number of shares Beneficially Owned by the Subject Persons, provided that if a Change in Control would occur (but for the operation of this sentence) as a result of the acquisition of Voting Securities by the Company, and after such
share acquisition by the Company, the Subject Person becomes the Beneficial Owner of any additional Voting Securities which increases the percentage of the then outstanding Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by the Subject Person, then a Change in Control shall occur.
|
(c)
|
Class A Shares means MDCs Class A subordinate voting shares, without par value, or any other security into which such shares shall be changed pursuant to the adjustment provisions of Section 10 of the Plan.
|
|
(d)
|
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
|
|
(e)
|
Committee means the Human Resources & Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors or such other committee as the Board of Directors shall appoint from time to time to administer the Plan and to otherwise exercise and perform the authority and functions assigned to the Committee under the terms of the Plan.
|
|
(f)
|
Company means MDC and each of its Subsidiaries, collectively.
|
|
(g)
|
Covered Employee means a Participant who at the time of reference is a covered employee as defined in Code Section 162(m) and the regulations promulgated under Code Section 162(m), or any successor statute.
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(h)
|
Director means a member of the Board of Directors who is not at the time of reference an employee of the Company.
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(i)
|
Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
|
C-2
|
(j)
|
Fair Market Value means, with respect to a Class A Share, as of the applicable date of determination (i) the closing sales price on the immediately preceding business day of Class A Shares as reported on the principal securities exchange on which such shares are then listed or admitted to trading or (ii) if not so reported, the average of the closing bid and ask prices on the immediately preceding business day as reported on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System or (iii) if not so reported, as furnished by any member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. selected by the Committee. In the event that the price of Class A Shares shall not be so reported, the Fair Market Value of Class A Shares shall be determined by the Committee in its absolute discretion.
|
|
(k)
|
Incentive Award means an Option, SAR or Other Stock-Based Award granted to a Participant pursuant to the terms of the Plan.
|
|
(l)
|
MDC means MDC Partners Inc., a corporation established under the Canadian Business Corporation Act, and any successor thereto.
|
|
(m)
|
Option means a non-qualified stock option to purchase Class A Shares granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 6.
|
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(n)
|
Other Stock-Based Award means an equity or equity-related award granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 8, including without limitation a restricted stock award.
|
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(o)
|
Participant means a Director, employee or consultant of the Company, including any person or company engaged to provide ongoing management or consulting services for the Company and, at the discretion of any of the foregoing persons, and subject to any required regulatory approvals and conditions, a personal holding company controlled by such person, who or which is eligible to participate in the Plan and to whom one or more Incentive Awards have been granted pursuant to the Plan and, following the death of any such natural person, his successors, heirs, executors and administrators, as the case may be.
|
|
(p)
|
Performance-Based Compensation means compensation that satisfies the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code for deductibility of remuneration paid to Covered Employees.
|
|
(q)
|
Performance Measures means such measures as are described in Section 9 on which performance goals are based in order to qualify certain awards granted hereunder as Performance-Based Compensation.
|
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(r)
|
Performance Period means the period of time during which the performance goals must be met in order to determine the degree of payout and/or vesting with respect to an Incentive Award that is intended to qualify as Performance-Based Compensation.
|
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(s)
|
Permitted Acceleration Event means (i) with respect to any Incentive Award that is subject to performance-based vesting, the full or partial vesting of such Incentive Award based on satisfaction of the applicable performance-based conditions, (ii) the occurrence of a Change in Control or an event described in Section 10(b), (c) or (d) or (iii) any termination of the employment of a Participant, other than a termination for cause (as defined by the Committee) or voluntary termination prior to retirement (as defined by the Committee).
|
|
(t)
|
Person means a person as such term is used in Section 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act.
|
|
(u)
|
Plan means this MDC Partners Inc. 2016 Stock Incentive Plan, as it may be amended from time to time.
|
|
(v)
|
SAR means a stock appreciation right granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 7.
|
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(w)
|
Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
|
|
(x)
|
Subsidiary means any subsidiary corporation within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code or any other entity that the Committee determines from time to time should be treated as a subsidiary corporation for purposes of this Plan.
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3. Stock Subject to the Plan; Additional Limitations
Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 10 and the following provisions of this Section 3, the maximum number of Class A Shares that may be covered by Incentive Awards granted under the Plan shall not exceed 1,500,000 Class A Shares. Class A Shares issued under the Plan may be either authorized and unissued shares or treasury shares, or both, at the discretion of the Committee. In addition, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, Class A Shares authorized for issuance under this Plan may be issued to employees of the Company to satisfy the exercise of SARS Awards under the Companys Stock Appreciation
Rights Plan, as amended.
For purposes of the preceding paragraph, Class A Shares covered by Incentive Awards shall only be counted as used to the extent they are actually issued and delivered to a Participant (or such Participants permitted transferees as described in the Plan) pursuant to the Plan. For purposes of clarification, in accordance with the preceding sentence if Class A Shares are withheld to satisfy any tax withholding requirement in connection with an Other Stock-Based Award only the shares issued (if any), net of the shares withheld, will be deemed delivered for purposes of determining the number of Class A Shares that are
available for delivery under the Plan.
Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 10, the maximum number of Class A Shares that may be covered by Incentive Awards granted under the Plan to any single Participant in any fiscal year of the Company shall not exceed 300,000 shares, prorated on a daily basis for any fiscal year of the Company that is shorter than 365 days.
|
(b)
|
Prohibition on Substitutions and Repricings
|
In no event shall any new Incentive Awards be issued in substitution for outstanding Incentive Awards previously granted to Participants, nor shall any repricing (within the meaning of US generally accepted accounting practices or any applicable stock exchange rule) of Incentive Awards issued under the Plan be permitted at any time under any circumstances, in each case unless the shareholders of the Company expressly approve such substitution or repricing.
|
(c)
|
Annual Limitation on Grants
|
The Committee shall limit annual grants of equity awards under this Plan to executive officers of the Company to an aggregate amount equal to not more than two percent (2%) of the number of issued and outstanding shares of the Companys capital stock at the beginning of the Companys fiscal year. In addition, each independent Director shall not receive Incentive Awards (including option grants) with a current market value in excess of $150,000 or option grants with a current market value in excess of $100,000 in any given fiscal year.
|
(d)
|
Minimum Vesting Period of One (1) Year for All Incentive Awards
|
In no event shall any new Incentive Award granted under this Plan vest or otherwise become payable earlier than one (1) year following the date on which it is granted, other than upon the occurrence of a Permitted Acceleration Event.
|
(e)
|
Effect of Change of Control
|
Any new Incentive Award granted under this Plan that is subject to time-based vesting terms and conditions shall not become fully and immediately vested and exercisable solely as a result of the occurrence of a Change of Control, absent a termination of employment without cause or for good reason following any such Change of Control. Any new Incentive Award granted under this Plan that is subject to performance-based vesting terms and conditions shall not become fully and immediately vested and exercisable solely as a result of the occurrence of a Change of Control, absent a termination of employment without cause or for good
reason following any such Change of Control and shall be adjusted on a pro-rata basis as determined by the Committee.
C-4
4. Administration of the Plan
The Plan shall be administered by a Committee of the Board of Directors consisting of two or more persons, each of whom qualify as non-employee directors (within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act), and as outside directors within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.162-27(e)(3). The Committee shall, consistent with the terms of the Plan, from time to time designate those who shall be granted Incentive Awards under the Plan and the amount, type and other terms and conditions of such Incentive Awards. All of the powers and responsibilities of the Committee under the
Plan may be delegated by the Committee, in writing, to any subcommittee thereof. In addition, the Committee may from time to time authorize a committee consisting of one or more Directors to grant Incentive Awards to persons who are not executive officers of MDC (within the meaning of Rule 16a-1 under the Exchange Act), subject to such restrictions and limitation as the Committee may specify. In addition, the Board of Directors may, consistent with the terms of the Plan, from time to time grant Incentive Awards to Directors.
The Committee shall have full discretionary authority to administer the Plan, including discretionary authority to interpret and construe any and all provisions of the Plan and the terms of any Incentive Award (and any agreement evidencing any Incentive Award) granted thereunder and to adopt and amend from time to time such rules and regulations for the administration of the Plan as the Committee may deem necessary or appropriate. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (i) the Committee shall determine whether an authorized leave of absence, or absence in military or government service, shall constitute termination
of employment and (ii) the employment of a Participant with the Company shall be deemed to have terminated for all purposes of the Plan if such person is employed by or provides services to a Person that is a Subsidiary of the Company and such Person ceases to be a Subsidiary of the Company, unless the Committee determines otherwise. Decisions of the Committee shall be final, binding and conclusive on all parties.
On or after the date of grant of an Incentive Award under the Plan, the Committee may (i) extend the term of any such Incentive Award, including, without limitation, extending the period following a termination of a Participants employment during which any such Incentive Award may remain outstanding, (ii) waive any conditions to the exercisability or transferability, as the case may be, of any such Incentive Award or (iii) provide for the payment of dividends or dividend equivalents with respect to any such Incentive Award.
No member of the Committee shall be liable for any action, omission, or determination relating to the Plan, and MDC shall indemnify and hold harmless each member of the Committee and each other director or employee of the Company to whom any duty or power relating to the administration or interpretation of the Plan has been delegated against any cost or expense (including counsel fees) or liability (including any sum paid in settlement of a claim with the approval of the Committee) arising out of any action, omission or determination relating to the Plan, unless, in either case, such action, omission or determination was taken
or made by such member, director or employee in bad faith and without reasonable belief that it was in the best interests of the Company.
5. Eligibility
The Persons who shall be eligible to receive Incentive Awards pursuant to the Plan shall be those Directors and employees of the Company, including any person or company engaged to provide ongoing management or consulting services for the Company and, at the discretion of any of the foregoing persons, and subject to any required regulatory approvals and conditions, a personal holding company controlled by such person, whom the Committee shall select from time to time. All Incentive Awards granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by a separate written agreement entered into by the Company and the recipient of such Incentive
Award.
6. Options
The Committee may from time to time grant Options, subject to the following terms and conditions:
The exercise price per Class A Share covered by any Option shall be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Class A Share on the date on which such Option is granted.
C-5
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(b)
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Term and Exercise of Options
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(1)
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Each Option shall become vested and exercisable on such date or dates, during such period and for such number of Class A Shares as shall be determined by the Committee on or after the date such Option is granted; provided, however that no Option shall be exercisable after the expiration of ten years from the date such Option is granted; provided, further that no Option shall become exercisable earlier than one year after the date on which it is granted, other than upon the occurrence of a Permitted Acceleration Event; and, provided, further, that each Option shall be subject to earlier termination, expiration or cancellation as provided in the Plan or in the agreement evidencing such Option.
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(2)
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Each Option may be exercised in whole or in part; provided, however that no partial exercise of an Option shall be for an aggregate exercise price of less than $1,000. The partial exercise of an Option shall not cause the expiration, termination or cancellation of the remaining portion thereof.
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(3)
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An Option shall be exercised by such methods and procedures as the Committee determines from time to time, including without limitation through net physical settlement or other method of cashless exercise.
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(4)
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Options may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of a Participant, only by the Participant.
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(c)
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Effect of Termination of Employment or other Relationship
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The agreement evidencing the award of each Option shall specify the consequences with respect to such Option of the termination of the employment, service as a director or other relationship between the Company and the Participant holding the Option.
7. Stock Appreciation Rights
The Committee may from time to time grant SARs, subject to the following terms and conditions:
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(a)
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Stand-Alone and Tandem; Cash and Stock-Settled
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SARs may be granted on a stand-alone basis or in tandem with an Option. Tandem SARs may be granted contemporaneously with or after the grant of the Options to which they relate. SARs may be settled in Class A Shares or in cash.
The exercise price per Class A Share covered by any SAR shall be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Class A Share on the date on which such SAR is granted; provided, however that the exercise price of an SAR that is tandem to an Option and that is granted after the grant of such Option may have an exercise price less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Class A Share on the date on which such SAR is granted provided that such exercise price is at least equal to the exercise price of the related Option.
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(c)
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Benefit Upon Exercise
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The exercise of an SAR with respect to any number of Class A Shares prior to the occurrence of a Change in Control shall entitle the Participant to (i) a cash payment, for each such share, equal to the excess of (A) the Fair Market Value of a Class A Share on the effective date of such exercise over (B) the per share exercise price of the SAR, (ii) the issuance or transfer to the Participant of the greatest number of whole Class A Shares which on the date of the exercise of the SAR have an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to such excess or (iii) a combination of cash and Class A Shares in amounts equal to such excess, as
determined by the Committee. The exercise of an SAR with respect to any number of Class A Shares upon or after the occurrence of a Change in Control shall entitle the Participant to a cash payment, for each such share, equal to the excess of (i) the greater of (A) the highest price per share of Class A Shares paid in connection with such Change in Control
C-6
and (B) the Fair Market Value of Class A Shares on the effective date of exercise over (ii) the per share exercise price of the SAR. Such payment, transfer or issuance shall occur as soon as practical, but in no event later than five business days, after the effective date of exercise.
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(d)
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Term and Exercise of SARs
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(1)
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Each SAR shall become vested and exercisable on such date or dates, during such period and for such number of Class A Shares as shall be determined by the Committee on or after the date such SAR is granted; provided, however that no SAR shall be exercisable after the expiration of ten years from the date such SAR is granted; provided, further that no SAR shall become exercisable earlier than one year after the date on which it is granted, other than upon the occurrence of a Permitted Acceleration Event; and, provided, further, that each SAR shall be subject to earlier termination, expiration or cancellation as provided in the Plan or in the agreement evidencing such SAR.
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(2)
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Each SAR may, to the extent vested and exercisable, be exercised in whole or in part; provided, however that no partial exercise of an SAR shall be for an aggregate exercise price of less than $1,000. The partial exercise of an SAR shall not cause the expiration, termination or cancellation of the remaining portion thereof.
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(3)
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An SAR shall be exercised by such methods and procedures as the Committee determines from time to time.
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(4)
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SARs may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of a Participant, only by the Participant.
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(5)
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The exercise with respect to a number of Class A Shares of an SAR granted in tandem with an Option shall cause the immediate cancellation of the Option with respect to the same number of shares. The exercise with respect to a number of Class A Shares of an Option to which a tandem SAR relates shall cause the immediate cancellation of the SAR with respect to an equal number of shares.
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(e)
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Effect of Termination of Employment or other Relationship
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The agreement evidencing the award of each SAR shall specify the consequences with respect to such SAR of the termination of the employment, service as a director or other relationship between the Company and Participant holding the SAR.
8. Restricted Stock Awards and Other Stock-Based Awards
The Committee may grant equity-based or equity-related awards not otherwise described herein in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, each such Other Stock-Based Award may (i) involve the transfer of actual Class A Shares to Participants, either at the time of grant or thereafter, or payment in cash or otherwise of amounts based on the value of Class A Shares, (ii) be subject to performance-based and/or service-based conditions, (iii) be in the form of phantom stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance
shares, or share-denominated performance units and (iv) be designed to comply with applicable laws of jurisdictions other than the United States.
9. Performance Measures
The performance goals upon which the payment or vesting of any Incentive Award (other than Options and SARs) to a Covered Employee that is intended to qualify as Performance-Based Compensation depends shall relate to one or more of the following Performance Measures: revenue growth, achievement of EBITDA targets, operating income, operating cash flow, net income, earnings per share, cash earnings per share, return on sales, return on assets, return on equity, return on invested capital and total shareholder return.
C-7
Performance Periods may be equal to or longer than, but not less than, one fiscal year of the Company. Within 90 days after the beginning of a Performance Period, and in any case before 25% of the Performance Period has elapsed, the Committee shall establish (a) performance goals and objectives for the Company for such Performance Period, (b) target awards for each Participant, and (c) schedules or other objective methods for determining the applicable performance percentage to be applied to each such target award.
The measurement of any Performance Measure(s) may exclude the impact of charges for restructurings, discontinued operations, extraordinary items, and other unusual or non-recurring items, and the cumulative effects of accounting changes, each as defined by generally accepted accounting principles and as identified in the Companys audited financial statements, including the notes thereto. Any Performance Measure(s) may be used to measure the performance of the Company or a Subsidiary as a whole or any business unit of the Company or any Subsidiary or any combination thereof, as the Committee may deem appropriate, or any
of the above Performance Measures as compared to the performance of a group of comparator companies, or a published or special index that the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate.
Nothing in this Section 9 is intended to limit the Committees discretion to adopt conditions with respect to any Incentive Award that is not intended to qualify as Performance-Based Compensation that relate to performance other than the Performance Measures.
In the event that the requirements of Section 162(m) and the regulations thereunder change to permit Committee discretion to alter the Performance Measures without obtaining shareholder approval of such changes, the Committee shall have sole discretion to make such changes without obtaining shareholder approval.
10. Adjustment Upon Changes in Class A Shares
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(a)
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Shares Available for Grants
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In the event of any change in the number of Class A Shares outstanding by reason of any stock dividend or split, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, combination or exchange of shares or similar corporate change, the maximum aggregate number of Class A Shares with respect to which the Committee may grant Incentive Awards and the maximum aggregate number of Class A Shares with respect to which the Committee may grant Incentive Awards to any individual Participant in any year shall be appropriately adjusted by the Committee. In the event of any change in the number of Class A Shares outstanding by reason of any other
similar event or transaction, the Committee may, but need not, make such adjustments in the number and class of Class A Shares with respect to which Incentive Awards may be granted as the Committee may deem appropriate.
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(b)
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Increase or Decrease in Issued Shares Without Consideration
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Subject to any required action by the shareholders of MDC, in the event of any increase or decrease in the number of issued Class A Shares resulting from a subdivision or consolidation of Class A Shares or the payment of a stock dividend (but only on the Class A Shares), or any other increase or decrease in the number of such shares effected without receipt or payment of consideration by the Company, the Committee shall proportionally adjust the number of Class A Shares subject to each outstanding Incentive Award and the exercise price per Class A Share of each such Incentive Award.
Subject to any required action by the shareholders of MDC, in the event that MDC shall be the surviving corporation in any merger or consolidation (except a merger or consolidation as a result of which the holders of Class A Shares receive securities of another corporation), each Incentive Award outstanding on the date of such merger or consolidation shall pertain to and apply to the securities which a holder of the number of Class A Shares subject to such Incentive Award would have received in such merger or consolidation.
C-8
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(d)
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Certain Other Transactions
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In the event of (i) a dissolution or liquidation of MDC, (ii) a sale of all or substantially all of MDCs assets, (iii) a merger or consolidation involving MDC in which MDC is not the surviving corporation or (iv) a merger or consolidation involving MDC in which MDC is the surviving corporation but the holders of Class A Shares receive securities of another corporation and/or other property, including cash, the Committee shall, in its absolute discretion, have the power to:
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(i)
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cancel, effective immediately prior to the occurrence of such event, each Incentive Award (whether or not then exercisable), and, in full consideration of such cancellation, pay to the Participant to whom such Incentive Award was granted an amount in cash, for each Class A Share subject to such Incentive Award equal to the value, as determined by the Committee in its reasonable discretion, of such Incentive Award, provided that with respect to any outstanding Option or SAR such value shall be equal to the excess of (A) the value, as determined by the Committee in its reasonable discretion, of the property (including cash) received by the holder of Class A Shares as a result of such event over (B) the exercise price of such Option or SAR; or
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(ii)
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provide for the exchange of each Incentive Award (whether or not then exercisable or vested) for an incentive award with respect to, as appropriate, some or all of the property which a holder of the number of Class A Shares subject to such Incentive Award would have received in such transaction and, incident thereto, make an equitable adjustment as determined by the Committee in its reasonable discretion in the exercise price of the incentive award, or the number of shares subject to the incentive award or, if appropriate, provide for a cash payment to the Participant to whom such Incentive Award was granted in partial consideration for the exchange of the Incentive Award.
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In the event of any change in the capitalization of MDC or corporate change other than those specifically referred to in paragraphs (b), (c) or (d), the Committee may, in its absolute discretion, make such adjustments in the number and class of shares subject to Incentive Awards outstanding on the date on which such change occurs and in such other terms of such Incentive Awards as the Committee may consider appropriate to prevent dilution or enlargement of rights.
Except as expressly provided in the Plan, no Participant shall have any rights by reason of any subdivision or consolidation of shares of stock of any class, the payment of any dividend, any increase or decrease in the number of shares of stock of any class or any dissolution, liquidation, merger or consolidation of MDC or any other corporation. Except as expressly provided in the Plan, no issuance by MDC of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number of Class A Shares subject to any
Incentive Award.
11. Rights as a Stockholder
No person shall have any rights as a stockholder with respect to any Class A Shares covered by or relating to any Incentive Award granted pursuant to the Plan until the date of the issuance of a stock certificate with respect to such shares. Except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 10 hereof, no adjustment of any Incentive Award shall be made for dividends or other rights for which the record date occurs prior to the date such stock certificate is issued.
12. No Special Employment Rights; No Right to Incentive Award
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(a)
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Nothing contained in the Plan or any Incentive Award shall confer upon any Participant any right with respect to the continuation of his/her employment by or service to the Company or interfere in any way with the right of the Company at any time to terminate such employment or to increase or decrease the compensation of the Participant from the rate in existence at the time of the grant of an Incentive Award.
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C-9
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(c)
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No person shall have any claim or right to receive an Incentive Award hereunder. The Committees granting of an Incentive Award to a Participant at any time shall neither require the Committee to grant an Incentive Award to such Participant or any other Participant or other person at any time nor preclude the Committee from making subsequent grants to such Participant or any other Participant or other person.
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13. Securities Matters
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(a)
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MDC shall be under no obligation to effect the registration pursuant to the Securities Act of any Class A Shares to be issued hereunder or to effect similar compliance under any state laws. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, MDC shall not be obligated to cause to be issued or delivered any certificates evidencing Class A Shares pursuant to the Plan unless and until MDC is advised by its counsel that the issuance and delivery of such certificates is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations of governmental authority and the requirements of any securities exchange on which Class A Shares are traded and that the Participant has delivered all notices and documents required to be delivered to the Company in connection therewith. The Committee may require, as a condition to the issuance and delivery of certificates evidencing Class A Shares pursuant to the terms hereof, that the recipient of such shares make such covenants,
agreements and representations, and that such certificates bear such legends, as the Committee deems necessary or desirable.
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(b)
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The exercise of any Option granted hereunder shall only be effective at such time as counsel to MDC shall have determined that the issuance and delivery of Class A Shares pursuant to such exercise is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations of governmental authority and the requirements of any securities exchange on which Class A Shares are traded. MDC may, in its sole discretion, defer the effectiveness of an exercise of an Option hereunder or the issuance or transfer of Class A Shares pursuant to any Incentive Award pending or to ensure compliance under federal or state securities laws. MDC shall inform the Participant in writing of its decision to defer the effectiveness of the exercise of an Option or the issuance or transfer of Class A Shares pursuant to any Incentive Award. During the period that the effectiveness of the exercise of an Option has been deferred, the Participant may, by written notice, withdraw such exercise and
obtain the refund of any amount paid with respect thereto.
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14. Withholding Taxes
Whenever Class A Shares are to be issued upon the exercise of an Option or the grant or vesting of an Incentive Award, MDC shall have the right to require the Participant to remit to MDC in cash an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state and local withholding tax requirements, if any, attributable to such exercise, grant or vesting prior to the delivery of any certificate or certificates for such shares or the effectiveness of the lapse of such restrictions. In addition, upon the exercise or settlement of any Incentive Award in cash, MDC shall have the right to withhold from any cash payment required to be made pursuant
thereto an amount sufficient to satisfy the federal, state and local withholding tax requirements, if any, attributable to such exercise or settlement.
At the election of the Participant, subject to the approval of the Committee, when Class A Shares are to be issued upon the exercise, grant or vesting of an Incentive Award, the Participant may tender to MDC a number of Class A Shares that have been owned by the Participant for at least six months (or such other period as the Committee may determine) having a Fair Market Value at the tender date determined by the Committee to be sufficient to satisfy the federal, state and local withholding tax requirements, if any, attributable to such exercise, grant or vesting but not greater than such withholding obligations. Such
election shall satisfy the Participants obligations under Section 14(a) hereof, if any.
C-10
At the election of the Participant, subject to the approval of the Committee, when Class A Shares are to be issued upon the exercise, grant or vesting of an Incentive Award, MDC shall withhold a number of such shares having a Fair Market Value at the exercise date determined by the Committee to be sufficient to satisfy the federal, state and local withholding tax requirements, if any, attributable to such exercise, grant or vesting but not greater than such withholding obligations. Such election shall satisfy the Participants obligations under Section 14(a) hereof, if any.
15. Amendment or Termination of the Plan
The Board of Directors may at any time suspend or discontinue the Plan or revise or amend it in any respect whatsoever; provided, however, that without approval of the shareholders no revision or amendment shall except as provided in Section 10 hereof, (i) increase the number of Class A Shares that may be issued under the Plan or (ii) materially modify the requirements as to eligibility for participation in the Plan. Nothing herein shall restrict the Committees ability to exercise its discretionary authority hereunder pursuant to Section 4 hereof, which discretion may be exercised without amendment to the Plan. No action
hereunder may, without the consent of a Participant, reduce the Participants rights under any previously granted and outstanding Incentive Award. Nothing herein shall limit the right of the Company to pay compensation of any kind outside the terms of the Plan.
16. No Obligation to Exercise
The grant to a Participant of an Option or SAR shall impose no obligation upon such Participant to exercise such Option or SAR.
17. Transfers Upon Death
Upon the death of a Participant, outstanding Incentive Awards granted to such Participant may be exercised only by the executors or administrators of the Participants estate or by any person or persons who shall have acquired such right to exercise by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. No transfer by will or the laws of descent and distribution of any Incentive Award, or the right to exercise any Incentive Award, shall be effective to bind MDC unless the Committee shall have been furnished with (a) written notice thereof and with a copy of the will and/or such evidence as the Committee may deem necessary to
establish the validity of the transfer and (b) an agreement by the transferee to comply with all the terms and conditions of the Incentive Award that are or would have been applicable to the Participant and to be bound by the acknowledgements made by the Participant in connection with the grant of the Incentive Award.
18. Expenses and Receipts
The expenses of the Plan shall be paid by MDC. Any proceeds received by MDC in connection with any Incentive Award will be used for general corporate purposes.
19. Governing Law
The Plan and the rights of all persons under the Plan shall be construed and administered in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflict of law principles, except to the extent that the application of New York law would result in a violation of the Canadian Business Corporation Act.
20. Effective Date and Term of Plan
The Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors on April 21, 2016, subject to the approval of the Plan by the shareholders of MDC. No grants may be made under the Plan after April 22, 2026.
C-11
FORM OF PROXY CLASS A SHARES
MDC PARTNERS INC.
FORM OF PROXY
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE MANAGEMENT OF MDC PARTNERS INC. (MDC PARTNERS) FOR USE AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON JUNE 1, 2016.
The undersigned, a shareholder of MDC Partners, hereby nominates, constitutes and appoints as his or her nominee Mr. Scott Kauffman, or failing him, Mr. Mitchell Gendel, or instead of any of the foregoing (strike out preceding names and print name of alternative nominee), with full power of substitution, to attend and vote all of the Class A Shares of MDC Partners held by the undersigned for and on behalf of the undersigned at the annual meeting of shareholders of MDC Partners to be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at MDCs Innovation Centre, 745 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. commencing at 10:00 a.m. (New York City time)
(the Meeting) and at any adjournment or postponement thereof in the manner indicated. If no specification is made, the shares represented by this proxy will be voted
FOR
each of the matters specified below:
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1.
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The nominees proposed by management to act as directors of MDC Partners, to hold office until successors are elected at the next annual meeting of MDC Partners, or any adjournment or postponement thereof, or until his successor is otherwise elected, are:
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Vote
FOR
:
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WITHHOLD
from Voting:
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Scott L. Kauffman
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o
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o
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Clare Copeland
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o
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o
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Larry Kramer
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o
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o
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Anne Marie ODonovan
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o
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o
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Irwin D. Simon
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o
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o
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2.
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to Vote
FOR
o
or to
WITHHOLD
o
from Voting on the appointment of BDO USA, LLP to act as auditors of MDC Partners and to authorize the Audit Committee to fix their remuneration.
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3.
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to Vote
FOR
o
or
AGAINST
o
the approval of the 2016 Stock Incentive Plan.
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4.
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to Vote
FOR
o
AGAINST
o
a non-binding advisory resolution on the Companys executive compensation.
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I HEREBY REVOKE ANY PRIOR PROXY OR PROXIES IN FAVOR OF THE NOMINEE. WITH RESPECT TO AMENDMENTS OR VARIATIONS TO ANY MATTER IN THE NOTICE OF MEETING AND ANY OTHER MATTERS WHICH MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING, I HEREBY CONFER DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY ON THE PERSON WHO VOTES AND ACTS ON MY BEHALF HEREUNDER TO VOTE WITH RESPECT TO AMENDMENTS OR VARIATIONS TO THE ABOVE MATTERS AND ON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING, AS HE OR SHE THINKS FIT. THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN ON ANY VOTE OR BALLOT CALLED.
DATED this day of , 2016.
PRINT NAME:
Signature of Registered Shareholder:
Number of Class A Shares Represented Hereby:
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROXY:
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1.
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This proxy must be dated and signed by a shareholder or his or her attorney duly authorized in writing, or if the shareholder is a corporation, by the proper officers or directors under its corporate seal, or by an officer or attorney thereof duly authorized. When signing in a fiduciary or representative capacity, please give full title as such.
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2.
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A shareholder has the right to appoint a person to attend and act for him or her and on his or her behalf at the Meeting other than the persons designated in this form of proxy.
Such right may be exercised by filling in the name of such person in the blank space provided and striking out the names of managements nominees. A person appointed as nominee to represent a shareholder need not be a shareholder of MDC Partners.
A person appointed as your proxy holder must be present at the Meeting to vote.
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3.
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If not dated, this proxy is deemed to bear the date on which it was mailed on behalf of the management of MDC Partners.
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4.
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Each shareholder who is unable to attend the Meeting is respectfully requested to date and sign this form of proxy and return it using the self-addressed envelope provided.
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5.
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To be valid, this proxy must be received by the proxy department of CST Trust Company, Attn: Proxy Department, not later than 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) on Monday, May 30, 2016, or 48 hours before the time of the holding of any adjourned or postponed Meeting, or delivered to the Chairman on the day of the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. The proxy cut off time may be waived or extended by the chairman of the meeting without notice. Proxies may be submitted by one of the following alternative methods:
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By Internet
:
www.cstvotemyproxy.com
and enter the 13 digit control number printed on the form of proxy and follow the instructions on screen;
By Phone
:
1-888-489-5760
(toll-free in North America) and enter the 13 digit control number printed on the form of proxy;
By Email
:
proxy@canstockta.com
:
By Fax
:
416-368-2502
or
1-866-781-3111
(toll-free in North America); or
By Mail
: CST Trust Company, Attn. Proxy Department, P.O. Box 721, Agincourt, Ontario M1S 0A1.
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6.
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Any of the joint holders of common shares of MDC Partners may sign a form of proxy in respect of such common shares but, if more than one of them is present at the Meeting or represented by proxy holder, then that one of them whose name appears first in the register of the holders of such common shares, or that ones proxy holder will alone be entitled to vote in respect thereof.
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Any questions and requests for assistance may be directed to the
Proxy Solicitation Agent:
The Exchange Tower
130 King Street West, Suite 2950, P.O. Box 361
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M5X 1E2
Call Toll-Free at: 1-866-228-8614 within North America
Call Collect at: 416-867-2272 outside North America
E-mail: contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com
Facsimile: 416-867-2271
Toll Free Facsimile: 1-866-545-5580
FORM OF PROXY CLASS B SHARES
MDC PARTNERS INC.
FORM OF PROXY
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE MANAGEMENT OF MDC PARTNERS INC. (MDC PARTNERS) FOR USE AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON JUNE 1, 2016.
The undersigned, a shareholder of MDC Partners, hereby nominates, constitutes and appoints as his or her nominee Mr. Scott Kauffman, or failing him, Mr. Mitchell Gendel, or instead of any of the foregoing (strike out preceding names and print name of alternative nominee), with full power of substitution, to attend and vote all of the Class B Shares of MDC Partners held by the undersigned for and on behalf of the undersigned at the annual meeting of shareholders of MDC Partners to be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at MDCs Innovation Centre, 745 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. commencing at 10:00 a.m. (New York City time)
(the Meeting) and at any adjournment or postponement thereof in the manner indicated. If no specification is made, the shares represented by this proxy will be voted
FOR
each of the matters specified below:
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1.
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The nominees proposed by management to act as directors of MDC Partners, to hold office until successors are elected at the next annual meeting of MDC Partners, or any adjournment or postponement thereof, or until his successor is otherwise elected, are:
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Vote
FOR
:
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WITHHOLD
from Voting:
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Scott L. Kauffman
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o
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o
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Clare Copeland
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o
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o
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Larry Kramer
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o
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o
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Anne Marie ODonovan
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o
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o
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Irwin D. Simon
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o
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o
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2.
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to Vote
FOR
o
or to
WITHHOLD
o
from Voting on the appointment of BDO USA, LLP to act as auditors of MDC Partners and to authorize the Audit Committee to fix their remuneration.
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3.
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to Vote
FOR
o
or
AGAINST
o
approval of the 2016 Stock Incentive Plan.
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4.
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to Vote
FOR
o
or
AGAINST
o
a non-binding advisory resolution on the Companys executive compensation.
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I HEREBY REVOKE ANY PRIOR PROXY OR PROXIES IN FAVOR OF THE NOMINEE. WITH RESPECT TO AMENDMENTS OR VARIATIONS TO ANY MATTER IN THE NOTICE OF MEETING AND ANY OTHER MATTERS WHICH MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING, I HEREBY CONFER DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY ON THE PERSON WHO VOTES AND ACTS ON MY BEHALF HEREUNDER TO VOTE WITH RESPECT TO AMENDMENTS OR VARIATIONS TO THE ABOVE MATTERS AND ON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING, AS HE OR SHE THINKS FIT. THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN ON ANY VOTE OR BALLOT CALLED.
DATED this day of , 2016.
PRINT NAME:
Signature of Registered Shareholder:
Number of Class B Shares Represented Hereby:
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROXY:
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1.
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This proxy must be dated and signed by a shareholder or his or her attorney duly authorized in writing, or if the shareholder is a corporation, by the proper officers or directors under its corporate seal, or by an officer or attorney thereof duly authorized. When signing in a fiduciary or representative capacity, please give full title as such.
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2.
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A shareholder has the right to appoint a person to attend and act for him or her and on his or her behalf at the Meeting other than the persons designated in this form of proxy.
Such right may be exercised by filling in the name of such person in the blank space provided and striking out the names of managements nominees. A person appointed as nominee to represent a shareholder need not be a shareholder of MDC Partners.
A person appointed as your proxy holder must be present at the Meeting to vote.
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3.
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If not dated, this proxy is deemed to bear the date on which it was mailed on behalf of the management of MDC Partners.
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4.
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Each shareholder who is unable to attend the Meeting is respectfully requested to date and sign this form of proxy and return it using the self-addressed envelope provided.
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5.
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To be valid, this proxy must be received by the proxy department of CST Trust Company, Attn: Proxy Department, not later than 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) on Monday, May 30, 2016, or 48 hours before the time of the holding of any adjourned or postponed Meeting, or delivered to the Chairman on the day of the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. The proxy cut off time may be waived or extended by the chairman of the meeting without notice. Proxies may be submitted by one of the following alternative methods:
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By Internet
:
www.cstvotemyproxy.com
and enter the 13 digit control number printed on the form of proxy and follow the instructions on screen;
By Phone
:
1-888-489-5760
(toll-free in North America) and enter the 13 digit control number printed on the form of proxy;
By Email
:
proxy@canstockta.com
;
By Fax
:
416-368-2502
or
1-866-781-3111
(toll-free in North America); or
By Mail
: CST Trust Company, Attn. Proxy Department, P.O. Box 721, Agincourt, Ontario M1S 0A1.
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6.
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Any of the joint holders of common shares of MDC Partners may sign a form of proxy in respect of such common shares but, if more than one of them is present at the Meeting or represented by proxy holder, then that one of them whose name appears first in the register of the holders of such common shares, or that ones proxy holder will alone be entitled to vote in respect thereof.
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Any questions and requests for assistance may be directed to the
Proxy Solicitation Agent:
The Exchange Tower
130 King Street West, Suite 2950, P.O. Box 361
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M5X 1E2
Call Toll-Free at: 1-866-228-8614 within North America
Call Collect at: 416-867-2272 outside North America
E-mail: contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com
Facsimile: 416-867-2271
Toll Free Facsimile: 1-866-545-5580